PAUL BACK IN LIVERPOOL FOR ANNUAL LIPA GRADUATION CEREMONY

Paul was back in Liverpool today for the annual LIPA graduation ceremony.

The Beatles star was on hand to honour the institute’s new Companions, who this year included Gemma Bodinetz, the artistic director of the Everyman and Playhouse theatres since 2003.

Among others from the arts and entertainment world receiving the accolade from Sir Paul – LIPA’s co-founder – today were Slade star Noddy Holder and Travis frontman Fran Healy.

Among those receiving LIPA companionship's from Paul were Slade's Noddy Holder, Travis star Fran Healy and Everyman's Gemma Bodinetz

Paul with newly named fellow companions (left- right back row) Scott Rodger, John Rago, Mark Featherstone-Whitty, Conor Murphy, Hugh Padgham (left- right front Row) Sharon Watson, Noddy Holder Paul McCartney, Gemma Bodinetz, Fran Healy and James Thompson, ahead of the the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts graduation ceremony at the Echo Arena, Liverpool. Picture date: Tuesday July 28, 2015. 

The other five new Companions were four-time Grammy-winning record producer Hugh Padgham, music manager and founder of Quest Management Scott Rodger, theatre designer Conor Murphy, professor of applied and social theatre James Thompson and contemporary dancer, choreographer and artistic director of Phoenix Dance Theatre Sharon Watson.

LIPA awards Companionships for outstanding achievement and practical contribution to students’ learning.

American law professor John T Rago, who has supported LIPA through pro bono work for the past 20 years, will also become an Honoured Friend of LIPA.

Paul with newly named fellow companions (left- right back row) Scott Rodger, John Rago, Mark Featherstone-Whitty, Conor Murphy, Hugh Padgham (left- right front Row) Sharon Watson, Noddy Holder Sir Paul McCartney, Gemma Bodinetz, Fran Healy and James Thompson, ahead of the the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts graduation ceremony at the Echo Arena, Liverpool.

Mark Featherstone-Witty, LIPA’s founding principal and CEO, said: “The government recognises that the creative economy generates £8.8m each hour to our economy and yet, with the second attempt to define essential disciplines for schools, does not rate the disciplines we teach as essential.

“Well, with around 95% of our graduates in work three years after leaving us, is the government trying to destroy, as it did with international students, a great British success story?”

Around 280 students from 16 countries graduated at today’s ceremony, having completed either foundation certificate or degree programmes.