The Russian Bombshell

It was Hope Street Feast in Liverpool today. Roads closed, food and beer stalls, music and various bits of mayhem were going on. Tens of thousands of people turned up to enjoy the fun and the good weather.

I love events like this. It gets people out and about in town and generally have a good time. Events like this really show off Liverpool in a good way.

So I was super chuffed to find a face in the crowd who really and truly is an ambassador for Liverpool - Vasily Petrenko. He's the Russian superstar chief conductor of the Liverpool Phil. His face was plastered all over town on posters and fliers last year for Capital of Culture and, as an advert for Liverpool, its difficult to think of a better face to do the job than Vasily.

This guy really has done a lot for Liverpool. He's certainly brought the Phil to a new level and has raised the bar in terms of Liverpool's place on the classical music stage. Recently the local press announced he's signed an extension of his contract with the Phil that will keep him here until 2015.

What a star. And a huge thanks for agreeing to let me take your photo today. It was an honour and privilege. I hope I do you justice.

Thanks.