REVEALED: Gigantic Shrek to light up Christmas Liverpool

FIRST there was Ringo Starr on the roof of St George's Hall - and now there's Shrek

Yes, the lovable green monster is to join Kung-Fu Panda and the Penguins of Madagascar, taking over the Grade 1 listed landmark in a UK first, it is revealed today.

It might explain why the Winter Arts Market has been relocated from the hall, this year, to the Anglican Cathedral.

But who needs nutmeg candles when you can have a spectacular large scale lantern experience that will greet all those stepping out of Lime Street Station?

Producers behind DreamWorks Lights - described as a stunning walkthrough lantern experience for all ages - picked Liverpool believing it to be "a true cultural capital known all over the world for its great events".

The "experience", which will see the Shrek parked on top of St George's Hall as part of Liverpool’s One Magical City Christmas campaign, will bring several huge illuminated figures from the Shrek series, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar movies, setting them within the grand surroundings of the Grade I listed landmark.

Not unlike the familiar figures in Liverpool's Lantern Parade, the design is based on the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival to celebrate the new year.  

Richard Hollis, Head of UK Consumer Products at DreamWorks said:  “We chose Liverpool because it is a true cultural capital known all over the world for its great events - and the stunning location of St George’s Hall is the perfect setting for DreamWorks Lights.

“We’re looking forward to seeing eyes young and old light up when they experience our large scale illuminated lantern characters for the very first time.”

But will St George's Hall actually look like the main picture (top) with a gigantic ogre peering out across Liverpool?

"Pretty much," a spokesman told Confidential.

Mayor Joe Anderson was unavialable for comment but Councillor Wendy Simon, Liverpool's assistant mayor for culture said: “We’re thrilled DreamWorks has chosen Liverpool as the only place you’ll be able to see this amazing attraction in Europe this Christmas.

“St George’s Hall is the perfect place to get everyone into the Christmas spirit and will be the perfect home for these iconic characters at this special time of year. 

“The exact detail of the lantern scenes and visitor experience is currently under wraps, but all will be revealed later this month.”

DreamWorks Lights will be open daily at 10am until 7pm from 26^th November until 15th January 2017. Tickets can be booked online at www.dreamworkslights.com.