PEOPLE are being offered the “rare chance” to go behind the scenes at a Wirral cemetery.

Ahead of celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, Landican Cemetery and Crematorium is inviting residents to a special Open Day where they can informally meet some of the people involved in the funeral industry locally and get a rare glimpse behind the scenes.

People will be shown hearses, different types of casket, memorials and examples of floral arrangements, there will also be an opportunity to take a tour of the crematorium, including the machinery behind the curtains, and even watch a demonstration of grave digging.

For many people, their only visits to Landican will have been for formal, sombre occasions and the only time they consider the details of planning a funeral is when they are forced to at a time of bereavement and grief.

The aim of the Open Day at Landican on Saturday September 28 is to recognise the last 90 years in service of Wirral residents and reflect on its history and how attitudes and practices have changed and evolved over the years.

On October 22, 1934, the first cremations took place at the new crematorium within Landican cemetery, with the first burial following the next day, October 23, 1934.

Since then, more than 200,000 cremations and 56,000 burials have taken place up to September 2024.

There will be refreshments on offer and also opportunities to explore the grounds and take a look at some of the nature and wildlife within the cemetery.

Landican Cemetery and Crematorium Open Day takes place on Saturday September 28 from 10am until 2pm and is free. For more details, email: landicancemetery@wirral.gov.uk