THE ICONIC £7m Brindley is set to host prestigious events as part of Liverpool's Capital of Culture in 2008, The World can exclusively reveal.

Artistic director Robyn Archer was so impressed by Halton's state of the art theatre, she hopes to use it as a venue for the city's giant European celebration.

"She was very impressed by The Brindley," said marketing manager Pete Bentham.

He showed Robyn the award-winning facilities when she met neighbouring local authorities.

"She said there was nothing like it anywhere else on Merseyside.

"She was very keen to use us in their programme. We will attract visitors from all over the world."

Holidaymakers from New York have already been bowled over by Halton's unique facilities.

"Visitors told us they haven't got anything like this in New York," said Pete.

As The Brindley prepares to celebrate its first anniversary, statistics show it has already achieved record figures.

More than 70,000 people, including 70 per cent of Halton residents, attended events in the first six months.

Shows including Shirley Valentine and The English National Opera were sellouts.

"We've had an average of 75 per cent attendance which is quite amazing," said Pete. "We've tripled the audience for classical music and jazz.

"We've had put our panto on for a second week to meet demand.

"We could have sold many shows twice over."

Tap dancing, salsa, life drawing classes, digital imaging and darkroom photography are just some of the many skills people can learn in activity sessions.

"We're always looking for new ideas," said Pete. "We encourage feedback and want to hear what people would like."

An exhibition gallery, cinema and terrace caf have proved very popular.

"We'd like to encourage more people from Widnes to try it," said Pete, soon to launch a Brindley website.

"The bridge traffic isn't at its busiest when our events are on."

You can email Pete at thebrindley@halton.gov.uk