LIVERPOOL REVEALS MAJOR CULTURAL PROGRAMME FOR 2018

2018 will mark a decade since Liverpool's reign as European Capital of Culture and is set to be a thrilling year for the city. With an extraordinary calendar of major cultural moments and a kaleidoscope of art, music, theatre, technology, style and sport, Liverpool’s signature mix of creative risk-taking and magical happenings will take centre stage.

From ancient wonders to audacious technological innovations, to maritime celebrations and musical explorations it’s all happening in Liverpool over 12 memorable months. The official launch of the programme will happen on 11 January 2018, ten years to the day since the ‘People’s Opening’ which launched European Capital of Culture in 2008. 

Sneak previews include:

• China’s First Emperor and the famous Terracotta Warriors’ will arrive in Liverpool as they visit UK for the first time in a generation. This forms part of a major Chinese cultural celebration to include a nine-month season of cultural commissions from contemporary Chinese artists as well as a spectacular Shanghai summer time take-over at the twinned city’s famous waterfront.

• Tate Liverpool celebrates the big 3-0 with a host of anniversary treats including an Egon Schiele retrospective and Liverpool Biennial looks back on 20 years of commissioning cutting-edge and provocative contemporary art with its 10th edition by presenting leading visual artists from across the world over 15 weeks.

• The Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta linking Liverpool, Dublin and Bordeaux takes place on 25 – 28 May and the finale of the Clipper Around the World Yacht Race is set to race back onto the Mersey in late July.

• The award-winning Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the nation’s premier Beatles group The Bootleg Beatles are teaming up for a special performance which marks the 10th birthday of the Echo Arena.

• Rewire, a major new art and technology commission led by FACT with interactive arts studio Invisible Flock, will work with artists from across the globe along with communities in Toxteth.

• Easter Fire at St George’s Hall will take place during the Easter holidays, creating a world of fire, entertainment and gastronomy.

The city of style and sport will also see the return of The Clothes Show for a second year following a successful debut last summer, and World Cup fever will grip the city in June with a month-long homage to the ‘beautiful game’ showcased through art, performance and celebration.

And of course Liverpool’s soundtrack will hit the top of the charts in 2018 with the city’s unrivalled festival offer - from Africa Oye and Liverpool International Music Festival right through to Milapfest – marking the year with some of their most ambitious line ups ever, while brand new music events - including a piano festival like no other - further reinforces Liverpool’s position as a UNESCO City of Music.

There is no doubt that 2018 will be the year to experience the thrills and magic of the city of Liverpool and everyone is invited.

For more information on already released projects and to help plan your visit to Liverpool go to www.visitliverpool.com/2018.

ENDS