Animated Square to launch Wirral Borough of Culture
Wirral will launch its Borough of Culture year with a return for the stunning and atmospheric Animated Square.
Award-winning company Illuminos will stage the event in Hamilton Square on Saturday, March 23 when the grade II* listed Birkenhead Town Hall will become a canvas for a spectacular light and sound projection.
The projection, which drew thousands to see it when it was first staged during the Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta last May, reflects Birkenhead’s people, places and history, and Wirral’s impact on the wider world.
Lancashire-based video projection artists Illuminos spent time investigating Birkenhead’s past, present and future to unearth stories they could incorporate into the display.
On March 23 the evening event will be complemented by a free family festival which will provide entertainment including circus performers and weird and wonderful characters in the build-up to the projection.
Choirs including the Wilfred Owen Choir, The Luminelles, Kaboodle, River Sign Choir and Birkenhead School Choir will perform, and there will also be a fun fair and refreshment stalls.
Wirral Council leader Phil Davies said: “I’m delighted that Animated Square is returning as the curtain raiser for our Borough of Culture programme. The projection was an enormous success last year and we’re looking forward to even more people enjoying it this time around.
“The show that Illuminos have created for this event really captures what our Borough of Culture year is all about – sharing stories that have defined Wirral and celebrating what makes the peninsula such a special place.”
Borough of Culture was introduced by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and is designed to encourage cultural activities across the region. St Helens was the first to hold the title in 2018.