Liverpool has been named one of the “European Capitals of Culture” for 2008, and the city’s summer lineup of performances and activities offers the perfect opportunity to extend a London holiday to take in this bustling city on England’s northwest coast. Perhaps best known as the birthplace of The Beatles, Liverpool also offers diverse museums and historical sites, exciting restaurants and shops, and a thriving arts scene. Golf fans have extra incentive to make the detour—in 2008, the British Open will take place at Royal Birkdale Golf Club about 19 miles north of Liverpool on what is widely referred to as “England’s Golf Coast.”

European Capitals of Culture are designated by the European Union for one year during which each city showcases its cultural life and development (the other European Capital of Culture for 2008 is Stavanger, Norway). Since 1985, more than 30 cities have participated, from Stockholm to Genoa, Athens to Glasgow, Cracow to Florence, and the event has become a highlight of the European cultural calendar.

Last year, Liverpool celebrated its 800th birthday, marking 800 years since King John signed the city’s charter in August 1207. The development of the sea trade at Liverpool led to the building of the first commercial wet dock in the world in 1715, and the city’s growth continued unabated throughout the 19th century. The First World War launched a period of economic downturn, and Liverpool was bombed more heavily in World War II than any other provincial city in Europe. A total of 1,000 convoys entered Liverpool during the war and the city was the headquarters of the Battle of the Atlantic from 1941. By the 1950s, after a successful post-war rebuilding effort, Liverpool was once again the second most important port in the Empire. In the late 20th century after a prolonged period of unemployment and decline, the revival of the city’s fortunes lay in the redevelopment of its dock system as visitor attractions and a retail center, and the installation of new docks brought a number of popular festivals, such as the Tall Ships and Mersey River Festival.

With the European Capital of Culture designation, Liverpool is once again a vibrant cultural force in the U.K. and expects to attract thousands of visitors throughout the year. A full schedule of Liverpool’s 2008 events is available at www.liverpool08.com; for more information about Liverpool, visit www.visitliverpool.com. A few highlights of the city’s summer events include:

Gustav Klimt: Painting, Design, and Modern Life in Vienna 1900
Through August 31
The Tate Liverpool will host the first comprehensive exhibition of Gustav Klimt’s work ever staged in the UK. The exhibition explores Klimt’s role as the founder and leader of the Viennese Secession, a progressive group of artists and artisans. The work and philosophy of the Secession embraced art, architecture, fashion, decorative objects, and furniture in its search for identity. Major paintings and drawings from all stages of Klimt’s career will be shown alongside the work of Josef Hoffmann, the architect, designer, and close friend of the artist. www.tate.org.uk/liverpool

Liverpool Shakespeare Festival
Through September 7
From April 26 (Shakespeare’s birthday) through May, the festival will host “The Liverpool Sonnet Walks,” presenting Shakespeare as you’ve never seen him before with a unique Liverpool twist. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
production of A Winter's Tale will be performed in Liverpool Cathedral and St. James’ Gardens July 31 through August 4. Open-air screenings of Shakespeare-related films will take place three nights prior to the Lodestar Theatre Company’s presentation of A Midsummer Night's Dream, scheduled to be performed August 14 to September 7 in St. James’ Gardens. www.theliverpoolshakespearefestival.co.uk

Liverpool International Tennis Tournament
June 10–15
Since its inception in 2002 the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament has hosted international stars such as Martina Navratilova, Goran Ivanisevic, Ivan Ljubicic, Marat Safin, Henri Leconte, Xavier Malisse, and David Ferrer. Held at Calderstones Park, the tournament is now firmly established as a top summer sports event in the UK and is the largest exhibition event in Europe with ATP players, WTA players, and the popular Legends part of the tournament program. www.liverpooltennis.co.uk  

Design Show Liverpool
June 19–22
The atmospheric crypt of Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral will showcase the best of product design, cutting-edge technology, and stylish living at this inaugural design show. The public may browse and buy from more than 150 selected designers representing regional, national, and international design and contemporary fashion. The range of innovative work will include furniture, glass, ceramics, lighting, eco-design and garden products, clothing, jewelry, and fashion accessories. www.designshowliverpool.com  

Liverpool Summer Pops 2008
July 1–31
Attracting audiences of more than 100,000, the Pops will move to its new home in the Liverpool Arena this year. Confirmed artists for this year’s event include Meat Loaf, Diana Ross, Michael Bublé, Crowded House, Mick Hucknall, Counting Crows, and Def Leppard. www.cmpentertainment.com

British Open Golf Championship
July 17–20
The Open Championship, or British Open, is the oldest of the four major championships in men’s golf, and the only major held outside the U.S. In 2007, Padraig Harrington beat Sergio Garcia to take home the $8.6 million prize. This year, the tournament will take place at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, about 19 miles north of Liverpool. www.opengolf.com

Imagine
August 1–10
Ten days of events and activities that encourage young people and their parents to use their imagination and creativity. Highlights include Sensazione, an interactive theatrical fairground; The Emperor and the Tiger, a folk performance featuring music, dance, and fireworks; and the Liverpool Children’s Festival, taking place in the historical cultural quarter and featuring a host of performances and workshops. www.liverpool08.com

Beatle Week
August 20–26
Beatle Week is the biggest celebration of the music of The Beatles in the world and comprises seven days and nights of activities, including live music, exhibitions, guests, a convention, flea market, video shows, and tours. www.cavernclub.org.  

Photo Captions:
Picture 1: Thanks to its role as a major European port, Liverpool is blessed with a thriving maritime history, a lively cultural scene, and a diverse population.
Picture 2: A popular gathering place is St. George’s Plateau, outside St. George’s Hall, which has been the site of music festivals since the early 19th century.
Picture 3: The Tate Liverpool welcomes more than 600,000 visitors a year and is home to the National Collection of Modern Art in the North of England.