This is the Victoria Monument in the heart of Liverpool’s commercial quarter. However special the occasion, one can only imagine what Queen Victoria might have thought about being festooned by Christmas lights in preparation for the Liverpool European Capital of Culture in 2008; but for passers by on a very chilly evening this festive sight is one to raise a cheery little smile. Perhaps Queen Victoria would not have been amused, but in a different age we can surely innocently enjoy.

PS Little did I know, when I wrote this posting, that Queen Victoria was also to be featured in a very contemporary (one might almost say Pythonesque?) mode during the opening scenes of the formal launch of the European Capital of Culture Year, on 12 January 2008 at the Liverpool Echo Arena…

For more photographs please see also Camera And Calendar.