Liverpool's Year as Capital of Culture Kicks Off Tonight

2008 may be 11 days old, but in Liverpool, European Capital of Culture for 2008, it all begins tonight with the People's Opening Ceremony, headlined by Ringo Starr, Dave Steward of the Eurythmics and a cast of thousands, at exactly 8 minutes after 8 p.m. - or 20:08 on the 24-hour clock.

More than 600 performers will participate in the show, before 30,000 spectators, in front of - and on top of - St. George's Hall in the city center. This morning, students from every school in the city gathered on the steps of the hall to spell out European Capital of Culture 2008, in huge placards.

The highlight of tonight's ceremony will be Ringo Starr, introducing a new song while performing from the roof of St. George's Hall. The event is being directed by Nigel Jamieson who directed the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games.

Liverpool has spent millions of pounds getting ready for the year long celebration, which will include more than 350 scheduled events.

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