A giant illuminated creature has arrived in New Brighton to take part in a special event this weekend.

Thingumajig Theatre's Ghost Caribou, part of the Monty the Mersey Monster event, is set make an appearance at New Brighton's Marine Promenade tonight (Friday, November 1) and Saturday, November 2.

This part-caribou, part-spirit creature will join the search for the legendary Monty the Mersey Monster, accompanied by a wild herdsperson.

The night-time street act aims to captivate audiences with ethereal music, song and shadow puppets, telling haunting stories of their journey into a dream world.

The event will take place from 5.30pm tonight and tomorrow and will be the first chance for families to see if the legend of Monty the Mersey Monster is true.

This medieval legend, first named by Sir Percival Montangle in 1207, is said to have enjoyed centuries of slumber in the deep waters around the peninsula.

Now, with a series of unconfirmed sightings, the fiery monster is said to have returned to New Brighton, where brave swimmers from Friends of the Marine Lake will lead the search.

The event will feature vibrant drummers, Katumba, and will be produced by outdoor arts organisation Walk the Plank.

The search for the Mersey Monster is the grand finale of Wirral's year as Borough of Culture 2024 and will be centred around New Brighton Marine Lake.

It is described as an exciting display of light and colour. The search for the Mersey Monster is the grand finale of Wirral’s year as Borough of Culture 2024.

Visitors will have three opportunities to catch a glimpse of the spectacle each evening.

  • 5.30pm - Monty the Mersey Monster
  • 6pm - Friends of New Brighton Marine Lake
  • 7pm - Monty the Mersey Monster
  • 8.30pm - Monty the Mersey Monster

For more details visitwirral.com/monty. 

A road closure will be in place from 5pm until 9.30pm along Marine Prominade from the roundabout at Marine Point to the roundabout at the Floral Pavilion. This is to ensure the safety of all visitors, staff and performers. 

There is limited free parking around New Brighton and visitors are encouraged to use public transport wherever possible - there are regular bus services from Birkenhead and Liverpool which stop a short distance from Marine Lake (outside Morrisons) and New Brighton train station is approximately a 10-minute walk. Visit the Merseytravel Journey Planner to plan your journey. 

Limited accessible parking is available at Fort Perch Rock car park for blue badge holders and will be available on a first come, first served basis and those who require a disabled parking space are advised to arrive early.