Press releases

Above: interior and exterior views of Arriva's Capital of Culture bus, designed by communities.

Arriva is helping to take the Capital of Culture message across Liverpool with the launch of the 08 Roadshow.

The outside of a double-decker Arriva bus has been transformed with work by community groups. It will tour the city, giving people a chance to find out more about the plans for 2007 and 2008 and how they can get involved.

The eye-catching collage of pictures and drawings on the outside of the vehicle was created following a series of community workshops which asked local people to express what culture meant to them.

Arriva has joined forces with the Liverpool Culture Company and Merseytravel to make the project happen.

Along with a brand new exterior, the bus has been fitted with interactive terminals displaying cultural information, and a special upstairs screening area. There are also two large exhibitions; one focussing on the Culture Company’s Creative Communities Programme, and the second featuring a timeline for Liverpool’s 800 year history.

A retractable awning provides an outside performance space and at larger venues the roadshow will include live performances, taster sessions and creative workshops.

Bob Hind, managing director of Arriva North West and Wales, said:

It's vital the people of Liverpool are kept up to date with the city's plans for 2008 and I'm sure the bus will play a huge part in helping to spread the word.

Councillor Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool city council, said:

We want to give everyone the chance to take part in this year’s 800th anniversary celebrations and European Capital of Culture in 2008.

The 08 Roadshow is a fantastic opportunity to take information about cultural events and activities to every neighbourhood in the city. Crucially, it will also allow people to find out how they can get involved in Capital of Culture; whether that’s by spreading the word about Liverpool as an 08 Ambassador or helping out at events by joining the Volunteer Programme.

The bus will be manned by specialist advisors from the 08 Place in Whitechapel, who will be on-hand to answer questions and provide information.

Jason Harborow, chief executive of the Liverpool Culture Company, said:

The 08 Roadshow will visit a wide selection of venues, from supermarkets to sports centres, right at the heart of local communities. We’ve purposely chosen areas with a high footfall to ensure that as many people as possible get to see the bus in action.

Once it’s done an initial circuit around Liverpool, we’re also hoping to take the roadshow to events and festivals across Merseyside and the North West to spread the 08 message even further.

Councillor Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel, said:

We're delighted that Merseytravel has been able to get involved in the 08 Roadshow, giving local people the chance to find out more about what's happening in the lead up to 2008.

Members of the public can check out when the bus is due in their area by logging on to www.liverpool08.com or calling (0151) 233 2008.

After three months touring around Liverpool’s neighbourhoods there are plans to take the bus to neighbouring boroughs.