Council defends waterfront events after criticism

High security fencing has been criticised by tour guides

The director of culture at a city council has defended its decision to host events at its historical waterfront after facing criticism that fencing it off was impacting tourists' experience.

The area in front of the Three Graces has been partitioned this week for the On The Waterfront Festival sparking complaints.

Tour guides said recent visitors had been unhappy the fencing blocked access to key attractions, including the Beatles statue.

Liverpool City Council's Claire McColgan said such ticketed events were essential for the city's economy and the high fencing was required for security reasons.

Claire McColgan said such events "bring in a lot of money" to the city

"The Pier Head was always set up as an event site," Ms McColgan said.

"Event operators want brilliant locations and it's a brilliant location.

"We are a city which is competing against other cities in the country for major events."

Pier Head next to Liverpool's River Mersey was redeveloped in 2006 to create a large public space to stage events and a new canal basin.

It had previously been a bus terminus.

Since being redeveloped a range of events and live performances have been hosted there.

They included the Eurovision Song Contest Eurovision Village in 2023 and earlier this month the naming ceremony for Cunard Queen Anne cruise ship.

Ms McColgan said such events "bring in a lot of money to the city council" and also supported local businesses.

"People come into the city, they will buy drinks, they will buy food and they will keep our hospitality businesses up and running," she said.

Tourists Carol and Diane said they were "a little disappointed" by the closure

She also said private ticketed events helped the authority to continue to put on free events.

She cited Africa Oye, which will take place in the city's Sefton Park later this month and the city's River of Light event which will take place in the autumn.

Ms McColgan added she "understood" people's frustration when the area was closed off, but said: "It's not every weekend that this happens it's a few weekends over the summer but it does open up our waterfront to a whole different audience."

The Eurovision village was located at Pier Head in May 2023

Two tourists from Australia said they had been disappointed by not being able to fully experience the city's waterfront, but added: "It's a music festival, it's Liverpool. People will have fun.

"The buildings are sensational and to not be able to see them up close is a little disappointing, but we love Liverpool we've had a great time."

In response to criticism about high fencing Ms Colgan said it was needed for security reasons.

"You've got to think about how security has changed over the last 10 years," she said.

"Unfortunately the fences have got to be higher. That's really important because people have got to feel safe.

"That's the most important thing about any event."