We are 800 years young

29 Aug 2007 

THE sun shone brightly as Liverpool celebrated its 800th birthday in style.

THE sun shone brightly as Liverpool celebrated its 800th birthday in style.

There was a party atmosphere across the city centre and beyond as crowds six and seven deep turned out to watch the processions and parades.

The day started at the new £1bn Grosvenor Paradise Project where three giant cranes raised banners proclaiming “happy birthday Liverpool”.

The lord mayor Paul Clark and council leader Warren Bradley were among guests who watched the greeting rise into the early morning sky at the massive retail development.

Grosvenor’s Rod Holmes, who described himself as an “adopted Scouser”, proposed a toast saying: “It’s good to remember the past, celebrate the present and dedicate our future.”

A church has stood on the site for more than 750 years and Rector Steven Brookes said: “It’s right we gather here on this day of celebration and thanksgiving.”

The dignitaries later walked from the parish church to the town hall where thousands of people gathered to watch the 800th birthday pageant led by the 15ft Liverpool giant Jude.

Among the crowds were June and Bill Rice from Hunts Cross.

Mrs Rice, 72, said: “It’s the birthday and we’ve come to see the pageant. It’s a bit of history and it won’t happen again in our lifetime.”

An afternoon of entertainment in the city centre included a medieval-themed event behind Liverpool town hall, music in Williamson and Derby squares and a party in Old Hall Street complete with a school sports day with teams from surrounding businesses.

Last night the birthday ended with the biggest firework display Liverpool has ever seen, with 50 tonnes of pyrotechnics fired from the city’s two cathedrals and the Pier Head.

catherinejones@liverpoolecho.co.uk by Catherine Jones, Liverpool Echo

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