European Capital of Culture

This weekend provided an excuse to visit Liverpool, proud to be the European Capital of Culture in 2008. If I am in Liverpool it is usually for business rather than pleasure. So a brief sightseeing visit was a rare treat.

Now, I think I am sophisticated enough to be aware of the language of marketing and its intended messages and am not easily taken in by the glib and superficial. So if I conclude that Liverpool is a much cheerier place than Manchester have I been conned or is there something in this perception? Clearly Bill Shankly is much more fun than Sir Alex Ferguson; similarly any Liverpool pop star is more 'smiley' than the scowling Gallaghers or Morrissey. On the football front I'm not much bothered - a plague on both their houses - but I'll listen to the Smiths rather than the Beatles or the Stones (and I am a child of the 60s). So it is not that I see nothing in the intensity of aspects of Mancunian culture - it may simply be that the openness of Liverpool makes for a more uplifting visit.

Anyway, if you can get there before July 9th it is worth the trip. The Tate at the Albert Docks is an intelligent, well-curated exhibition space. There is enough information to put the art work in context without telling the viewer what to make of what is on view. Stanley Spencer's resurrection paintings are worth the trip on their own, and the presentation of 20th century art is a modest triumph (though the Warhol room is easy to ignore - odd given the mass of pink and yellow).

Anyway after July 9th Liverpool will have to leave centre stage to Buxton which will be regional capital of culture (in my opinion anyway).The Fringe now has 65 entries (well over 200 events and performances). This week the main Festival programme was officially published. The Bruegel (the Elder) cover won't be to everyone's taste - but it is hard to ignore. (Inside news is that the Fringe programme cover this year will be especially delightful, engaging and attractive). Both events run from 9-27 July. The 'proper' Festival includes some interesting 'world' music this year - so don't be put off if opera is not your cup of tea.

Check out both programmes:
www.buxtonfestival.co.uk
www.buxtonfringe.org.uk


by Keith Savage - Published 09/03/2008