Details of this year's programme of commemorative events, which take place at locations across Liverpool, are below. All events are free, everyone is welcome.

A rare egg of the extinct Great Auk - probably the finest in existence – is on display for the first time at World Museum Liverpool.

A new permanent gallery is opening at the Merseyside Maritime Museum in Liverpool, exploring the role of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

'Standing Stones', a display of work by Liverpool-born international artist Terry Duffy, runs at the Walker Art Gallery through 8 June 2008. The title 'Standing Stones' is a metaphor for humanity. It expresses Duffy's long-term fascination with humankind's legacy and the decisions made for good or evil by individuals, groups, societies and cultures. Duffy’s work questions the very nature of painting by producing works of ambiguous and sculptural shapes.

A major exhibition – on view through 10 August 2008 - captures the excitement of the steam train in art from the earliest days, through the boom years of Victorian railways to the end of the line in the 1960s.

African issues will be at the heart of the European Capital of Culture from 23 – 25 April when Liverpool will Remember Saro-Wiwa as part of International Earth Week 2008.

Liverpool's fascinating emergence as a modern city is on display in Metropolis: Capturing Modern Liverpool at the National Conservation Centre from 21 March to 10 August 2008.

National Museums Liverpool is inviting bands from Merseyside to join its new Myspace page for the upcoming The Beat Goes On exhibition at World Museum Liverpool, running from 12 July 2008 until 1 November 2009.

From The Beatles to The Zutons, Liverpool is a city buzzing with musical talent. This summer, the city that The Guinness Book of Records has named as World Capital City of Pop is host to an exciting exhibition dedicated to 60 years of Liverpool music. The Beat Goes On opens at World Museum Liverpool from 12 July 2008 to 1 November 2009.

Liverpool's fascinating emergence as a modern city is on display in Metropolis: Capturing Modern Liverpool at the National Conservation Centre from 21 March to 10 August 2008.

Liverpool's reign as Capital of Culture is finally underway and to celebrate National Museums Liverpool is offering a fantastic variety of things to see and do in this momentous year. Music fans, art lovers and architecture disciples are in for a real treat - the jam-packed programme has all bases covered.

A photograph of Emma Holt, the final resident of Sudley House, is to go on display at the south Liverpool attraction.