Liverpool 2008: The long and winding road

Liverpool was one of 12 cities to enter the race for the 'capital of culture' title Photograph: Scott Barbour/Getty

October 30 2002: The six shortlisted hopefuls to be crowned European capital of culture 2008 are announced. Top, from left: Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff. Bottom, from left: Liverpool, Newcastle/Gateshead and Oxford. Newcastle/Gateshead emerges as the favourite to win Photograph: PA

May 22 2003: Sir Peter Blake unveils a revamped version of his iconic sleeve for the Beatles' Sergeant Pepper album. The new collage has an array of Scouse stars including Atomic Kitten, Jimmy Tarbuck, Cherie Blair, Elvis Costello and Michael Owen. It is later exhibited at Tate Liverpool to celebrate the gallery's 15th anniversary and to mark the city's bid to become European capital of culture Photograph: Andy Butterton/PA

June 4 2003: Celebrations on Merseyside as culture secretary Tessa Jowell announces that Liverpool has secured the title of European capital of culture for 2008 Photograph: Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA

June 4 2003: A portrait of John Lennon is carried into the press conference following Liverpool's victory Photograph: Don McPhee/Guardian

June 13 2003: Don McPhee visits Liverpool to capture images of the prospering city. Property prices are on the up and major investment inquiries return Photograph: Don McPhee/Guardian

July 19 2004: News breaks that architect Will Alsop's proposal for a 'fourth grace' for Liverpool, named The Cloud, has been scrapped after the costs increased from £228m a year ago to an estimated £324m Photograph: Sarah Lee

The Cloud was to have been constructed next to the city's three graces - including the Liver building Photograph: PR

July 5 2006: Preparations are rocked by the resignation of artistic director Robyn Archer (seen above celebrating LIPA's 10th anniversary with Paul McCartney) Photograph: Julian Hamilton/Mercury Press

November 6 2006: Highlights from the long-awaited programme are announced. Sir Simon Rattle will return to his native city to conduct the Berlin Philharmonic and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Photograph: Linda Nylind/Guardian

December 13 2007: Kenny Thompson (Joseph) and Jodie McNee (Mary) rehearse for the Liverpool Nativity. This modern adaptation of the Christmas story is staged on the city's streets and is televised live on BBC Three Photograph: Christopher Thomond/Guardian

December 31 2007: The city ushers in its capital of culture year with a production of Donizetti's Emilia di Liverpool, staged in the round in the newly restored concert room at St George's Hall Photograph: PR