THE television mogul behind Hollyoaks, Brookside, Emmerdale and Grange Hill believes Chester is braced to enjoy its moment in the spotlight.

Phil Redmond, the former artistic director of Liverpool’s Capital of Culture Programme, has tipped Chester’s festival programme for 2010 to become a big hit with visitors and tourists.

The Liverpudlian remembers how embracing full-blooded cultural activity helped reverse economic decline in the city in the 1990s and even played a crucial part in Liverpool being awarded Capital of Culture 2008 status.

Mr Redmond believes Chester’s own festival programme for 2010 will go a long way to injecting confidence into the city.

The summer programme, entitled Chestival, includes the Giants Festival, open air concerts and theatre and Roman Parades, Rhino Mania and Chester’s Racing Season

Mr Redmond said: “I think people have to welcome Rhino Mania and the new programme of events It gets people being confident and creative about their city

“Everyone should have the glass half full approach and act as ambassadors for the City of Chester.

“Chester has fantastic heritage and traditions and a great cultural legacy that comes with that. I think Rhino Mania and the other plans to rejuvenate Culture in Chester will renew that confidence and that pride.”

Superlambanana, which was installed in Williamson Square in Liverpool, heralded a cultural and economic renaissance in Liverpool and he believes popular art project Rhino Mania will have a similar impact.

He added: “There is no risk these projects they have worked in Barcelona, Brazil, Manchester, London and Liverpool and they work they are tried and tested.

“Chester is where you live and you have always got to be proud of that and I am sure that Rhino Mania will play a significant part in that civic and community pride.

“Chester is walkable which is a great opportunity for visitors and tourists but also for the city to show off its many attractions whether it be The Walls or the amphitheatre.”