Bus designed by community drives Liverpool 2008 roadshow

 Above: interior and exterior views of Arriva'sCapital of Culture bus, designed by communities.

Arriva is helping to take the Capital of Culture message acrossLiverpool with the launch of the 08 Roadshow.

The outside of a double-decker Arriva bus has been transformedwith work by community groups. It will tour the city, givingpeople a chance to find out more about the plans for 2007 and 2008and how they can get involved.

The eye-catching collage of pictures and drawings on the outsideof the vehicle was created following a series of communityworkshops which asked local people to express what culture meant tothem.

Arriva has joined forces with the Liverpool Culture Company andMerseytravel to make the project happen.

Along with a brand new exterior, the bus has been fitted withinteractive terminals displaying cultural information, and aspecial upstairs screening area. There are also two largeexhibitions; one focussing on the Culture Company’s CreativeCommunities Programme, and the second featuring a timeline forLiverpool’s 800 year history.

A retractable awning provides an outside performance space andat larger venues the roadshow will include live performances,taster sessions and creative workshops.

Bob Hind, managing director of Arriva North West and Wales,said:

It's vital the people of Liverpool are kept up to datewith the city's plans for 2008 and I'm sure the bus will play ahuge part in helping to spread the word.

Councillor Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool city council,said:

We want to give everyone the chance to take part inthis year’s 800th anniversary celebrations and EuropeanCapital of Culture in 2008.

The 08 Roadshow is a fantastic opportunity to takeinformation about cultural events and activities to everyneighbourhood in the city. Crucially, it will also allow people tofind out how they can get involved in Capital of Culture; whetherthat’s by spreading the word about Liverpool as an 08Ambassador or helping out at events by joining the VolunteerProgramme.

The bus will be manned by specialist advisors from the08 Place in Whitechapel, who will be on-hand to answer questionsand provide information.

Jason Harborow, chief executive of the Liverpool CultureCompany, said:

The 08 Roadshow will visit a wide selection of venues,from supermarkets to sports centres, right at the heart of localcommunities. We’ve purposely chosen areas with a highfootfall to ensure that as many people as possible get to see thebus in action.

Once it’s done an initial circuit aroundLiverpool, we’re also hoping to take the roadshow to eventsand festivals across Merseyside and the North West to spread the 08message even further.

Councillor Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel, said:

We're delighted that Merseytravel has been able to getinvolved in the 08 Roadshow, giving local people the chance to findout more about what's happening in the lead up to2008.

Members of the public can check out when the bus is due in theirarea by logging on towww.liverpool08.com orcalling (0151) 233 2008.

After three months touring around Liverpool’sneighbourhoods there are plans to take the bus to neighbouringboroughs.