THERE will be a chance to learn more about Wirral's past during a special event later this month.

The History & Heritage Fair will be held at Hulme Hall on Bolton Road in Port Sunlight on Saturday, March 23 from from 10am–4pm.

On the day, there will be almost 100 stalls telling a different aspect of the borough's story – from the Vikings to the Cheshire Home Guard – there's something to capture everyone’s imagination."

The Mayor of Wirral and the borough’s heritage Champion, councillor Jerry Williams, said: "The Wirral History and Heritage Fair has grown to become one of the largest and most respected events of its type in the country, and is always an annual highlight for local people and visitors alike.

"This year's event promises to be even more special as we celebrate Wirral's year as Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture and shine a light on the incredible history and heritage of our borough.

"Whether you're passionate about history, or just looking for something a bit different to do at the weekend, there is something for everyone."

The list of stallholders taking part is, as follows:

  • Angie's Liverpool, photos and postcards
  • Armed Historian
  • Autism Together
  • Bebington Family History Society
  • Bidston Community Archaeology
  • Big Heritage
  • Friends of  Birkenhead Park
  • Birkenhead Priory
  • Bob Dobson, bookseller
  • Burton & Neston History Society
  • Byrne Avenue Baths Trust
  • Cheshire Home Guard
  • Cheshire Local History Association
  • Class 502 Preservation Trust
  • Conservation Areas Wirral
  • Daniel Adamson Preservation Society
  • Dusty Teapot
  • Ellesmere Port Local & Family History Society
  • English Martyrs' Church
  • Friends of Flaybrick Memorial Gardens
  • Friends of Hilbre Island
  • Jules Verne and the Heroes of Birkenhead
  • Larry’s Collectables
  • Liverpool & SW Lancashire Family History Society
  • Martyn Wright, bookseller
  • Merseyside Archaeological Society
  • Merseyside Civic Society
  • Merseyside Industrial Heritage Society
  • Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society
  • Military and Family Genealogy
  • New Brighton Heritage and Information Centre
  • North West History
  • Oxton History Research Group
  • Parkgate Society
  • Philip Welsh, artist
  • Friends of Port Sunlight River Park
  • Ray Masters, bookseller
  • Relatively Seeking UK
  • St James Church, New Brighton
  • Stephen McGreal, author & bookseller
  • Friends of Storeton Woods
  • Thin Read Line, booksales
  • Thomas Brassey Society
  • University of Chester Press
  • Wallasey Family History Society
  • Wallasey Historical Society
  • West Kirby Museum
  • Western Front Association
  • Williamson Art Gallery & Museum
  • Friends of Williamson's Tunnels
  • Windmills and Watermills of Wirral
  • Wirral 3Ls
  • Wirral Archaeology
  • Wirral Archives
  • Wirral Country Park
  • Wirral Geology and Landscape Project (WiGaL)
  • Wirral History & Heritage Association
  • Wirral Libraries
  • Wirral Society
  • Wirral Transport Users Association
  • Wirral Vikings
  • Yesterday's Wirral

Representatives from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will also be on hand this year to advise local heritage groups on making an application for lottery funding. Although those sessions are now fully booked, groups are being invited to email wirral2024@wirral.gov.uk to apply for a place on a follow-up session.

Paul Smith, chair of Wirral History and Heritage Association, said: "Last year's fair was our biggest local heritage event to date, with record numbers of visitors enjoying a day of history, heritage, family trees, archaeology, and fascinating memorabilia.

"The event is so accessible, with free entry, and just a few minutes’ walk from Port Sunlight Station. It’s also all on one level, so getting to and around the venue couldn’t be easier."

More information, including a list of exhibitors, is available at www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk