It's confirmed! Liverpool has been awarded the title of European City of Culture for 2008 and preparations for the party are well under way.
Fun, friendly and dynamic, Liverpool is located in England's North West and has enjoyed staggering economic regeneration over the past decade. Building on the strength of the city's maritime history and warmth and vitality of its people, the 'pool of life' is a now a festival city with a thriving arts and cultural scene.
The hometown of The Beatles has more listed buildings than any other English city outside London, much of it undergoing renovation. The Albert Dock, a collection of listed warehouses on the waterfront, has recently become one of the most visited tourist attractions in the North. Liverpool Cathedral and 'The Three Graces' - the collective name for the three famous Edwardian monuments to maritime trade on the waterfront: the Port of Liverpool, Cunard and Liver Buildings, are among the city's most striking historical landmarks.
A short ride across the Mersey on the famous ferry is the Wirral Peninsula with a beautiful coastline, plenty of outdoor activities, restored historical warships and the University of Liverpool Botanical Gardens.
Summers are warm (18°C), winters are cool and wet (°C).