Liverpool 08

The eyes of the world will be on Liverpool in 2008 when the city celebrates Europe's biggest cultural festival of the decade and the arrival of the Tall Ships in July 2008 will be one of those highlights for the European Capital of Culture.

From the moment the crews dock in Liverpool they will experience a welcome and celebration like no other in the world.

Their arrival will trigger a mammoth four-day maritime jubilee celebrating the port's 800-year history on a spectacular World Heritage waterfront which has undergone a £1 billion makeover - including a new Liverpool Indoor Arena and a new shopping experience at the Paradise quarter.

Liverpool is one of the few European cities with the cultural capacity to absorb, entertain and involve thousands upon thousands of people.

From its world-class national collection of museums and galleries and award-winning theatres to a legendary music scene and multi-cultural festivals, Liverpool is a city that knows how to have fun.

For further information visit www.liverpool08.com.

For the sport-minded there are two premiership football clubs to visit - Everton and Liverpool FC or the championship golf courses from Royal Liverpool - host of The Open in 2006 to Royal Birkdale - host of The Open in 2008. For golf information, visit www.englandsgolfcoast.com and for tourism information for Southport & surrounds, visit www.visitsouthport.com.

With an offer as broad as this, it comes as no surprise that Liverpool is fast emerging as one of Europe's premier visitor destinations.

Liverpool is also the gateway to the North West of England. Choose to venture further afield and you will find some of the nation's most beautiful scenery at the Lake District, Peak District and Snowdonia.

For further visitor information such as accommodation and eating out, visit www.visitliverpool.com