Liverpool starts year as European Capital of Culture

LIVERPOOL, Britain, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- An outdoor concert titled "The People's Opening" launched Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture for 2008.

The concert was launched on the rooftop of St George's Hall, a striking neoclassical building, at 20:08 local time (2008 GMT) Friday, in honor of the year 2008. The event attracted an audience of thousands.

Ex-Beetles drummer Ringo Starr belted out his latest single "Liverpool 8" to the 40,000-strong crowd, singing "Liverpool I left you, but I never let you down," bringing the 40-minute show to a climax.

The show also employed four cranes and a number of containers to symbolize the regeneration of the industrial city. Dazzling fireworks and surprise musicians amazed the audience.

"It's like the New Year celebrations," said a man excited by the fireworks and the show.

It was estimated that the opening ceremony attracted a 200-million to 300-million TV audience around the world.

Starr will perform again Saturday night on a multi-media show in Liverpool, which will also feature stars and bands such as Dave Stewart, Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and The Christians.

"Liverpool has changed so much, but not the atmosphere," Starr told a press conference Friday afternoon. He said Liverpool, as the European Capital of Culture this year, would draw the whole world's attention.

Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council, hailed this year as one of the most important years in Liverpool's history. The title of culture capital would help Liverpool take a giant leap to become a world-class city, he added.

On Thursday, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent a congratulation message to Liverpool, saying its fantastic year-long program is a perfect opportunity to show the contribution Liverpool makes to Britain's world-class cultural reputation.

More than 350 other events are scheduled in Liverpool throughout the year.

Two cities in European Union countries hold the title of culture capital each year. Stavanger in Norway is the other this year.

The title aims to boost tourism, create jobs, and promote the image of the host cities.