On Saturday 23 March, Birkenhead Town Hall will come alive for Animated Square – the first spectacular event of Wirral’s year as Borough of Culture for Liverpool City Region. The Grade II*-listed building will be the canvas for an incredible 3D projection inspired by the story of the town, which attracted thousands of people when it was first shown last year.
An accompanying free family festival will provide entertainment and build the excitement in the build-up to the projection. From late afternoon, visitors will be able to enjoy circus performers, wonderful character encounters, and stunning illumination around the square. A number of Wirral choirs, including the Wilfred Owen Choir, The Luminelles, Kaboodle, River Sign Choir and Birkenhead School Choir, will be performing before the projection show which will enchant the audience as darkness falls. There will also be a fun fair and a selection of food and drink stands for everyone to enjoy.
First seen as part of the celebrations for the Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta in May last year, the projection show reflects Birkenhead’s people, places and history, and Wirral’s impact on the wider world. The incredible display is a fitting way to herald Wirral’s Borough of Culture year.
Award-winning Illuminos, who created the projection show, spent time investigating Birkenhead’s past, present and future to unearth stories they could incorporate into the light and sound display. Their research took them to Wirral Archives, Birkenhead Priory, Birkenhead Library, Birkenhead Park, Bidston Windmill and Cammell Laird, where they spoke to local archivists and historians.
The event is organised by Wirral Council, with funding for the projection fromArts Council England. The Borough of Culture initiative was introduced by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and is designed to encourage cultural activities across the region.
Full timings for the event will be released closer to the event. For more information, please visit imaginewirral.com or follow @ImagineWirral on Twitter.