A shoal of unmissable events and cultural activities has been unveiled today as Wirral prepares for the triumphant return of the Tall Ships over the late May Bank Holiday weekend.
The Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta from 25 to 28 May is bringing back some of the most beautiful vessels in the world to the River Mersey. As part of the festival, Wirral and Liverpool are hosting an exciting line-up of family-friendly events across the weekend to celebrate the region’s maritime connections – past, present and future. All events are suitable for all ages and free to attend.
Meet magical mermaids, come face-to-face with weird and wonderful sea creatures and even some surprising ships funnels! Throughout the weekend, performances from artists and community groups promise to make Wirral’s waterfront ring with the sounds of the sea.
One of Wirral’s most magnificent buildings, Birkenhead Town Hall will be seen in a whole new light as it becomes the canvas for a specially-created spectacular 3D projection that’s not to be missed.
Make an environmental pledge and add a message to artist Lulu Quinn’s incredible Message in a Bottle, and see the extraordinary 8m-long sculpture light up with the help of water ballerinas and a real-life mermaid.
Cllr Christine Spriggs, Wirral’s Cabinet member for delivering differently and culture said: “We’re delighted to be presenting this programme of entertainment and events to celebrate the amazingly popular Tall Ships Regatta and Wirral’s unique connection to the sea.
It’s the first key event in the Imagine Wirral calendar for 2018, which is set to provide extraordinary cultural experiences for our communities, champion the creativity we have here and raise the profile of this fantastic borough. We’re grateful to all of the organisations who have supported the programme so far.”
Wirral’s Tall Ships events have been organised by Wirral Council working with Culture Liverpool and funded by Arts Council England. The Tall Ships Festival is part of Imagine Wirral which sees cultural events taking place throughout the year, in partnership with Wirral Growth Company, Wirral Chamber of Commerce and other organisations.
For more information visit www.imaginewirral.com and follow @ImagineWirral on Twitter. Further details and timings will be added closer to the date.
What’s On
SOMEWHERE BEYOND THE SEA
Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 May, 11am – 4pm
Marine Point and Marine Lake, New Brighton
Whilst the Tall Ships are resting in port over in Liverpool, take part in family-friendly workshops and meet sea-themed performers in New Brighton, including giant sea creatures, and even some surprising ships funnels!
MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE
From Friday 25 May
Marine Point, New Brighton
Lighting the Bottle ceremony: Saturday 26 May, 6.30pm onwards
Marine Lake, New Brighton
Be sure to add a message to artist Lulu Quinn’s beautiful ‘Message in a Bottle’ installation at Marine Point on Friday 25 May before it floats into position on Marine Lake before the sun sets on Saturday 26 May. This thought-provoking work, made from hundreds of bottles collected around the region, carries a poignant environmental message about the impact of plastic on our seas.
On Saturday 26 May, see the bottle light up with the help of beautiful water ballerinas and a real-life mermaid.
ANIMATED SQUARE
Sunday 27 May, open from 6pm – late
Hamilton Square, Birkenhead
Birkenhead Town Hall becomes the canvas for a spectacular 3D projection by award-winning Illuminos inspired by Birkenhead’s people, places and history. Before the unmissable main event, there will be stunning one-off performances from specially commissioned artists and community groups in and around Hamilton Square, as well as a selection of quality food and drink stalls and creative and
circus activities.
PARADE OF SAIL DAY
Monday 28 May, all day
Wirral Waterfront & New Brighton
Live music from local choirs and artists and spectacular street theatre performances will be taking place along the promenade from Seacombe to New Brighton, as we wave farewell to the magnificent vessels and their crews. Follow the Parade of Song, take a ride on a very special life boat, say hello to a living mermaid or have a selfie with sea creatures on the shore – come and join the maritime magic for a day you will never forget!
Timings for the Parade of Sail will be added to www.imaginewirral.com closer to the date.
CONTINENTAL FOOD MARKET
Saturday 26 May, 10am – 8pm
Sunday 27 & Monday 28 May, 10am – 6pm
Ian Fraser Walk, New Brighton
Grab a bite to eat from the food and drink market, offering a taste of foreign shores along Ian Fraser Walk.
Categories: #Liverpool2018 | Family | Free | News | Wirral
