Everton Park lock-up to remain in light

WHEN you're the mayor you can, up to a point, do what you like on your own manor.

And when you're the mayor and you are a hardcore Toffee you are entitled to the occasional indulgence.  Like taking the actual tower that features on your favourite team's crest and bathing it permanently in blue light. Why the hell not? Especially after the week they've had.

But there is a less flippant agenda at play when Mayor Joe and Everton manager Roberto Martinez join forces to bathe the historic Lock-Up at Everton Park, rather quaintly  AKA, "Prince Rupert's castle", in permanent blue light.

Everton Football Club, the city council and the Friends of Everton Park have teamed up to bring the Light Up project to life, following a clean-up programme which has made the Lock-Up look pristine. 

The landmark, a relic from the days of when Everton was a village, was used to deal with the ASBO scallies of the day. They would be incacerated there for disturbing the peace.

Now it will be illuminated every evening. The intention is to symbolically shine a powerful light on the unbreakable association between the football club and the community, and to build on the work being done to "transform the park into a first-class visitor destination".

Mayor Joe said: “The Lock Up is an important landmark at Everton Park, with huge significance to the community, the football club and the city as a whole. This project will literally build a brighter future for the famous tower. It will be a beacon of light for the whole community to enjoy.   

“The tower still looks magnificent after standing on Everton Brow for over two centuries – and its illumination will give it even greater prominence, for generations to come. It will support our ongoing work to transform the park, and will celebrate the history, people, and sporting excellence which have helped make Everton famous the world over. It’s a fantastic project.”

The 235-year-old lock-up sits on a triangular piece of ground in Everton Park between Netherfield Road South and Everton Brow.

The Blues boss and the Mayor will join the community, football fans and local schoolchildren at a public launch event on Tuesday 4 February at 6.15pm for the ceremony.

'Here we go, here we go, here we go'

The illumination ceremony will include famous songs from the Club’s history. There will also be a local schoolchildren’s parade, with youngsters lighting up the evening with blue glowsticks and Everton flags;  and f. Key speakers will provide a fascinating insight into the history and heritage of Everton Park, The Lock Up and Everton Football Club.

There's a bit more. An hour after the ceremony, a new play celebrating the history, myths and legends of the Lock Up will launch at the nearby Hope University Capstone Theatre.

The Heart of Everton’s Badge – written by local musician Kenny O’Connell - "tells the stories of hardship, love, passion and triumph which have helped make the Lock Up such a powerful, enduring symbol for both the football club and for local people".