WIRRAL
BOROUGH OF CULTURE 2019
imaginewirral.com | #Wirral2019
EVENTS PROGRAMME JULY-DECEMBER ‘19
Major partners
Official supporters
Official media partner
Official video partner
All information is correct at the time of going to print. Dates and timings are subject to change – please check before you travel. Wirral Council reserves the right to postpone or alter any events as advertised. Front cover: Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram. University of Bristol, UK, 2017. Photo Carolyn Eaton Back cover (clockwise from top): Animated Square, River Festival Wirral and The Witching Hour by Periplum: Wirral Council, Photo Mark McNulty | Radio Local: Heart of Glass, Photo Stephen King | OVO Energy Tour Series: SWPix
|2
Wirral’s spectacular year continues BOROUGH OF CULTURE 2019 We’re now halfway through our year as Borough of Culture for Liverpool City Region. It’s been an incredible year so far, and we’re delighted to share the second half of our programme which will see us through the summer to the end of the year with out of this world cultural and sporting events for everyone. More than 100,000 people have already taken part in our events in 2019, from Animated Square welcoming in our Borough of Culture year with style, to the spectacular The Witching Hour which left audiences in Birkenhead Park spellbound (both pictured below). September will be a bumper month, with the all-new Wirral Food & Drink Festival, an outdoor performance by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra on the Saturday, with Lightning Seeds, The Christians and China Crisis on the Sunday and the phenomenal Tour of Britain - all taking place within what promises to be an unforgettable week for Wirral. We’re also looking forward to Constellations, our season inspired by the moon and stars, and the return of the ever-popular River of Light. We look forward to seeing you at some or all of the wonderful events that we will bring to you over the coming months.
Cllr Christine Spriggs Cabinet Member, Culture & Tourism, Wirral Council
|3
Art Outdoors Date Summer Location Various Free
This summer sees an inspiring programme of art outdoors in Wirral’s amazing open spaces, showcasing the work of fantastic artists and using art to elevate our already stunning natural assets. Yan Wang Preston’s Forest brings award-winning photography to Birkenhead Priory as part of LOOK Photo Biennial. Look out for a range of artistic happenings in the great outdoors, including a series of locallycreated pavilions which will pop up in Birkenhead Park and at Woodside. Our Art Outdoors season will take you on a journey to discover new and hidden places, and view familiar spaces in a different light. Keep an eye out for more exciting art projects and fun activities this summer, with major announcements still to come. Supported by FINSA and Culture Liverpool.
Image: Lu
ke Hayes
For more details about Art Outdoors, visit: imaginewirral.com
|4
Yan Wang Preston Forest Date Until Sunday 22 September Location Birkenhead Priory, Birkenhead Free Forest looks at the modern practice of moving ancient trees into new places, or planting trees in climates that do not welcome them. In recent years, developers in China have been transplanting old trees into new leisure developments, in an attempt to create a feeling of ready-made authenticity. The trees often die in the process of being moved, or adapt poorly to their new climate. Amid China’s rapid development and mass construction of megacities, the series captures the contemporary process of attempting to transplant the natural world into urban environments - of trying to cover up the newness of new developments. Forest is a collaboration with Open Eye Gallery and part of LOOK Photo Biennial. Supported by Heart of Glass. For more information, visit: imaginewirral.com
|5
Made of Iron
Dates Throughout 2019 Location Various locations Free
A celebration of Wirral’s shipbuilding and maritime heritage story as the borough takes its place on the world stage as the birthplace of the RRS Sir David Attenborough. Made of Iron features a range of exhibitions and projects showcasing the Birkenhead-built vessels and people which make this inspiring story unique.
Six Vessels
Blood in the Veins
Until Sunday 29 September Williamson Art Gallery & Museum
Saturday 21 September, 1.30pm-3pm Williamson Art Gallery & Museum
Explore the stories behind six Wirralbuilt ships which travelled the world. Models and historic artefacts will feature alongside new artwork to celebrate Wirral’s industrial heritage and the borough’s contribution to maritime exploration.
This poetry and prose event during the last Saturday of Six Vessels will look at the lives of those who built and worked on the vessels featured in the exhibition.
A Community Made of Iron We’re building a digital archive to share the social history and experiences of workers, families and communities. We want to hear from anyone who can share stories, photographs or artefacts which will help us capture life in and around the shipyard - or you can nominate a friend or relative. Email cultureteam@wirral. gov.uk to get involved.
Image: AJW Burgess & EF Skinner - Vis Courtesy of it of their Ma Williamson Ar jesties King t Gallery & Mu George V an seum, Birken d Queen Ma head; Wirral ry to Camm Museums Se ell Laird, Bir rvice
kenhead, 14
|6
May 1917.
Future Yard Festival Birkenhead plays host to the inaugural FUTURE YARD FESTIVAL this August bank holiday: a two-day celebration of the best national, international and local contemporary new music set across some of Birkenhead’s iconic spaces.
Dates Friday 23 & Saturday 24 August Location Various Tickets from £20
Bill Nickson and Dialect. Saturday features cutting edge artists Nilüfer Yanya, PIXX and Audiobooks, with break out Wirral bands Eyesore & The Jinx and SPQR. In situ across both days will be PYLON; an exclusive new installation and sound sculpture from Wirral native FOREST SWORDS in partnership with The Kazimier, at the 850 year-old Birkenhead Priory. Performances will also take place in the ground-breaking new arts space and mental health support hub Bloom Building.
Headliners come in the form of powerrocking classicist (and BBC 6Music Festival headliner) ANNA CALVI (Saturday) and Wirral’s favourite son BILL RYDER-JONES (Friday), at Birkenhead Town Hall. Friday’s line up includes Stella Donnelly, Szun Waves, Charles Watson and Squid alongside established and emerging local talents Queen Zee,
Full line-up details and tickets are available at futureyard.org
|7
Wirral Food & Drink Festival
Dates Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 September Location Birkenhead Park Free
Bringing together an abundance of local producers and celebrity chefs from Wirral and beyond, the allnew Wirral Food & Drink Festival presents a two-day gastronomic experience for food and drink lovers in Birkenhead Park.
Set against the backdrop of one of Wirral’s most celebrated and beautiful Green Flag parks, this is not to be missed, with something for all the family alongside fantastic art and entertainment and the mouth-watering array of food and drink on offer.
With elements curated by nationally renowned Wirral-born chef, Paul Askew of The Art School Restaurant, the Festival will be a showcase of what Wirral has to offer from field to fork.
For more information, visit: imaginewirral.com
|8
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Sponsored by
Date Saturday 7 September Location Birkenhead Park Tickets liverpoolphil.com
Lightning Seeds, The Christians & China Crisis
We’re proud to present a very special evening in the majestic setting of Birkenhead Park for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s only outdoor performance as a full Orchestra this year. Showcasing music from composers as diverse as Bizet, Lennon and McCartney, John Williams, Holst and others, including popular classics and songs such as You’ll Never Walk Alone, Ferry ‘cross the Mersey, and music from films such as Star Wars and E.T, the Orchestra will be joined by Liverpool-born international mezzosoprano, Jennifer Johnston under the baton of conductor, Richard Balcombe.
Date Sunday 8 September Location Birkenhead Park Tickets ticketswirral.com These legendary Merseyside bands are taking over Birkenhead Park for one night only.
Tickets: £15 for adults (£20 on the day), £12.50 for concessions. Two children under 16 can attend for free with every adult/concession ticket purchased.
Drawing from their chart-topping hits and classic tunes, these iconic bands will be ‘coming home’ to Merseyside to celebrate and perform their worldfamous anthems in what is sure to be a magnificent evening. Eclectic songs and nostalgia-filled beats will transport you to a musical paradise amongst the breath-taking backdrop of the park.
For more information, visit: imaginewirral.com Image: © Ma
rk McNulty
Tickets: £17.50 for adults, £15 for concessions, £10 for 6-16 year olds. Under 5s go free with an adult/ concession ticket. For more information, visit: imaginewirral.com |9
Photo: SWPix
OVO Energy Tour of Britain Birkenhead Park will host both the start and finish of stage five of this year’s prestigious OVO Energy Tour of Britain. The 174-kilometre (108-mile) stage will help celebrate our year as the Liverpool City Region’s Borough of Culture, showcasing the area’s history, heritage and beautiful coastlines.
Date Wednesday 11 September Location Across Wirral start/finish in Birkenhead Park Free Sponsored by
Riders will pass through the historic Port Sunlight and into Cheshire West and Chester, notably passing the Airbus UK manufacturing facility at Broughton. The route will return to Wirral via Heswall, Caldy and Hoylake, before passing through the Birkenhead Park finish line and taking in a loop through Seacombe, Wallasey and New Brighton. For more information, visit: imaginewirral.com
| 10
Heritage Open Days
Dates Friday 13 - Sunday 22 September Location Various Free
The annual Heritage Open Days return to historic venues across Wirral, allowing you to explore well-known and hidden heritage gems.
open to the general public or free access to properties that usually charge for admission. This is a fabulous opportunity to discover the heritage that shapes where we live now, and the lives of our forefathers. Whether it is lighthouses, places of worship or iconic buildings, they all reveal the footprints of the past.
Heritage Open Days are an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the local buildings that we often pass every day without a second glance. It is an opportunity for the doors of history to be opened and the heritage inside to be revealed and celebrated.
Organised by the Wirral History & Heritage Association. For more information about where you can explore for this year’s Heritage Open Days, go to wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk or visitwirral.com
With walks, talks and other activities across the whole peninsula, visit buildings which are either not normally
| 11
CALENDAR OF EVENTS July
Rembrandt in Print
Lady Lever Art Gallery P20 Until 15 September
Cycling Through Time
Williamson Art Gallery & Museum P21 Until 15 September
Yan Wang Preston Forest
P5
Birkenhead Priory Until 22 September
Six Vessels
P6
Williamson Art Gallery & Museum Until 29 September
Aug
Sep
Wirral Society Get It Loud 03 of Arts 9th Open 01 in Libraries Exhibition P18
Williamson Art Gallery & Museum 3 August 15 September
17
New Brighton Pirate Fest
New Brighton Promenade 17 August
Birkenhead Central Library P17 1 September
Royal Liverpool 07 Philharmonic Orchestra Birkenhead Park P9 7 September
Food & 07 Wirral Drink Festival Birkenhead Park P8 7 & 8 September
07 Walker Cup
Royal Liverpool Golf Club P18 7 & 8 September
Summer 13 Reading Challenge
Lightning Seeds, 08 The Christians & China Crisis
Various Libraries P17 13 July - 31 August
Birkenhead Park P9 8 September
Mama G’s 25 Space Chase Yard Family Storytime 23 Future Festival
OVO Energy 11 Tour of Britain
Various Libraries P17 25 July
Birkenhead Town Hall, Birkenhead Priory and Bloom Building P7 23 & 24 August
31
Skeleton Coast Festival Leasowe Castle 31 August - 1 September
ART OUTDOORS
MADE OF IRON
Summer Various locations
Throughout 2019 Various locations
| 12
Across the Wirral/ Birkenhead Park P10 11 September
Tom Gates 13 Live on Stage!
Floral Pavilion P22 13 - 22 September
27 Distinctly
Williamson Art Gallery & Museum 27 September P16 24 November
Wirral Arts 28 Festival
Various locations 28 September – P19 12 October
JULY - DECEMBER 2019 Oct Museum of 25 the Moon by Luke Jerram P15
Birkenhead Town Hall 25 October - 15 November
Nov
03 River of Light New Brighton P23 3 November
20 The Nutcracker
Dec Snow White 07 and the Seven Dwarfs Floral Pavilion 7 December – P22 5 January 2020
Floral Pavilion P22 20 November
30 Oxton Art Fair
Williamson Art Gallery & Museum 30 November P19 1 December
For details on all of these events, visit: imaginewirral.com
Matisse: Drawing 25 with Scissors Lady Lever Art Gallery 25 October – P20 15 March 2020
CONSTELLATIONS Autumn Various locations
| 13
Constellations Date Autumn Location Various Free Look to the skies this autumn for Constellations – an out-of-this-world series of events and activities inspired by the moon and the stars. With partners including hi-impact and Culture Liverpool, Autumn will take our outdoor spaces to another dimension – transformed with art and digital installations reflecting the big skies above. Meanwhile, indoors the phenomenal Museum of the Moon at Birkenhead Town Hall will transfix visitors as they get a closer look at the moon’s surface in stunning detail. Bringing together communities across Wirral, Constellations will encourage children and young people to think big and go beyond. More information about Constellations will be revealed soon – follow @ImagineWirral on Twitter and visit imaginewirral.com for more information.
Mooncamp Date Saturday 5 October Location Wirral Country Park Free This free community festival will be an exciting day of hands-on activities and science workshops that will amaze and astound! As well as a range of demonstrations and practical sessions throughout the day, we will be joined by celebrity astronomer Mark Thompson from BBC’s Stargazing Live and Good Morning Britain. Mark will be running his spectacular science shows and talking to children and their parents about all things space! | 14
Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram Dates Friday 25 October – Friday 15 November Location Birkenhead Town Hall Free Prepare to be awe-struck as the moon comes to Birkenhead Town Hall’s magnificent Assembly Room for October half-term. Measuring seven metres in diameter, the mesmerising installation features detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. Each centimetre of the internally lit sculpture represents 5km of the moon’s surface. Museum of the Moon is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones. The world-famous installation will be accompanied by a special programme of lunar-inspired events beneath it. Museum of the Moon is a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram. Co-commissioned by a number of creative organisations brought together by Luke Jerram and Norfolk & Norwich Festival. These include: We The Curious, Kimmel Center, Lakes Alive, Provincial Domain Dommelhof, Brighton Festival, Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, Without Walls, Les Tombées de la Nuit, Rennes and Cork Midsummer Festival. The artwork has also been created in Councilship with the UK Space Agency, University of Bristol and The Association for Science and Discovery Centres.
To find out more about Museum of the Moon on tour, visit my-moon.org and follow #museumofthemoon
| 15
Distinctly
Dates Friday 27 September - Sunday 24 November Location Williamson Art Gallery & Museum Free
Sponsored by
This show takes a unique approach to the depiction of Britain and its distinct landscapes, industries, social and economic changes, cultural traditions, traits and events as seen through the eyes of twelve of the most significant and impactful established and emerging photographers working in Britain over the last six decades: Martin Parr, Chris Killip, Markéta Luskcaová, John Myers, Tish Murtha, Daniel Meadows, Ken Grant, Niall McDiarmid, Robert Darch and Kirsty Mackay. Image: From
the Youth Un
employmen
t series by Tis
h Murtha ©
The exhibition looks at the gentle, the humorous, the starkness, the beauty and the realities experienced and captured by the photographers around their lives living and working in Britain. Part of LOOK Photo Biennial 2019, Distinctly is a bridge between chapter one and chapter two of the LOOK programme. This exhibition was first shown in China, at Pingyao Photography Festival. For more information, visit: imaginewirral.com
Ella Murtha,
| 16
All rights res
erved.
Wirral Libraries Summer 2019
Summer Reading Challenge
Date Summer Location Various libraries Free & paid for events
Mama G will be blasting off to meet the first dog to go into space, discovering what it takes to be an astronaut (and she hopes you’ll come on the training with her!) and introduce you to her new Martian friend Alan - an alien who wants nothing more than to live on earth!
Saturday 13 July - Saturday 31 August Wirral Libraries and The Reading Agency present the 2019 Summer Reading Challenge: Space Chase celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon landings.
Mama G is delighted to have created brand new stories for the whole family that explore the theme of space and encourage you to be who you are and love who you want.
On your challenge you will meet the Rockets! A super cool family who live on a satellite station in space. They love to spend time at their local library on the moon, but they need your help! Books are disappearing from the Moon Library with no explanation. Who could be behind such a dastardly deed….?
This inclusive storytelling experience is suitable for all the family (babes in arms go free) but best suited for those aged 4+ to listen to the stories and join in the fun! Fancy dress optional!
The Summer Reading Challenge takes place every summer holiday and you can sign up at any local library. Read at least six library books of your choice over four visits (minimum two books per visit) to collect special stickers and other incentives along the way - all free. All participants will receive a certificate and those that complete the challenge will be awarded a medal and certificate. For more information go to wirral.gov.uk/summer2019 or visit your local library.
Tickets: Early bird £1.50 (until 17 July), then £2. Book online ticketsource.co.uk/ wirrallibraries
Get It Loud in Libraries - Hannah Cohen Sunday 1 September, doors 2.30pm New York singer-songwriter Hannah Cohen announced tour dates in the UK and Europe to add the captivating songs from her third album.
Mama G’s Space Chase Family Storytime Thursday 25 July (West Kirby, 10.30am; Bebington, 1pm; Birkenhead Central Library, 3.30pm)
Welcome Home and Wirral Libraries in partnership with Get it Loud in Libraries is proud to add another amazing artist to its gig calendar.
Come along for an interactive storytelling experience for the whole family as we join Mama G on an adventure into space!
Tickets: £8. Book online at getitloudinlibraries.com
| 17
Wirral Society of Arts 9th Open Exhibition Dates Saturday 3 August – Sunday 15 September Location Williamson Art Gallery & Museum Free
des Gate. Fir st prize winne
r 2017
Creative and inspiring work from a diverse range of talented contemporary artists will be on show for the 9th Open Exhibition by the Wirral Society of Artists.
el Pittman, Ha
Long established and well respected, the WSA has a strong reputation in the arts community for quality artwork.
Image: Micha
Come along and join the growing trend to acquire affordable, original artworks. For more information, visit: wirralsocietyarts.org
Walker Cup Dates Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 September Location Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake Tickets start at ÂŁ25 The 47th biennial match between the amateurs of Great Britain and Ireland and the USA will be played in September 2019 at Royal Liverpool as the Club celebrates the 150th anniversary of its foundation. The tournament is a chance to see upcoming golfing talent, with many great players taking part over the years including Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods for the USA and Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald for GB&I. For more information and tickets, visit: walkercup.org | 18
Wirral Arts Festival Dates Saturday 28 September – Saturday 12 October Location Various Free & paid for events Wirral Arts Festival returns with two weeks of cultural celebrations across the borough. Enjoy musical performances spanning jazz, classical, choral and more at venues including Thornton Manor, Williamson Art Gallery & Museum and Wallasey Town Hall Among this year’s busy calendar of events is the premiere of musical play Knowledge by Degrees, alongside film screenings, mindfulness sessions, cookery and book signings. Also returning for 2019 are the popular Engineering and Science Days. For more information, visit: wirralartsfestival.co.uk
Oxton Art Fair Dates Saturday 30 November & Sunday 1st December Time 10am–5pm (Saturday), 10am-4pm (Sunday) Location Williamson Art Gallery & Museum 2019 marks the 16th annual Oxton Art Fair, with over twenty artists and designers exhibiting and selling their unique handmade work. Painting, illustration, photography, craft, fashion and print making - all original pieces, and all affordable. Alongside´ the fair, children’s activities will be taking place in the gallery each day. For more details on the events and exhibiting artists visit: oxtonartfair.co.uk | 19
Lady Lever Art Gallery
Location Port Sunlight Village, CH62 5EQ Free, donations welcome
Rembrandt in Print 1 Until Sunday 15 September
Matisse: Drawing with Scissors 1 Friday 25 October – Sunday 15 March 2020
Widely hailed as the greatest painter of the Dutch Golden Age, Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn (1606 -1669) was also one of the most innovative and experimental printmakers of the seventeenth century.
Matisse: Drawing with Scissors will feature lithographic reproductions of the famous cut-outs that the artist produced in the last four years of his life, when confined to his bed, including many of his iconic images, such as The Snail and the Blue Nudes.
This exhibition will present Rembrandt as an unrivalled storyteller through 50 outstanding prints ranging from 1630 until the late 1650s. A variety of subjects will be covered including intense selfportraits, atmospheric landscapes, intimate family portraits, biblical stories and confronting nude studies.
The French painter, sculptor and designer, Henri Matisse (1869-1954) was one of the 20th century’s most influential artists. His vibrant works are celebrated for their extraordinary richness and luminosity of colour and his spectacular paper cut-outs were his final triumph.
Exhibition organised by the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford.
dt, (1643) ©
Rembran e Three Trees,
Ashmolean
Matisse: Drawing with Scissors is a Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition from the Southbank Centre.
ford
iversity of Ox
Museum, Un
Image: Th
| 20
Williamson Art Gallery & Museum
Location Slatey Road, Birkenhead CH43 4UE Free, donations welcome
Animal Encounters Until Sunday 1 September
Cycling Through Time
Throughout history, artists have created drawings and paintings of animals reflecting their personal relationships, because animals have always been important to human life. Animal Encounters brings together six centuries of paintings, drawings, print and objects from the Williamson’s collection.
As Wirral welcomes the OVO Energy Tour of Britain for the first time (p10), this fascinating display of historic bicycles shows bicycle development from the late 19th to 20th century.
Until Sunday 22 September
Cycling Through Time features a range of designs on loan from the Museum of Liverpool’s collection, including the classic penny-farthing (or ‘ordinary’ bicycle). These bicycles sit alongside a contemporary designer bike created from laminated wood by Spanish company Cyclowood.
The exhibition shows animals in a wide range of settings and invites visitors to examine how humans interact with and respond to the animal kingdom. The selection may change from time to time, especially to include work by living local artists contributing to the theme.
The exhibition continues over in nearby Birkenhead Park, the start and finish point for the Tour of Britain, with a historic bike suspended in park’s Visitors’ Centre. Supported by National Museums Liverpool and FINSA UK. For more information, visit: williamsonartgallery.org
Other exhibitions and events at Williamson Art Gallery & Museum can be found on pages 16, 18 & 19.
| 21
Floral Pavilion Tom Gates - Live on Stage! Wednesday 18 - Sunday 22 September Based on the best-selling books by Liz Pichon, this brand-new story of Tom Gates is bought to you by the award-winning producers of Horrible Histories and Gangsta Granny. It’s pure fun for the whole family whether you’re a lover of the books or new to Tom and his friends! Russian State Ballet & Opera House presents The Nutcracker
Wednesday 20 November
Dates Various Location Floral Pavilion, New Brighton, CH45 2JS Tickets floralpavilion.com
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Saturday 7 December Sunday 5 January 2020 With a mix of well-known songs, cheeky comedy, great casts, stunning sets, beautiful costumes, outstanding quality and value for money, it’s become an unmissable festive treat for families across the region. Leading the cast as The Wicked Queen is former Brookside actress and West End star Claire Sweeney. For more information, visit: floralpavilion.com
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a dazzling production of the most famous ballet in the world, The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker returns with a vibrant and enchanting full touring ballet production. Snow flurries, sweets, princes, magic and love are just some of the elements that will be brought together by this renowned Russian company.
| 22
River of Light The biggest and brightest fireworks extravaganza in the region returns for 2019! The skies above New Brighton will be filled with breath-taking light and kaleidoscopic colour once again, reflected along the waterfront below to welcome the start of the festive season. Brought to you in partnership with Culture Liverpool, this visual spectacle
Date Sunday 3 November Location New Brighton Free
features a showstopping soundtrack accompanying the jaw-dropping fireworks display. River of Light is one of our annual highlights and the perfect way to end our Borough of Culture year. Family entertainment in the build-up to the extraordinary show will make this a memorable event you won’t want to miss! For more information, visit: imaginewirral.com
| 23
Wirral’s Borough of Culture year continues, with even more unmissable events and unforgettable experiences. We’re celebrating this incredible peninsula all year long with events inspired by discovery, exploration and the great outdoors.
Photo: SWPix
World-class sporting events and inspiring cultural moments across the borough will encourage you to look up, look around and see our magnificent open spaces in new ways as we present Wirral to the world.
For more information: Email: cultureteam@wirral.gov.uk Website: imaginewirral.com Twitter: @ImagineWirral