THE founder of super-club Cream and the Russian conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra are set to join the ranks of super-scousers by becoming Liverpool's latest Citizens of Honour.

They will join leading figures in the Hillsborough justice fight and an all-male list from the worlds of film, music, art and education being lined up by the Town Hall for the civic salutation.

An extraordinary council meeting taking place at Liverpool Town Hall next Wednesday (9 November) is considering a recommendation that the RLPO conductor Vasiliy Petrenko, Cream boss James Barton, filmmaker David Yates, sculptor Tom Murphy and Liverpool University Vice Chancellor Professor Michael Parkingson become Citizens of Honour 

In addition, says Liverpool City Council, "a commitment has been made to recognise those individuals who supported and made a significant and distinctive contribution to the families of the 96 people who died at Hillsborough, during their 27 year fight for truth and justice."

It says a list of names is currently being compiled with a view to bestowing the honour on them in the near future.

 Citizen of Honour Awards were introduced in 2008 to formally recognise those individuals who have made a significant, exceptional or unique contribution to enriching the image of the city and/or its citizens.

To date there are 27 Citizens of Honour including Bill Shankly, Liverpool World War Two veterans, April Ashley, Dr David France and Lewis Biggs.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool Councillor Roz Gladden said: “These individuals have, and continue to, make a real contribution to Liverpool life and I am delighted that they have been nominated to receive these civic honours. 

“Becoming Citizen of Honour is very special and gives recognition to those who have made a positive difference to the city and to the lives of those that live here.”

Cream of the crop: Who is being recognised and what for



Vasily Petrenko – Under his leadership as principal conductor and chief conductor, the reputation of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and in turn Liverpool, has travelled across the world, wowing audiences wherever they travel.

David Yates – local award winning and highly acclaimed British filmmaker who has been instrumental in bringing huge productions such as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them to film in the city. 

James Barton  (above) – Founder of Liverpool based super club Cream and has been regarded as one of the most influential people in the electronic dance scene.

Tom Murphy – a sculptor whose work can be seen across Liverpool including the iconic Bill Shankly memorial at Anfield, John Lennon located at John Lennon Airport, a tribute to the Blitz in the grounds of St Nicholas Church and Bessie Braddock and Ken Dodd at Liverpool Lime Street Station.

Professor Michael Parkinson – an adviser to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Liverpool and Executive Director of the Heseltine Institute he is a key ambassador for the city, lecturing nationally and internationally and is also an advisor on urban affairs to organisations such as the European Commission.