Bright Lights, Big City Launch

This weekend saw the launch of Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture. I crowded down with the estimated 40,000 others to see the 'people's opening': dancing cranes, miming guitarists on the city roofs, acrobats, fireworks, a shipping container full of local celebrities, video projections, live music from The Wombats and an appearance from Ringo. The published programme of events looks great for the forthcoming year so lots to look forward to.

Taking the decorations down

It's twelfth night so time to take down the Christmas decorations and re-cycle the tree. Time to make a few resolutions too. As always, working on the allotment is on the list. Hopefully this year will be more productive - weather and time permitting. Let's just see. Gardening is all about making plans and then being pleasantly surprised when they actually work out.