The only disappointment of the night was that the major parties, although invited, failed to turn up. As a result of this, the forum unintentionally ended up being an independents-only night.

Fourteen of them, pictured here, put their best foot forward and offered to serve Liverpool on the council. One even spoke all the way from Ireland mayoral candidate Michael Byrne emailing his speech to forum organiser Ian Bailey.

There were some stirring speeches and some that were a little less inspiring. But each and every candidate offered Liverpool residents hope, and all agreed on the need to restore pride in our town.

Liverpool residents from the four corners of the town turned up on the night.

Pictures by Angelo Velardo