Made up to be in

Liverpool

Interested in studying in Liverpool? Then read on…

There has never been a better time to consider working or studying in Liverpool. Liverpool is not only one of the UK’s most vibrant cities, it has recently been awarded the title of European Capital of Culture 2008. The X-Cel team put on their best ‘kexs’ and went up north to discover why Liverpool is ‘made up la’ to be Europe’s new cultural queen.

So what do you think of when you think of Liverpool. Brookside naturally! How about Harry Enfield’s classy accolade of two men in curly wigs and a moustaches shouting “calm down, calm down!”? It would pain us to admit this, but whilst we know that these are merely stereotypes that could be developed from any city in the UK, these images have probably influenced our opinion of this hidden northern gem – particularly  if you are not from around the area and even more so, not from “up north”.

Liverpool, however, has always been a vibrant city with lively locals which is oozing in culture. Home to The Beatles they have certainly left a unique legacy with Liverpool and can be seen all over the city. Places like Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields are, for example, established on a popular tourist trail which attracts thousands of fans from around the world.

A centre of maritime, cultural and sporting excellence, Liverpool’s successful bid to be crowned European Capital of Culture 2008 is underpinned by its unrivalled architecture and heritage, including its world-famous waterfront, itself named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The magnificent architecture of the waterfront is complimented by more listed buildings and monuments than any other UK city outside London reinforcing the city’s reputation as a place of true aesthetic excellence. Just like its maritime trade in the 19th century and The Beatles in the 20th century, the European Capital of Culture title and World Heritage Status have helped put Liverpool on the international map, so why not come and discover what makes this destination a place you’ll never forget!

Student Life in Liverpool

Arts & Culture in Liverpool
Many gems of National Museums Liverpool fall within the heritage site. The refurbished World Museum Liverpool and Walker Art Gallery are housed in this part of town, while the Tate Liverpool and Merseyside Maritime Museum have their homes on the waterfront, at the Albert Dock, alongside the unmissable Beatles Story. Check out www.artinliverpool.com for listings of Arts & Culture events in the area. If you're looking for theatres in Liverpool, choose from the Everyman and Playhouse, Unity and Empire theatres for a range of contemporary, classic and touring productions.

Music from Liverpool
The birthplace of not only the Beatles, but Echo and the Bunnymen, Atomic Kitten, Cream and the Coral, the Farm and Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Take a trip on the Magical Mystery Tour, visit the Beatles Story, Casbah and Cavern, or spend some time at Beatles Week, which culminates in the Mathew Street Festival. The superb art deco Philharmonic Hall, home of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, also features a broad programme of top names from rock, jazz, world, contemporary music and comedy. The orchestra's new Principal Conductor, Vasily Petrenko, has attracted rave reviews.

Maritime Liverpool
Liverpool's port, the second city of the British Empire, provided the gateway to Britain, and a window to the rest of the world, culminating in the vibrant, diverse, international city Liverpool is today. Maritime heritage weaves a rich thread through the city today, from the Three Graces on the Waterfront to the Albert Dock, home of the Merseyside Maritime Museum.

A trip across the river on the world-famous Mersey Ferry offers the most dramatic views of the waterfront and Three Graces - the Liver Building, Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool Building. On the Wirral side of the river, you can find the stunning new Spaceport attraction at the Seacombe ferry terminal.

Fresh Air And Green Spaces In Liverpool
Whether it's the beautiful buildings, or a taste of the outdoors that catches your interest, you won't be short of ideas. Take a break from the whirl of the city at Knowsley Safari Park; the new National Wildflower Centre, also in Knowsley, or the windswept drama of Wirral Country Park, with its breathtaking views over the River Dee, and Welsh mountains beyond. Southport offers excellent shopping, and a traditional Victorian promenade and beach to stroll along later. Or try a combination of the two at Croxteth Hall and Country Park, or the magnificent Speke Hall.

Shopping in Liverpool
Liverpool's shopping centre blends a mixture of well-known High Street names and quirky independent boutiques. The city centre's newest shopping district, the Met Quarter, is home to MAC's only store outside London, plus a host of designer names including Armani, Prada, Gucci and Molten Brown - not to mention the longest sculpture in Europe. Try Cavern Walks for Liverpool's stylish independent boutiques Cricket, Vivienne Westwood and Bardot.

Nightlife In Liverpool

If you can avoid shopping till you drop, a night on the town is not to be missed. Liverpool's reputation for unforgettable nightlife was built on the back of the Cavern, and later Cream. Today the converted Polish church Alma de Cuba provides a stunning evening's entertainment, while the award-winning Chibuku Shake Shake has proved our latest international success.

Sport
Liverpool boasts two Premiership football teams, Everton FC and current European Champions Liverpool - you can tour both stadia for a behind-the-scenes view of the beautiful game. The Grand National is run here every April at Aintree, while the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament in June has become a feature of the ATP Tour. Rugby League fans shouldn't miss the St Helens Saints, while the year rounds off with the return of racing to Merseyside for November's North West Masters meet.

A centre of maritime, cultural and sporting excellence, Liverpool’s successful bid to be crowned European Capital of Culture 2008 is underpinned by its unrivalled architecture and heritage, including its world-famous waterfront, itself named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The magnificent architecture of the waterfront is complimented by more listed buildings and monuments than any other UK city outside London reinforcing the city’s reputation as a place of true aesthetic excellence.

Liverpool is arguably best known for The Beatles and their unique legacy can be seen all over the city. Places like Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields are established on a popular tourist trail which attracts thousands of fans from around the world.

Just like its maritime trade in the 19th century and The Beatles in the 20th century, the European Capital of Culture title and World Heritage Status have helped put Liverpool on the international map, so why not come and discover what makes this destination a place you’ll never forget.

For more information on Liverpool Capital of Culture 2008 visit: www.liverpool08.com