100 days and counting

By Catherine Jones on Oct 4, 07 12:18 PM

100 days and counting to the opening of Capital of Culture.
Actually, technically it's 99 days and counting because there's the spectacular "People's Opening" at St George's Hall the night before.
But the Liverpool the Musical - the greatest story ever told event is a double celebration as it also heralds the official opening of the Liverpool Echo Arena.
Many of the new buildings in Liverpool have faced criticism for their architectural merit, their height etc, but the arena and its neighbouring convention centre seem to be a real triumph for the city.

Not only is the building aesthetically pleasing (unlike, I have to say, much of the development going up around it), but it really does put us on the map where we belong.
Bob Prattey says in today's Echo that his dream was always to be there on the posters with the MEN, NEC, Wembley and other arenas which attract some of the biggest names in music and performance.
And so we are.
It's an exciting prospect, and if nothing else comes out of 2008 - which, particularly with Phil Redmond who has the legacy bit between his teeth, it will - Liverpool should be proud of the building it has been left with.
As an Ambassador I will be one of the 7,000 invited to a sneak preview in January 2008. As the Echo's culture reporter I will be (hopefully) back on January 12 for the opening extravaganza.
I can't wait for 2008 to start now.
I really believe this - there are some exciting times ahead.