The Liverpool City Region is celebrating the first anniversary of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest, which drew attention to the region’s culture, music, sport, hospitality and warm welcome. While being unique, the event established that the Liverpool City Region is a destination of choice for national and international visitors. Currently, the visitor economy is worth more than £5bn a year, supports over 50,000 jobs and has passed its pre-pandemic high. Investment in culture has demonstrated a massive multiplier effect, confirming that the burgeoning creative industry has significantly progressed. Lord Tony Hall CBE, formerly Director-General of the BBC, has been appointed to head a pioneering new partnership aimed at promoting the region’s cultural offer.
Looking ahead, a 15-strong team of local and national board members experienced in sport, film, music, hospitality, leisure and retail will join Lord Hall in championing the region’s unique cultural offering and preparing for major events. The Local Visitor Economy Partnership Board, in collaboration with the local authorities, has pledged to double the ringfenced culture spending to 2%. Shakespeare North Playhouse is an emblematic example of working in partnership and, together with local cultural organisations, gives young people access to cultural activities, inspiring a new generation of talent. Culture has become the catalyst for sustainable growth, and the drive to continue investing in the region’s cultural industry remains unwavering.
Liverpool City Region is proud of what it has achieved over the last year and invited everyone to come and experience the art and culture first-hand to see how it has become a beacon of success. The goal is to convert the doubters, and the region’s rich talent pool means that visitors don’t need to go to the larger cities like London or Paris to experience amazing events, as everything is available in Liverpool’s own backyard. Steve Rotheram, the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, is excited to welcome Lord Hall aboard, and, coming from Birkenhead, he understands the priorities and needs of the region better than most
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