ALMOST 100 artists will throw open their doors when the hugely popular Wirral Open Studio Tour returns this weekend.
Taking place on Saturday (June 8) and Sunday (June 9) the free event is now in its 14th year. Organisers say a 'record' 99 artists across the peninsula will open their studios and creative spaces for the event, which promises to be 'bigger than ever before'.
Now in its 14th year of celebrating visual arts across the peninsula, the tour sees artists and makers opening the doors to their homes or studios for one weekend each June.
The event is a chance to meet artists and talk to them about their processes, as well as buy from them direct. Visitors will discover creatives working in a wide variety of disciplines, including painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, glass, textiles, photography and woodworking.
Tour organiser and glass artist Helen Smith said: "We’re very excited about this year’s event. With many new artists and new venues, it’s shaping up to be our best yet.
"We receive wonderful feedback each year from the thousands of visitors from across the North West who are inspired by the art trail.
"We really love being able to help spread the word of the amazing talent we have here on the Wirral."
All studios are open from 10am - 5pm on Saturday, June 8 June and Sunday June 9, with a selection also open from 6pm - 9pm on Friday, June 7.
To help you plan your arty weekend, a free colour brochure listing all the artists and venue locations can be downloaded from the wirralarts.com website.
You’ll also find printed copies at galleries, cafes, community centres and libraries in the run-up to the event.
Band in park
WIRRAL Symphonic Wind Band is playing in the upper park at Ashton Park in West Kirby on Sunday (June 9) from 2-4 pm. The advice from organisers to potential concertgoers is 'bring a blanket and brolly. Entry is free and donations for the Park are very welcome'. The Tea shop will be open for refreshments.
Volunteers wanted
THE Friends of Birkenhead Park are looking for volunteers to get involved with their work at Edward Kemp Community Garden and Growing Area next Wednesday (June 5) from 10.30am until 3pm.
The garden is a place where people can grow their own food, take part in physical activities and learn about the environment as well as participating in social activities. Anyone able to help the group on the day can contact Sheila Blair on admin@ fbp.org.uk or text 07891 977337.
MIKE Byrne and the Sunrockers are at Heswall British Legion next Wednesday (June 5) with 'another great night of Rock and Roll' music. Taking place at the venue on Pensby Road in Heswall, doors open 7.30 pm. Admission £5.
Bird club talk
OSPREYS at Lake Brenig are the subject of an illustrated by Sarah Callon to RSPB Wirral on Thursday (June 6) at Hoylake Community Centre on Hoyle Road in Hoylake (7.30 pm). Admission £5.
Table Tennis
WIRRAL Table Tennis League needs players for the 2024/25 season, commencing in September. Matches are each week from September to April on a home and away basis.
If you are interested in taking up the sport, contact Dave Morris on 07565 199660 for more details or see the website: wirral.ttleagues.com.
Get creative
ART classes are at Newton Village Hall on Monday from 2.30-4.30pm and 7-9pm and Wednesday from 10am-noon. For details email nigelmorris@hotmail.co.uk or call 678 0834.
Bowls club
WEST Kirby Prom Bowls Club is looking for new members. Sessions are on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Details from 0151 625 5158.
Get snappy
HESWALL Photographic Society meets on Friday evenings at St Peter’s Church Hall in Lower Heswall (7.30pm). Details from heswallphotosoc.co.uk
Greasby bowls
GREASBY Ladies Bowls Club is looking for new members with or without experience to join the club. Interested? Call 07772991348 for details
Bands' call
WIRRAL Pop Orchestra is looking for new members. It rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm to 10pm at St Anne’s Parish Centre on Highfield Road in Rock Ferry.
Wirral Big Band also needs trombone and trumpet players. It rehearses on Monday evenings from 8pm to 10.30pm at the same venue. If interested, email bformston@gmail.com.
Dance classes
CHILDREN’s ‘starter’ dance classes are at Merrall’s Dance Centre in Moreton every Monday from 5.15pm-6.15pm. Details from merrallsdancecentre.co.uk
Folk club
WALLASEY folk and acoustic club meets on the first and third Sundays of each month at Misty Blues on Manor Road in Liscard (7.30pm).
Over-50s swim
WIRRAL over-50s swim club meets at Calday Grange Swimming Pool every Friday morning. Email wirraloverfiftiesswimmers@gmail.com if interested in a taster session.
Country music
LEASOWE Castle Country Music Club meets on Thursdays at Poulton Vics Social Club, Poulton Bridge Road, Wallasey (7.15pm).
Piano bar
THERE is live piano music at the Mess Cafe at Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton every Thursday night. Admission is free (7pm). The Fort Sessions’ - a night of live acoustic guitar and different singers each week - are at the venue on Friday (7pm).
Folk dancing
FOLK dance sessions are on the first, third and fifth Tuesday of every month at Victoria Hall, Bebington from 8pm-10pm. Details alexacharlottepenny@gmail.com
Ladies bowling
BEBINGTON Ladies Bowling Club meets on Tuesday and Thursday. Details, 0151 608 8616.
Flexercise
FLEXERCISE - fun and friendly exercise sessions for over 60s - are every Wednesday (6.30pm) at St James’ Church Hall, New Brighton. Details from 07544 150112.
Anyone for ... ?
BADMINTON club nights are every Monday and Friday from 7.30pm until late at Upton Victory Hall on Salacre Lane in Upton. Details from Lauretta on 07936 293350 or lauretta.radcliffe@yahoo.co.uk
Tap dance
A MONDAY evening tap dancing class in Wallasey is looking for new members. Call Angela on 07786 360959.
Oxton U3A
OXTON University of the Third Age (U3A) holds fortnightly meetings at Trinity with Palm Grove Church, Alton Road, Birkenhead.
If you are interested and would like more details, email membership@oxtonu3a.co.uk nGot an event? Email craig.manning@nqnw.co.uk
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