22 things that happened in Liverpool in 2022

2022 was a massive one for Liverpool in lots of ways, and after a couple of tough years for everyone the city came back strong.

It’s flown by, so in case you missed some of the headlines and highlights, here are 22 things that happened in Liverpool in 2022 …

Eurovision win

We do love going up against the rest of the country and winning and in 2022 Liverpool bid to stage Eurovision, promising a spectacle honouring the rightful hosts Ukraine. In October we found out we’d got it, so bring on a festival of douze points in May 2023.

Paul McCartney headlined Glastonbury

Headliners don’t come much more legendary than Paul McCartney and in June, Macca absolutely owned the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, giving what would go down as one of the best sets in the festival’s 50-year history featuring Dave Grohl, Springsteen and a virtual duet with Lennon.

The killing of Olivia Pratt-Korbel

The city was united in grief and shock after the killing of Oliver Pratt-Korbel. The nine-year-old girl suffered a fatal gunshot wound as her mother Cheryl, who was also injured, tried to stop a gunman chasing another man into their home in Dovecot in August. 

The new Royal opened

After a lengthy delay caused by the collapse of its contractor, the new Royal finally opened in October, five years after its due date. On a site neighbouring the original, it has more than 600 ensuite rooms for patients as well as 18 state-of-the-art operating theatres. 

Klopp & Jimmy McGovern received Freedom of the City

Freedom of the City is Liverpool’s highest honour and in 2022 two greats were awarded it. Klopp received it for his achievements as Reds boss, and writer Jimmy McGovern was recognised for his 40-year contribution to British TV, film and theatre. 

Wagatha Christie

Updates from the Wagatha Christie trial were everyone’s guilty pleasure in 2022, with Rebekah Vardy and Coleen Rooney locked in a libel case that was the stuff of tabloid dreams. In October, after two weeks of claims and counter claims about story leaking, the winner was … Coleen.

Council chief exec Tony Reeves stands down

In July, city council chief exec Tony Reeves resigned after four years in the job. With Government-appointed commissioners still in charge, he said he was immensely proud, adding: “Huge challenges still remain, not least economically, but the foundations for growth are well placed.”

Everton Stadium continues to rise

It’s impossible to miss the rise of Everton’s Bramley Moore Dock stadium, especially now it’s up above the walls. Autumn saw roof trusses finally lifted into place in the south stand as the stunning bowl starts taking shape, with completion due for the 2024 season.

Liverpool Airport flies high with new routes and quicker queues

Liverpool Airport soared above the competition in 2022, and not just because of its new destinations including Iceland, Belfast, Kos, Malta and Crete. While passengers in Manchester were facing massive queues, at Liverpool they were breezing through in no time.

Ringo and Macca turned 80

Never mind When I’m 64, Macca and Ringo celebrated their big 8-0 in 2022. Posting his version of The Beatles’ Here, There and Everywhere, John’s son Sean wished Paul Happy Birthday with the message: ‘You have mine and the whole world’s undying love and respect.’

The stars played the city with Elton, Rolling Stones, Christina and more

On the subject of music legends, Liverpool welcomed plenty including unforgettable nights for fans of Sir Elton and the Rolling Stones at Anfield in June, plus Stormzy, Christina and the one and only Diana Ross at the Arena. 

LFC fans face shambolic final in Paris

Reds fans’ trip to Paris in May for the Champions League final against Real Madrid ended in disappointment on the pitch, but also chaos off it with shocking treatment from police, awful organisation and attacks by local thugs outside the Stade de France.

World Gymnastics put the city on the sporting map

Sport’s about more than footy in Liverpool, and at the Arena for nine days in October and November it was top class gymnastics that took centre stage, when the world’s finest had crowds mesmerised as they competed for 14 world titles.

The Grand National returned after two-year hiatus

Sporting events in the city don’t come any more world famous or more glamorous than the Grand National and after a couple of years away due to Covid, the crowds were back at Aintree in April for three days of nerve-jangling, favourite-cheering racing. 

Culture filled the city with Turner Prize, River of Light, Sound City and more

It might be 14 years since we were Capital of Culture, but still nobody puts on a big arts and music event quite like Liverpool. The Turner Prize came back to the Tate, plus we had huge crowds out and loving the River of Light, Sound City gigs and festivals like Africa Oye at Sefton Park.

Gerry Marsden had the ferry terminal named after him

Everyone knows Gerry’s anthem Ferry Cross the Mersey, and in May Pier Head Ferry Terminal was officially renamed in his honour. The Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal is a perfect way to remember the Merseybeat legend who died in January 2021. 

Brian Epstein statue was unveiled

He was called the fifth Beatle by McCartney, and in August their manager Brian Epstein – who died when he was 32 – was finally immortalised in Liverpool, with the unveiling of a statue outside what used to be his family’s record shop, NEMS, on Whitechapel.

Jodie Comer said goodbye to Killing Eve

After four brutally brilliant series, Killing Eve came to an end with the final episode, Hello Losers, in April. It made Liverpool’s Jodie Comer a global superstar, and she went on in 2022 to wow theatre audiences with powerful performances in Prima Facie.

First ever Liverpool Against Racism event

Liverpool led the fight against discrimination with its first Liverpool Against Racism event in April. The week-long festival brought together live talks and debates, including one featuring broadcaster David Olusoga OBE, music and cultural events to get people talking about racism and celebrating diversity.

The city centre bucked the trend with more new stores and footfall than others

While lots of places struggled to recover after Covid, Liverpool successfully bounced back with brands including Flannels, The Vintage Store, Charlotte Tilbury and Transalpino opening big new stores and great new bars and restaurants like Albert’s Schloss and Pizza Punks on Bold Street, and Zenn on Victoria Street.

Eureka! Science + Discovery opened

Wirral’s £11.4million Eureka! Science + Discovery opened in November, full of fantastic interactive exhibitions – including a 12ft tall cat – designed to get kids interested in science, art and technology, showing everything from how the body works to the sustainability of wind and tidal power.

Old buildings were transformed with launch of Radisson RED, Hawksmoor and Gaucho

More of Liverpool’s amazing architecture returned to its heyday glory – Radisson RED transformed the Grade II listed North Western Hall on Lime Street into a glamorous luxury hotel, while Hawksmoor restaurant brought back some restored beauty to India Buildings and Gaucho restaurant created an absolute stunner in the former Bank of Liverpool building on water Street.