THE line-up for this year's Wirral Festival of Firsts is revealed today.
Showcasing local, national and international talent, it takes place from July 7 to July 22 at various venues across Wirral and is regarded as one of the most eclectic and largely-free events on the festival calendar.
Back by popular demand is internationally-renowned classical guitarist Craig Ogden, band Kabantu – formerly known as Project Jam Sandwich - who wowed audiences and poet Ian McMillan, also known as 'The Bard of Barnsley'.
Simon Armitage, currently Oxford Professor of Poetry, is taking part in the festival for the first time.
There will also be poetry and photography competitions, peformances from local musicians and theatre companies.
The Kitchener Waterloo Community Orchestra on tour from Canada.
Three 'Community Saturday' events as part of the festival include the Hoylake Carnival Parade and Queen's Park Family Day when the High Street will come alive with 'Wirral Past and Present Parade'.
During the West Kirby Summer Arts and Crafts Fair and the annual Children's Festival Day, Meols, there will be a première performance of Off Book's Robin Hood.
For the first time, a friends group from Greasby will stage its production of Persephone, a play for children.
And the festival organisers are also looking for volunteers to help.
Linda Gardiner, chair of the festival planning team said: "I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers, sponsors and supporters who give so generously to make ours a great and truly community festival.
"We are proud that we are a 100% volunteer run festival but this means we rely heavily on the commitment of volunteers, the valued partnership of organisations like Melrose Hall and West Kirby Arts Centre, and generous sponsors.
"Now the festival needs you to make it a success!
"So, if you are interested in the arts as an audience member or as a participant, or maybe you just want to celebrate who we are and where we live, we hope you will find something that interests you in our programme.
"If not perhaps you could try something new during Festival of Firsts 2017. We look forward to welcoming you to a Festival event in 2017”.
Full details and tickets are from festivaloffirsts.com
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