North Liverpool will play a major role in the Titanic-themed Sea Odyssey spectacular which it is hoped will bring huge crowds to the city's streets this spring.
It is being described as the largest and most complex outdoor event to have ever taken place north of the city. A 30ft Little Girl Giant figure, created by Royal de Luxe, will tell a Titanic-themed story and will visit Anfield and Goodison and the city centre between April 20 and 22.
The event echoes the giant spider La Princesse which triumphantly paraded through Liverpool during the capital of culture year in 2008, watched by huge crowds.
Erika Rushton, neighbourhoods director at Plus Dane Group, the housing association which co-ordinates Beautiful North alongside the city council, said: "Sea Odyssey is an unrivalled opportunity to showcase the best of North Liverpool to the rest of the city and beyond.
"We'll be working hard with residents and businesses to make sure it looks its best for the event and makes the most of its moment in the spotlight."
The organisers of Sea Odyssey hope it will also showcase North Liverpool's potential for investment.
Councillor Wendy Simon, cabinet member for culture and tourism, added: "We want the occasion not just to be a huge success for the city in April but bring a longer lasting legacy as a result of the area being placed in such a unique spotlight.
"Tens of thousands of people visit the north end for football matches but rarely spend any more time there, so this is the perfect opportunity to show off the area and its potential and as a result hopefully encourage investment."
Meanwhile it has been announced Arts Council England is giving almost £200,000 towards the staging of the free weekend which will be funded by a mixture of public and private investment.
Sea Odyssey is the final event which will use European legacy funding from the 2008 Capital of Culture year.
The event is part of the Liverpool Plan – that aims to change perceptions of the city and to promote it in a positive way. It is hoped Sea Odyssey will attract huge audiences and as a result, will engender pride among residents, inspire creativity and build community cohesion.
