Three million visitors pour in to city as culture year takes hold in Liverpool

May 16 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Echo

RECORD visitor numbers have seen nearly three million people flocking to cultural attractions since the start of 2008.

The Capital of Culture effect has sent figures rising 25% across the city, with some venues up by 50%.

With highlights including the Art in the Age of Steam exhibition attracting record crowds at The Walker, it is estimated the three million barrier will be reached over the next few days.

Since January 1, Liverpool'sŠ award-winning tourist information centres (The 08 place, Albert Dock and John Lennon airport)Š had more than 180,000 visitors.

Bryan Gray, chairman of Liverpool Culture Company, said: “To have these figures is truly amazing and surpasses all our expectations.”

Visitor figures are expected to keep rising with the summer blockbusters, including the Gustav Klimt exhibition at the Tate opening on May 30.

Phil Redmond, creative director of Liverpool Culture Company, said: “These figures are a huge vote of confidence in our 08 programme.”