LONDON (AFP) — Former Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr on Thursday helped unveil a programme of events in Liverpool next year, when it will be European Capital of Culture.
McCartney, who performed alongside Starr, John Lennon and George Harrison in the world-famous band, said he was proud of the accolade for his home town.
"I'm very excited about Liverpool being the European Capital of Culture in 2008," he said. "I'm very proud of the city and I look forward to welcoming you all and showing you a good time. It's going to be a great year."
Starr, the group's drummer, will be at the launch event in January, while bassist McCartney will join other famous Liverpool musicians in a concert in June at the city's Anfield football ground.
"I am coming to Liverpool to see what you are doing in 2008 and I am really looking forward to being part of the opening weekend," said Starr by video link.
Others at the opening ceremony will include Echo and the Bunnymen, Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics and the Christians, while during the year Liverpool will host hundreds of cultural events.
Liverpool-born orchestra conductor Simon Rattle will also be involved.
The City of Culture title, which rotates around Europe from year to year, was last held in Britain by Glasgow in 1990. The current holder is the Romanian city of Sibiu.
Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved. More »
