- Written by Ed Burns
- Local Democracy Reporting Service
image source, DCMS/PA media
Giant globe appears in Birkenhead Park
A music festival, a giant globe exhibition and an art project have been revealed as part of plans to highlight 'the best of Wirral' in 2024.
These events were announced after Wirral was confirmed as this year's Borough of Culture.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotherham said it was an opportunity for Wirral to develop its own identity after a year focused on culture.
“Let’s put Wirral back on the map,” Mr Rotherham added.
The Borough of Culture title rotates between the various boroughs that make up the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and is intended to celebrate areas outside of Liverpool.
Wirral last held the title in 2019.
Previously announced plans showed a £145,000 arts festival would be held in New Brighton, with £120,000 to be spent on two gala events in the spring and autumn.
There are also plans for a heritage festival, events to be held in libraries across the Wirral, galleries in Broomville and events in Eureka. science and discovery.
Mr Rotherham said this was an opportunity for Wirral to build its own identity.
This year the Borough of Culture's festival, run by Birkenhead music venue Future Yard, was held in front of Town Hall.
But Craig Pennington, who runs Future Yard and helped develop the new events program, said he plans to host performances at several venues around town.
He said they would be held over the August bank holiday weekend and would be called 'Future Now'.
Mr Pennington added: “It will encourage people to get lost in Birkenhead, explore new music and explore towns like theirs.”
Meanwhile, Rock Ferry's Patrick Rodgers will host 30 artist-led events over five months called “Into the Wild.”
Mr Rogers said the events were based on Wirral's connection to the medieval story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
“At the moment it feels like Wirral is being culturally ambitious and taking risks with the kind of work we're making. It feels like a breath of fresh air to our region.” he said.
Patrick Rogers to lead 'Into the Wild' project
It is the second time Alison Bailey-Smith has hosted Wirral MakeFest in the Borough of Culture year.
She said the festival would promote science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the arts and would be based at Birkenhead Central Library and Williamson Art Gallery.
It will include crafts, virtual reality and a variety of sessions, and will involve more than 50 makers, Bailey-Smith said.
“I don’t think people realize how much goes on on the Wirral in terms of history and heritage, and I think it’s interesting that this program is being shaped a little bit more by the community. ” she added.
Wirral South MP Alison McGovern, who worked for a charitable arts trust before becoming an MP, said she hoped this year would show a different side of Wirral.
She said, “I think there are problems everywhere, but we have a really great culture and history. All of these stories need to be told, not just the negative aspects.”
“I think this is a great opportunity for discovery.”
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