30.03.10 - THE GRAND NATIONAL

Liverpool Day gears up for right Royal Shindig

This year’s John Smith’s Grand National festival is set to receive Royle consent with the news that TV star Ricky Tomlinson will officially open the event.

The Liverpudlian actor, famed for his role in sitcom The Royle Family, will get the prestigious three-day meeting underway on Thursday 8 April, which has this year been renamed Liverpool Day.

Former Brookside actor Ricky will raise the curtain on a busy day of music, fashion, comedy and sport, to complement the first day of racing at the world-famous course.

He said: “If any city on the planet deserves to be commemorated, it is Liverpool.  The Grand National is a time for Scousers and people throughout the UK to celebrate everything Liverpool has to offer.

“Liverpool Day is just the start of what promises to be a fantastic three day event.”

Among the other headline acts on Liverpool Day are former Cast and The Las front man, John Power, highly acclaimed tribute group, The Bootleg Beatles and up-and-coming city band, 6ix Toys.

Liverpool Sound City will also be showcasing young bands in the pavilion throughout the day including The Maybes, Sound of Guns, The Vanities, The Red Deltas and The Liberty Vessels.

The Liverpool Ski band, an eclectic combination of funk and brass, will also be providing entertainment.

Liverpool Day wouldn’t be complete without celebrating Liverpool’s favourite sons.  Look out for the Beatles Story’s waxworks, originally from Madame Tussauds, on display and people from the Beatles Story dressed in Sergeant Pepper suits who will be giving out Beatles goodies and special offers for the visitor attraction.  There will also be exhibits from the Beatles Story experience and the opportunity for racegoers to show off their talents in a music competition.

Emma Owen, marketing and PR manager for Aintree Racecourse, said: “We are thrilled that Ricky is going to open Liverpool Day and will be sure to get the Grand National meeting off to a brilliant start as one of the city’s most recognisable stars.

“The confirmed line up for Liverpool Day promises to be really exciting, with a real blend of art, music, fashion and, of course, top class horse racing.

“The idea behind Liverpool Day is to celebrate our magnificent city and thank those who make the Grand National festival so special every year, the people of Liverpool.

“There is a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement around the racecourse now and we can’t wait to get started.”