In the past 12 months, 3.5 million people visited Liverpool for the first time - according to the company behind the city's European Capital of Culture programme.

Some 7,000 cultural events have taken place - including elegant Viennese balls, the arrival of Tall Ships in the docks, and musical spectaculars showcasing the best of Merseyside talent.

Here, the former lead singer of Merseyside band The Farm - Peter Hooton - gives his view on how his home city has fared during the year.

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Music: The Farm/All Together Now; Pachelbel's Canon/Arr. Fiachra Trench; Pete Wylie/Heart As Big As Liverpool.
Slideshow production: Paul Kerley and Stephanie Power.