The city of Liverpool is to host a two-month cultural programme to celebrate the life and music of John Lennon.

 

The events will mark what would have been his 70th birthday and 30 years since he was fatally shot in New York.

 

Organisers of the music, film, art and poetry events believe they will bring in tens of thousands of extra tourists to the birthplace of the Beatles.

 

This year also marks 50 years since the Beatles formed and 40 years since they split.

 

The events will run from 9 October, which would have been Lennon's 70th birthday, to 9 December, the day after the 30th anniversary of when he was fatally shot outside the Dakota building in New York.

 

Liverpool's Lord Mayor, councillor Mike Storey, said: "John Lennon is one of the most iconic figures of the 20th Century and a Liverpool lad who became known in every corner of the globe.

 

"His enduring message of peace is as important now as ever and continues to be an inspiration to many. The John Lennon Tribute Season will allow us to remember him as a man, celebrate his music, and his overall contribution to our city."

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/8584452.stm

It is good they are celebrating this in the manner they are.