W BOROUGH OF CULTURE
L
WIRRAL BOROUGH OF CULTURE:
AN OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD FINALE
It’s been a year for unforgettable experiences in Wirral as we’ve
celebrated being Borough of Culture for Liverpool City Region. Wirral special, and contributed significantly to an improved sense
of civic pride across the borough.
Over 400,000 people took part in this year’s incredible events and
cultural projects, which took us on a cultural journey from local
stories and legends to the far reaches of the universe – all inspired
by discovery, exploration and the great outdoors. Along with this autumn’s out-of-this-world events, 2019’s
highlights have included Animated Square which started the
year in style with a 3D projection onto Birkenhead Town Hall
in March, the outdoor spectacular The Witching Hour in May,
and the wonderful Wirral Food & Drink Festival weekend in
September, combining gastronomic delights with world-class
concerts from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and
Lightning Seeds, The Christians and China Crisis. Meanwhile,
standout sporting moments included the first ever Wirral stage of
the OVO Energy Tour of Britain.
Wirral Borough of Culture 2019 triumphed at the Wirral
Life Awards, picking up a Special Recognition award for this
remarkable year. The Borough of Culture team, along with Chef
Paul Askew, also received the Gold Event of the Year award for
the inaugural Wirral Food & Drink Festival which transformed
Birkenhead Park into a foodie destination over a sunny September
weekend.
The final chapter of the Borough of Culture year has included
a cluster of interstellar events featuring the work of world-
renowned artists. Following the large-scale mural on the Dips in
New Brighton by celebrated artist Saype, thousands flocked to
West Kirby’s Marine Lake last month for Constellations – Joanie
Lemercier’s breath-taking installation on the water.
Luke Jerram’s mesmerising Museum of the Moon attracted 21,000
visitors at Birkenhead Town Hall over three weeks, while tens of
thousands turned out for annual fireworks extravaganza River of
Light in New Brighton, which proved a dazzling finale for 2019’s
events.
This year’s events programme has brought new visitors to Wirral,
created memories which will last a lifetime, and enabled culture
and creativity to thrive. It’s been a celebration of what makes
20 wirrallife.com
The Borough of Culture team from Wirral Council who have been
behind the events would like to thank the residents and partners,
including Wirral Life, who have made this amazing year possible.
Over 270 volunteers have provided a fantastic welcome to visitors
and helped the events run smoothly. Wirral Borough of Culture
2019 wouldn’t have been a success without everyone’s support,
and the team have been overwhelmed by the positive response
to events – 9 out of 10 visitors rating their experience at events as
‘good’ or ‘very good’.
The Borough of Culture baton will now be handed over to Sefton,
whose year will be a celebration of their place and people, with
more memorable moments in store. Here in Wirral, the Borough
of Culture programme will be a springboard into even more
exciting events for next year and the years to come.
Look out for more information on what to look forward to in 2020
very soon!