What was the event? More than 38,000 people squeezed into the centre of Liverpool, standing in front of St George's Hall to celebrate the city's status as European Capital of Culture for 2008, which began on 11 January.
How was the event structured? Reflecting Liverpool's regeneration, the event was themed as the Big Dig becoming the Big Gig. This was showcased in various ways, such as aerialists in hard hats and high-visibility vests, and shipping containers to represent the city's maritime history. In one of the latter, famous Liverpudlians including Les Dennis and David Morrissey stood looking out upon the crowd and waving.
Two giant plasma screens projected images of children counting down to the start of the event. As the clock hit 8.08pm, a 2008 sign lit up on top of the building, one number at a time. When it reached the eight, actors appeared on the rooftops of St George's Hall and surrounding buildings, pretending to play guitars and drums to music. In keeping with the theme, the aerialists and other entertainers were strapped into containers or to cranes and suspended in mid-air.
A performance from Liverpool band The Wombats and a collaboration between Ringo Starr and Dave Stewart complemented the acts. The event ended with the compere - actor Brian Dodd - standing on the Wellington statue to make a short dedication to the city.
Who was behind the event? Agencies Ear to the Ground and Walk the Plank were joint show producers, working alongside show director Mark Murphy and employing Jon Sutch Crane Hire, Fantastic Fireworks, AV supplier PSL, lighting company HSL and sound specialist SSE.
What were the highlights? The lighting and projections that lit up St George's Hall were impressive, as were the details that captured the regeneration of Liverpool theme - everything from the entertainers to the shipping containers.
SUPPLIER FILE
Ear to the Ground - www.eartotheground.org (0161) 237 9786
Walk the Plank - www.walktheplank.co.uk (0161) 736 8964
HSL - www.hslgroup.com (01254) 698808
SSE - www.sseaudiogroup.com (01527) 528822
Fantastic Fireworks - www.fantasticfireworks.co.uk (01582) 485555