I woke up the other morning to hear that China’s First Emperor and the Terracotta Warriors were coming to Liverpool’s World Museum. This was near the top of my must-see list and it is only one of the things being planned for 2018, the tenth anniversary of Liverpool being the European Capital of Culture. It is barely believable that ten years ago many of us were wondering if it would be a success.

But thanks to the people of Liverpool, our supporters and our visitors, it was. It was one of the most enjoyable times for our City. I am glad that I did some work as an 08 volunteer, and hope to do more for our tenth anniversary. Liverpool is a City we can be proud of and we want visitors to enjoy our festivals and festivities with us.

Whether it is a first visit, or a return, people will notice how it is growing and how out wood looking it is. There is room for improvement, but issues are being tackled. The City is more diverse, cosmopolitan, and cultural. This has all helped it become one of the most vibrant cities in the UK, it is going from strength to strength.

Present day Liverpool has a good music scene. It has many galleries and museums. There are a number of cinemas (a personal favourite being the Fact) and theatres to suit every taste. There are restaurants in abundance, catering for cuisine from the four corners of the world. There are also many very trendy areas in the City which are worth a visit. The Baltic Triangle, with the newly opened Baltic Market (a place I have yet to visit) and the Artisan Cafe Bar, called the Baltic Bakehouse. Lark Lane in south Liverpool has more wine bars and restaurants, but the Keith Wine Bar is still there with its Jaz evenings. Liverpool One is well established with a brilliant variety of shops with views over the River Mersey and the Albert Dock.

Liverpool over the last ten years has become a better City to live, work and study in. There is now more of a feeling of optimism. As well as embracing the new, it has kept old traditions. There is always something to do here no matter what the weather is like. There is a strong sense of community whether it is local or global. I have experienced first-hand how Liverpool has changed since I returned in 1984.

A lot of students love the place. It has a few Universities, a very trendy and growing knowledge quarter and student night life. It was described in 2008 as the World in one City and that is certainly true.

Karen a proud Liverpudlian.