WIRRAL could have a culture festival next year to ensure it is in a position to get the maximum benefit if Liverpool is successful in the bid for Capital of Culture status in 2008.

Backers of the scheme say Wirral needs to create its own festival legacy and establish links with Liverpool to get a share of the huge international publicity the city will enjoy if it is chosen for the honour.

Among Wirral's claims to fame are the world's first public park and public tram system, as well as being the birthplace of World War I poet Wilfred Owen.

Ideas for the 2003 culture festival are still in their early stage, but they could include music and arts-based festivals centred on particular towns and communities.

A sub group is due to be established by Wirral Council next week to draw up detailed plans and financing.

The idea for the festival arose out of a public consultation held last year on Wirral's cultural strategy.

This established a need for community-based arts and sporting activities to involve as many people as possible.

Cabinet member for culture and community services Coun Dave Christian said: "We have a lot to be proud of in terms of our leisure and sporting facilities, but there has been a tendency to take this for granted.

"We want to celebrate our culture and heritage, and to connect that to Liverpool's Capital of Culture bid, which the whole of Merseyside would benefit from."

Wirral boasts venues such as the Floral Pavilion, Pacific Road performance venue and transport museum, along with the Williamson Art Gallery and Birkenhead Heritage Trail to tempt visitors across the Mersey.

Jim Lester, Wirral's head of cultural services, said: "The cultural festival would lead up the Capital of Culture event by encouraging and supporting small-scale local activity.

"It is just the germ of an idea at present, but we are hoping to involve voluntary organisations with activities in all parts of Wirral over a period of several weeks.

"A sub group will be set up to look for innovative ideas that will attract some attention, such as music or artsbased festivals developed by the community.

"Some discussions have already taken place with Liverpool over the Capital of Culture bid to see what Wirral's contribution might be, as they are keen to extend their links outside the city to the broader area of Merseyside.

"This could include Wirral's coastline, countryside, and small-scale townships, to act as a balance to the cityscape of Liverpool."..SUPL: