The curtain may have closed on St Helens' incredible year as the Liverpool City Region's Borough of Culture, but the echoes of its impact will resonate for years to come. Throughout 2023, the town vibrated with a packed programme of free, family-friendly events, celebrating its rich history and forging a vibrant future.
Key Events:
- Grand Launch: 3,000 revellers kicked off the festivities at the World of Glass Museum, setting the stage for a year of unforgettable experiences.
- One Amazing Day: Carnival fever swept through St Helens Town Centre, drawing in over 5,000 with vibrant music, performances, and street entertainment.
- Awe-Inspiring Spectacles: Jaw-dropping aerial show "As The World Tipped" left over 2,000 awestruck in Birchley Street Car Park, showcasing innovation and artistic daring.
- Beloved Traditions: Popular annual events like St Helens Pride, Armed Forces Day, and the Christmas lights switch-on were infused with Borough of Culture magic, bringing the total attendance closer to a staggering 200,000.
Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, said:
"From start to finish, our year as Borough of Culture has been incredible, with a wide variety of family-friendly events bringing people together to celebrate the very best of the borough”
"It has been an absolute pleasure to be the Liverpool City Region's Borough of Culture for 2023 - an important year for our borough which has seen a number of significant milestones such as Saints' 150th anniversary and 75 years since we formed a twinning partnership with the German city of Stuttgart - not to mention the sporting success which has put our borough on the map, with Saints winning the World Club Challenge down under in Australia and darts sensation, Michael Smith, being crowned PDC World Darts champion, which we as a council recognised by awarding him the Freedom of the Borough.
Launched by Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, as part of his 1% for culture initiative to commit investing 1% of the Combined Authority's budget directly into culture and creativity, the Borough of Culture title rotates around the areas that make up the Liverpool City Region, with 2023 being St Helens' second time since its inaugural year.
Photo credit: Istock
