Calm Down

‘THIS morning Liverpudlians peel back the net curtains and present a new face to the world.

Liverpool City Council’s arts and culture committee

The bushy moustache is waxed at the ends, the hair has taken on a softer perm and the shell suit has a French label. Liverpool is European Capital of Culture 2008.

And if you think that’s no big deal, cock an ear to the Sun, where Mike Storey, leader of the infamous Liverpool City Council, is beside himself.

”This is like Liverpool winning the Champions’ League, Everton winning the double and the Beatles reforming all on the same day, then Steven Spielberg coming to the city to make a Hollywood blockbuster about it,” he says.

But when the other runners and riders in the race for cultural superiority are seen, the news is less sensational than a footballing miracle and the reawakening of two dead Beatles.

Liverpool topped a poll of only British cities, a list that included Newcastle-Gateshead, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and Oxford – so no Rome, Paris, Moscow or Budapest.

But no matter, because winners are grinners and the Scousers are all queuing up to tell the Mirror how chuffed to bits they are.

”Its time has come,” says Les Dennis. ”Rock on Liverpool.” ”We can show the world how great we are,” promises former Spice Girl Mel C. And Cherie Blair is said to be ”delighted”.

It’s just a shame that they can’t be there to join in the fun – what with them living in London and all…

‘

Posted: 5th, June 2003 | In: Tabloids Comment | TrackBack | Permalink