New Years Eve at Liverpool Cathedral
This New Year’s Eve (December 31 2007) there will be pause for reflection and then the record-breaking sound of the highest and heaviest peal of bells across the city as Liverpool goes from birthday year into its reign as European Capital of Culture.
It’s all happening at the Anglican Cathedral who are hosting this free event. Says Director of Hospitality Eryl Parry, “Doors will open at 10.30pm for a celebration that begins with Love and Joy Gospel Choir at 11pm. There is a moment in most people’s New Year’s Eve when people reflect back over the year that’s past. We will be offering the chance for people to come together in one of most awesome places in the world to do just that but joyfully and collectively to thank God for our city, its creation and creativity. There will be a great atmosphere of anticipation as we approach midnight as so many of us have been looking forward to the dawning of 2008 for so long!”
Participating will be the leaders of both the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches the Bishop of Liverpool, James Jones and Archbishop Patrick Kelly, together with the Leader of Liverpool City Council Warren Bradley and the Lord Mayor Councillor Paul Clark.
The rarely tolled, massive 14.5 tonne bell, Great George, will ring out twelve times as 12 large candles will be lit with prayers of blessing.
“There will then be a very special moment of great celebration when the bells of both Cathedrals will ring out at midnight – ringing out a message of great joy and hope along Hope Street. We are very grateful to the Culture Company for all their support and I know both Cathedrals are looking forward to working together throughout 2008 as we contribute to the city’s culture programme and welcome visitors to the city from right across the world.”