Pop megastar Justin Timberlake may be more used to travelling in private jets than trains. However, from 14 March 2008 he has been touring the North of England on a Northern Rail Class 150, as the UK’s largest train operator announces it is an official supporter to Liverpool Culture Company

Justin is just one of several people and images featured in two special train liveries that will travel throughout the north of England celebrating Northern Rail’s support of Liverpool: European Capital of Culture 2008.

Each train features a different design championing the arts and the Capital of Culture. Set No. 150146 features images of a variety of musicians, while set No. 150147 is dedicated to art and sculpture, including pictures of Anthony Gormley’s ‘Iron Men’ and superlambanana.

The image of Justin shows one of his recent MTV Award wins, marking the fact that the world famous music awards show is coming to Liverpool in 2008.

Jamie Ross, Area Director, Northern Rail said: “As the UK’s largest train operator we are delighted to be an official supporter of Liverpool Capital of Culture. Over 78 million journeys were made on our services last year and these trains will be a rolling celebration and promotion of the city and this year’s events.”

Councillor Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council and Deputy Chairman of Liverpool Culture Company said: “It is a huge boost for our Capital of Culture celebrations to have the support of Northern Rail. Through their fleet of trains they can promote the message that Liverpool is the place to be this year to millions of people travelling all over the North of England. These train wraps are a fantastic advert for the city and underline the unbeatable quality and scale of our cultural offer.”

The artwork for the train liveries has been specially commissioned through the Culture Company and designed by Liverpool agency Finch.