 1. The city will have more than 50 international festivals in art, architecture, ballet, comedy, cinema, food, literature, music and theatre. 2. By 2008, more than £3bn will have been invested in Liverpool businesses over the last five year. 3. More than 14,000 jobs will be created as a result of the surge in businesses and tourist attractions in and around the city. 4. At the start of the Tall Ships Race in July, more than 1m people are expected to come and watch. 5. Income from tourism in Liverpool surpassed the £1bn milestone for the first time last year and is set to grow even further. 6. Liverpool will put on the most spectacular and colourful New Year display in its history to mark the start of Capital of Culture year. 7. Because Liverpool is the birthplace of The Beatles, with world-renowned attractions such as Strawberry Field, Penny Lane and the Cavern Club. 8. Because the biggest and best-ever Mathew Street Festival will be held in Capital of Culture Year 2008. 9. A new state-ofthe-art arena will be built on the Kings Dock, so Liverpool can play host to major events, even after 2008. 10. From the unique waterfront to the splendour of St George's Hall, Liverpool has some of the best architecture in the world. 11. More than £200m is expected to be spent by new visitors in the city during the 2008 celebrations. 12. A deal has been struck to stage the start of the North West leg of the cycling Tour of Great Britain, which will finish in the city in 2008. 13. Tony Blair has given his backing to Liverpool, the home city of his wife, Cherie, below . 14. The world's greatest horse race, The Grand National, will be a bigger event than ever before. 15. The Open Championship will be returning to Birkdale, in Southport, sealing Merseyside's reputation as the Golf Coast. 16. The Round the World Clipper Yacht Race will finish in the city during the celebrations in 2008. 17. Every primary school in Liverpool will have been visited by the Friend Ship project, promoting tolerance and acceptance. 18. More Beatles Tribute bands will be playing legendary tunes in the city centre than ever before as part of Beatles' Week.. 19. Beaches, city life and rural walks all within a 30-minute drive of wherever you live on Merseyside. 20. New hotels such as Malmaison and the Hard Days' Night Hotel are being built in the city as the tourism industry is booming. | 
