Wirral Life March 2018 | Page 11

MERSEY FERRIES TO CELEBRATE CAPITAL OF CULTURE MILESTONE
THE HIVE PRESENTS PATRON PLAQUE TO FILM INDUSTRY VIP

IN BRIEF

MERSEY FERRIES TO CELEBRATE CAPITAL OF CULTURE MILESTONE
THE HIVE PRESENTS PATRON PLAQUE TO FILM INDUSTRY VIP
Mersey Ferries has announced a spectacular programme of Summer Evening Cruises and Special Cruises for 2018 as the city of Liverpool gears up for a year of celebration to mark ten years since being European Capital of Culture .
With a year-long programme of inspirational events being planned throughout the city , thousands of visitors will also get the chance to experience the city ’ s heritage on the River Mersey in 2018 with a record number of cruises and activities in this year ’ s Mersey Ferries programme .
Following the success of last year ’ s Summer Evening Cruises , another 14 cruises have been scheduled to take place between May and September featuring live entertainment from a range of talented local artists . Running for two hours , each cruise also features a fully licensed bar and stunning views of the Liverpool and Wirral waterfronts for £ 14.95 per person .
Visitors will also have the chance to get another taste of Liverpool ’ s famous Fab Four on the water this year with the return of the Beatles Tribute Cruises in April , July and August . Three fun-filled cruises , priced at £ 20 per ticket , will set sail with passengers able to enjoy fantastic performances from one of Merseyside ’ s best cover bands - Paperback Writers , The Beatles Experience .
Mersey Ferries ’ Special Themed Evening Cruises paying tribute to some of the greatest music legends of all time have also been announced and will be taking place between June - September 2018 . The Making of Motown musical tribute on 23rd June recreates the style , music and energy of the Motown era ; whilst on 22nd September , Gimme ! Gimme ! Gimme ! ABBA on the Mersey is set to impress Merseyside ’ s dancing queens . Tickets for both shows are priced at £ 18 per person . History-lovers can also experience the fascinating Manchester Ship Canal Cruise , which offers a North West day out to remember from April to October . The relaxing journey along the inland waterway allows passengers to take in the spectacular scenery and enjoy a journey through time taking in the historic buildings , industrial landscape and beautiful countryside .
For information on Mersey Ferries ’ full programme of summer activities , visit www . merseyferries . co . uk or to book , call the ticket office on 0151 330 1003 or visit any one of Merseytravel terminals .
Budding young film-makers at The Hive , Wirral Youth Zone , were given the chance to showcase their talent to the Vice President of the British Board of Film Classification , Alison Hastings , when she visited the youth facility this week .
The visit was organised in recognition of the British Board of Film Classification ’ s ( BBFC ) commitment to provide funding for The Hive ’ s film and media studio , an important part of the Youth Zone ’ s arts offer . Launched in 2017 , the film and media studio - named “ Rewind ” by Hive members - provides young people who attend The Hive with a dedicated space to develop multi-media and film editing skills . The studio is equipped with cameras , lighting , a green screen and editing software , enabling young people to create and edit their own audiovisual projects .
Having provided initial funding for the film and media studio last year , the BBFC has now committed to another two years of funding for the facility , which will cover staffing costs and ensure that The Hive ’ s young members can continue to pursue their passion for film-making .
To thank the BBFC for its ongoing support , Chief Executive of The Hive , Stuart Barnes , presented Alison Hastings with the special BBFC Founder Patron ’ s plaque – a replica of the plaque that adorns the Patron ’ s wall at the Youth Zone . Alison was then given a tour of The Hive , meeting the management team , youth workers and volunteers who deliver the facility ’ s broad range of arts , sports and enterprise activities . She also spent time speaking to some of the young people who have benefited from using the film and media studio .
Commenting on the visit , Alison Hastings said , “ We are delighted to receive this plaque , I am particularly pleased to be representing the BBFC today as I live in Birkenhead and love supporting my local community .
“ The Hive is a fantastic facility , which gives young people the opportunity to use media equipment for the first time and to develop their passion for and skills in producing their own original content . At the BBFC we recognise the importance of supporting community film and education groups across the UK and consider the opportunities given to young people at The Hive to be positive for both them and the industry as a whole .” wirrallife . com 11