Five reasons why Liverpool is the place to be in 2018

This Way Up is back, and we’re headed to Liverpool! A decade on from European Capital of Culture, Liverpool is still the place to be in 2018. We rounded up the top five reasons why Liverpool is our destination of choice for This Way Up 2018…

Forward-thinking

It’s been ten years since Liverpool was announced as European Capital of Culture, and the City is looking towards the future with a thrilling year-long programme – in celebration of the City’s culture and creativity. From ancient wonders to audacious technological innovations; maritime celebrations to musical explorations; artistic traditions to special commissions, Liverpool 2018 promises to be an unforgettable 12 months. 

A stage for contemporary art 

Every two years, Liverpool joins together in celebration of contemporary art for the Liverpool Biennial. Taking place across the City’s public spaces, galleries, museums and online, the Biennial commissions international artists to make and present work in the context of Liverpool. 2018 is the 10thedition of the Liverpool Biennial; artists and audiences have been invited to reflect on a world in social, political and economic turmoil, with the title Beautiful world, where are you?

Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle

A hub of creativity

Dubbed “Liverpool’s answer to New York’s Meat-Packing District,” The Baltic Triangle has seen something of a steady renaissance in recent years, with creatives and entrepreneurs setting-up-shop; musicians rubbing shoulders with photographers, artists, architects, film-makers and designers. A stone’s throw from Albert Dock, the City’s World Heritage Site, and Liverpool One, the renowned shopping hot-spot, The Baltic Triangle is a juxtaposition of the old, Grade II Listed warehouses, and the new, modern industrial units. The 18thand 19thcenturies saw 40% of the world’s trade passing through the docks; now, Liverpool City Council are breathing new life into an increasingly attractive hub of creativity.

Thirty years of modern and contemporary art

Liverpool has been named as one of the top holiday destinations in the world for 2018 by The Guardian, with special mention being given to one of the largest collections of art galleries outside London: Tate Liverpool. Now in its 30th year, Tate Liverpool is a treasure trove of modern and contemporary art, which has seen visitors in their millions appreciating the works of Turner, Mondrian, Hepworth, and many more to come. Later this year sees a major retrospective of the works of Fernand Léger, a painter, sculptor and film-maker who has been credited as a key figure of international modernity.

Bohemian at heart

The City’s RopeWalks neighbourhood is fondly referred to as the “bohemian heart of Liverpool” with its eclectic mix of independent stores, coffee houses and restaurants, as well as a variety of cultural institutions, including FACT and St Luke’s, known locally as ‘The Bombed Out Church’. The area takes its name from the 19thcentury warehouse buildings, which were used for, you guessed it, rope-making during Liverpool’s maritime boom. Now, the area is home to a vibrant and bustling community – at the heart of Liverpool’s independent scene.

And not forgetting…

… the fifth edition of This Way Up! Taking place on the 5th and 6th of December, This Way Up will see some 250 delegates in Liverpool, all looking to explore the future of film audiences. Interested in attending? Secure your place now, get your 2-day delegate pass by clicking here.