Borough of Culture
In 2022 Knowsley was the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture and what a year it was!
- 365 days
- 60+ events
- 500,000+ people attended
- More than 100 volunteers helped make it happen.
- Millions watched on from afar with Knowsley events featured in local, regional and national news.
- Millions of memories made!
- From Cronton to Kirkby, Huyton to Halewood – every part of Knowsley told its story and came together to celebrate.
Watch a summary of our Borough of Culture year
The Borough of Culture initiative was introduced by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority in 2018 to encourage and enable each Borough to deliver cultural programmes which create a lasting legacy across the whole region.
Take a look back on the AMAZING events that helped make our year so special
Here’s what people had to say about Knowsley’s year as the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture:
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council said: “We had big plans for Knowsley’s year as Borough of Culture and I am proud to say that we really did deliver on those plans – and so much more!
“We’ve had the most amazing year telling Knowsley’s story, from community activity to large scale events, there was something for everyone of every age to enjoy. And not just for Knowsley residents but for everyone in the Liverpool City Region and beyond. This year has been a really special one for Knowsley and something that people will be talking about for years to come.
“Not only has it had a hugely positive impact on our communities, but significantly, on our businesses who have benefited from the range of events we’ve delivered across the year. It really has been a year that’s put Knowsley on the map.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said: “2022 has been a special year for our Borough of Culture programme. Knowsley put on an incredible series of events – from the Owl and Pussycat trail, a mass-vow renewal and the 10-day musical and cultural spectacular that was the Knowsley Music Festival. To top it all off, there was the opening of the eagerly-awaited Shakespeare North Playhouse, which was made possible with £10.5m from the Combined Authority.
“Knowsley really did pull out all the stops, which is particularly impressive given we were still coming out of the pandemic at the start of this year. Well done to everyone who made this year possible and brought the party to Knowsley.”
Our residents and visitors said:
“A wonderful spectacle – so unusual and atmospheric, A triumph” – A Thousand Feet Deep
“Brilliant! Well done to all who worked hard to make it happen and who took part. Great event… granddaughter said it was brilliant, and she was taking part in history in the making.” - Knowsley Village Jubilee Parade
“Lovely to see Prescot come alive. It's wonderful!” – Opening of Shakespeare North Playhouse
“It’s lovely for the pastures to be used in the evening to bring enjoyment to so many families. Thank you for organising this event, we hope to see many more in the future.” – Cronton Sun, Moon & Stars
“Thank you for the most wonderful unbelievable and fabulous evening event at St Chads Church, Kirkby. It was absolutely amazing, and fantastic.” – Knowsley Music Festival
More than 100 volunteers helped us to deliver an amazing programme of events in 2022. Come rain or shine, these amazing people showed up and helped to make every event safe and special for the visitors who attended. We couldn’t have done it without them.
The Knowsley’s Borough of Culture Volunteer Programme was made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players.
Thank you to all our amazing volunteers!