Liverpool has been declared a City of Music, joining the select few destinations across the globe to attain the title.

UNESCO, which awarded Liverpool ‘World Heritage Site’ status in 2004, has recognised the city’s musical offering which has given the world the likes of The Beatles and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic (RLPO), confirming that music is at the heart of the city.

Liverpool is the second city in the UK to be given the honour following Glasgow in 2008 and was one of 10 other global destinations to be given the title on Friday (11 December) including Kingston in Jamaica and Salvador in Brazil, with the total number of Cities of Music, to form part of the 47 UNESCO Creative Cities Network, now standing at 19.

Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, said: “Liverpool is renowned for its musical influence and this status is the ultimate, and appropriate, accolade for a city which lives and breathes music.

“It’s no secret that music is one of the biggest reasons that visitors come here – you only need look at the numbers of people going to The Beatles Story, or the crowds that head to annual events such as Sound City or LIMF to see that.

“I’m confident that with the support of such a globally-respected name as UNESCO, this will grow further and people will realise that it is not just about the city’s contribution to music history, but is about the exciting things happening right now.

“In the same way our Waterfront has benefited from association with UNESCO, so too will the city’s music offer.”

Judges highlighted urban festivals like Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF), Liverpool Sound City and Liverpool Psych Fest defining the city as a haven for music, but also continuing to develop young industry professionals.

The designation also noted the importance and contribution of Liverpool’s established names such as the RLPO, Creamfields, Africa Oye and LIPA.

Kevin McManus, investment manager at Invest Liverpool who led on the application on behalf of the city, said: “Liverpool’s musical heritage is well documented, but the real reason we have been awarded this accolade is for the contemporary scene.

“We have some of the most vital, inventive festivals in the UK – as evidenced in the glut of recent awards – and music is at the heart of the city’s economic planning.

“Whether it’s the LIMF Academy developing young talent and teaching them how they can make a living from music, Sound City offering a platform to meet agents and managers or businesses like Sentric, in the Baltic Triangle, music is integral to the city’s future as well as its past.”

The designation of title follows Sound City, Creamfields and LIMF all receiving top honours at the UK Festival Awards, conforming Liverpool as a major festival city.

Vasily Petrenko, chief conductor of the RLPO, added: “UNESCO’s award recognises Liverpool as one of the world’s great music cities.

“2015 is Liverpool Philharmonic’s 175th anniversary year and we are proud to continue to play our part at the heart of Liverpool’s musical life in our concerts at our home, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, with city partners in celebrations and festivals, through our learning programmes such as In Harmony Liverpool and as an ambassador for Liverpool when we tour in the UK and internationally.”

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