A lesson in creative persuasion

The national and international reputations of many UK cities so often seem to rest on the fortunes of their football teams which, in the case of Leeds at least, is a risk that has rarely paid off. In Liverpool last weekend, even the triumphs of Benitez and the the tribulations of Moyes were eclipsed by a giant girl of a spider.

La Princesse invaded the streets and charmed the thousands of people who lined them to greet her arrival in relentless rain. And boy did she give journalists, broadcasters, bloggers, friends and families something to talk about. The regional and national media and the world wide web are full of stories of how the spider won over the city.

The spectacle alone will stay for a long time with everyone who came close to la Princesse. But the truly jaw-dropping aspect was to witness the results of the immense powers of persuasion of the people behind the machine. Although Liverpool had invited Artichoke to create something special for its Capital of Culture year, following the Sultan's Elephant that had stunned London 18 months before, it's impossible to underestimate just how persuasive and tenacious these visionary and capable souls must have been.

This was public relations at its best, winning over the police (whose headquarters were festooned with colourful banners), highways agencies, health and safety officials and others who rarely are praised for their flexibility and 'can do' attitude.

A brilliant lesson for cities of what can be achieved with a combination of vision and passion.