The Capital of Culture 2008
Last night we braved the freezing cold and ventured into Liverpool to see the Peoples Opening of the City of Culture 2008. We were only two of an estimated 400000 people who turned out. We got there an hour ahead of the start at 20.08 and struggled to find a place where I could see. Being in a wheelchair means I am the height of an average 8 year old! We found a spot beside Lyme St Station and watched the evergrowing crowds of people arrive.
Someone passing told us that wheelchaior users could go to a viewing are on toip of Lyme St Station, so we headed off to investigate. Sure enough they had put a series of ramps - some quite steep to get wheelchair users up to the viewing place. It was brilliant. The guys manning the area helped on the steep parts and made sure that all chair users were settled into the front where they had a completely unblocked viow of St George's Plataue and the main stage area.
At 20.08 we were treated to an ariel ballet of cranes and people suspended high in the air, doing acrobatics. The pillars of St Georges hall were lit with purple and green. There were 2 giant screens so everyone could see what was happening. There were 200 children, choirs, fireworks and wall walkers. There were musicians on the tops of buildings and on the Wellington Statue. The high point of the evening was live music by the Wombats (an up and coming Liverpool band) and Ringo Star.
The atmosphere was amazing. The noise level when Ringo appeared must have outdone anything those in the Kop could have made on a Saturday match at Anfield! The ceremony lasted about 40 minutes, and then came the problem of trying to get home.
In an effort to control the flow of people through Lyme St the police blocked off the entrances and tried to heard people through barriers. That was fine if you were able bodied but in a wheelchair it is nigh on impossible to get down a 5" kerb withough getting out of the wheelchair and the chair being lifted down. So there I was trying to do this with people jostling and hussling me trying to get out. it was a nightmare and really really scary. I did well to keep control of the rising panic I was starting to feel.
We eventually got back to Central Station to find the police were only allowing a small number through at a time. They were however moving people aside to let wheelchairs through which was a real bonus so we only had to wait for 20 mins. We also got preferencial treatment when the trains came in too. People were held back so we could get on first. We got home at 11.30pm freezing cold and tired,but I feel quite pleased that we decided to go.
One of the hardest things I've had to deal with is the problem of getting around and doing "normal things". It feels like we have to plan everything so well to take into account accessibility. Last night I managed to do what 400000 other people did, and it felt great!
You can see some pics from last night here :
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/videos-pictures/pictures-of-liverpool/pictures-of-liverpool-news/2008/01/11/capital-of-culture-opening-ceremony-64375-20342140/
I think they are showing highlights of the opening ceremony on Sunday night in the Culture show.
Someone passing told us that wheelchaior users could go to a viewing are on toip of Lyme St Station, so we headed off to investigate. Sure enough they had put a series of ramps - some quite steep to get wheelchair users up to the viewing place. It was brilliant. The guys manning the area helped on the steep parts and made sure that all chair users were settled into the front where they had a completely unblocked viow of St George's Plataue and the main stage area.
At 20.08 we were treated to an ariel ballet of cranes and people suspended high in the air, doing acrobatics. The pillars of St Georges hall were lit with purple and green. There were 2 giant screens so everyone could see what was happening. There were 200 children, choirs, fireworks and wall walkers. There were musicians on the tops of buildings and on the Wellington Statue. The high point of the evening was live music by the Wombats (an up and coming Liverpool band) and Ringo Star.
The atmosphere was amazing. The noise level when Ringo appeared must have outdone anything those in the Kop could have made on a Saturday match at Anfield! The ceremony lasted about 40 minutes, and then came the problem of trying to get home.
In an effort to control the flow of people through Lyme St the police blocked off the entrances and tried to heard people through barriers. That was fine if you were able bodied but in a wheelchair it is nigh on impossible to get down a 5" kerb withough getting out of the wheelchair and the chair being lifted down. So there I was trying to do this with people jostling and hussling me trying to get out. it was a nightmare and really really scary. I did well to keep control of the rising panic I was starting to feel.
We eventually got back to Central Station to find the police were only allowing a small number through at a time. They were however moving people aside to let wheelchairs through which was a real bonus so we only had to wait for 20 mins. We also got preferencial treatment when the trains came in too. People were held back so we could get on first. We got home at 11.30pm freezing cold and tired,but I feel quite pleased that we decided to go.
One of the hardest things I've had to deal with is the problem of getting around and doing "normal things". It feels like we have to plan everything so well to take into account accessibility. Last night I managed to do what 400000 other people did, and it felt great!
You can see some pics from last night here :
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/videos-pictures/pictures-of-liverpool/pictures-of-liverpool-news/2008/01/11/capital-of-culture-opening-ceremony-64375-20342140/
I think they are showing highlights of the opening ceremony on Sunday night in the Culture show.