The Tourism Guide to New Brighton

Local News

The New Brighton Pirate Fest 17th - 18th August 2019

New Brighton is hoisting the flags ... 'Come and join us in Pirate Town.'

The New Brighton Pirate Fest - The Battle for Devil's Nest -  is a swashbuckling extravaganza setting sail on the weekend of August 17 and 18.

This free, two-day attraction celebrates the history of pirates and much more, including two stunning stars of the sea taking part - a pair of specially created galleons. One will lead the parade and become our entertainment stage. The larger craft will be at the centre of the much-awaited cannon battle.

Organisers have put together a fabulous free weekend of diverse fun events for every member of the family. A Fest for all ages.

Coordinator, Cathy Robert says: "Business and community groups have pulled out all the stops to show New Brighton at its very best.

"We’re also particularly thrilled by the wonderful woodworking talents of Wirral Met College students who have worked tirelessly to create our wooden cannon trails."

Dan Davis, of main sponsors RockPoint Leisure says: "We are putting 

 

New Brighton on the map again. The whole pirate package is something that will capture the imagination of everyone - young and old. It is an exciting celebration with the emphasis on families and fun. People are invited to dress up or just come as they are and enjoy every aspect of the Fest."

Special attractions include a pirate and mermaid parade as well as cannon, musket and sword-fighting displays and inter-active workshops.

Music fans can hear live local bands while children can take part in the face painting and Lord Rockpoint’s Treasure Trail. There is also a wide range of food and drink to enjoy throughout the Victoria Quarter in addition to the promenade favourites.

Themed games include Walk the Plank; Peg A Pirate; Message in a Bottle and No-Lose Treasure Tombola. There is plenty of storytelling to be had - featuring real hair-raising historical tales.

And celebrities are on board, too.

Stage and TV star Eithne Browne will be become the legendary Mother Red Cap offering her own brand of “Investment Advice.”

The actress says she is looking forward to getting out and about and sharing plenty of selfies.

And broadcaster Billy Butler a one-time star of TV's iconic Mersey Pirate show who will be the compere of the Best Dressed Pirate awards.

The former Radio Merseyside presenter will also be providing live commentary for the Pirate Battle - the black powder re-enactment in front of Fort Perch Rock with cannon exchange and musket fire between the two-specially constructed ships.

Captain Butler says: "Other pirate festivals won't be a patch on this one. The galleons especially have to be seen to be believed - eat your heart out Jack Sparrow."

The event starts with the opening parade on Saturday at 11.30 from outside Fort Perch Rock.

Wirral borough of cultural ambassador, OMD's Andy McLuskey, has endorsed the event by giving his full support. 

He said: "As a Wirral resident and someone who loves history and the rich culture of the area, I am looking forward to the weekend. I fully back any event which celebrates our rich maritime history and culture and that certainly includes pirates."

Dan Davis added: "We make no skull and crossbones about it - we want to capture your imagination here on our very own treasure island - New Brighton."

Mike McCartney, also a Wirral Borough of Culture Ambassador says:

"I've heard that the local event NOT to miss this year is the 'New Brighton Pirate Festival me hearty!It's 2 Days of Fun & Frolic on August 17 and 18 from 12pm. Not only is it FREE with Family Fun Events...of Parades, Battles! and a specially made Galleon! but the Narrator is the One & Only.....Billy Butler!....DON'T MISS!! Mike McGear McCartney"

 

 

For full itinerary and further information access: New Brighton Pirate Fest Facebook page.

Contact:          Cathy Roberts 07914737887

                       

 

 

 

 

River of Light - Sunday 4 November

Sunday 4 November, from 5pm
 
Start your November off with a ‘bang’ as fireworks extravaganza River of Light returns to the Wirral and Liverpool waterfront. Get your hats, scarves and gloves ready and join us as we celebrate everything that is big, bright and loud!
 
 
We'll be lighting up the skies above Fort Perch Rock and the lighthouse in New Brighton during our dazzling firework show.  After wowing the crowds last year, Titanium Fireworks are returning with another breath-taking visual and musical spectacle inspired by this year's theme 'The Elements'.  The display is due to start at 6.30pm.
 
There will be fantastic family entertainment from 5pm on both sides of the Mersey. In New Brighton, there will be the appearance of ghostly pirates on the Black Pearl, an amazing drumming and dance performance, and the chance to meet incredible illuminated characters.
 
For more information about River of Light, please visit the River of Light website (https://www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/river-of-light-2018/) and follow #RiverOfLight on social media.
 
Please note all timings are approximate and subject to change.
 

The Giants - 5th October 2018

 
Get ready to walk in the footsteps of Giants! The full route has now been announced for Liverpool's Dream, the final instalment of the Giant Spectacular trilogy. Check out where the incredible Giants will be heading this time around from Thursday 4 – Sunday 7 October, including their unmissable visit to New Brighton on Friday 5 October.
Visit www.giantspectacular.com for more information.
 

Mermaids come ashore in New Brighton ahead of busy summer

An exciting new tourist trail celebrating a New Brighton legend is set to become the resort’s latest visitor attraction - just in time for summer.

The New Brighton Mermaid Trail, which takes its inspiration from ‘The Black Rock Mermaid’, who was said to have appeared to a local sailor in New Brighton in the 18th century, is to be officially unveiled on Wednesday 7th June.

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A flash of mermaid tail offers a tantalising glimpse of Wirral’s new sculpture trail

THIS is the most we can show of New Brighton's latest and most glamorous resident.

A tantalising glimpse of mermaid tail offers a sneak preview of the fibreglass statues that will form part of New Brighton Mermaid Trail.

New Brighton Coastal Community Team formally signed off the mermaid sculpture this week for casting. The statues will be delivered to the schools and groups who will be decorating them next month, ready for the official unveiling in May.

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Mermaid Trail designers announced - but winning designs remain under wraps until statues are revealed

The results are in – we have the winning designs for Wirral’s new Mermaid Trail!

The Trail will be placed at strategic locations in New Brighton, inspired by and celebrating the resort’s history, heritage, and its links with the mythical ‘Black Rock Mermaid’, who was said to have appeared to a local sailor in New Brighton in the 18th century.

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A chance to make your mark on the Mermaid Trail

Budding artists from across Wirral are being invited to submit their ideas for decorating one of the Mermaid statues which will be installed in New Brighton next year as part of a new tourist trail.

The application process is now open for schools, youth groups and community-based arts or photographic groups to bid for the opportunity to decorate a statue on the Mermaid Trail.

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New Brighton’s ‘Old Town’ to host festive market

Businesses in New Brighton’s ‘Old Town’ are getting ready to welcome hundreds of new visitors when it is the venue for a special festive event next month.

New Brighton Coastal Community Team is hosting ‘The Old Town Christmas Fayre’ over the weekend of Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December, which promises festive fun and seasonal stalls along Victoria Road and Victoria Parade.

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New Brighton preparing afternoon of fun in run-up to major River of Light fireworks event

New Brighton is gearing up to welcome an influx of visitors to the resort on Bonfire Night as celebrations this year focus on the spectacular River of Light event.

Thanks to sponsorship from DONG Energy, free activities and entertainment are planned around New Brighton for a few hours either side of the main event in an effort to help people make the most of their time in the resort and add to the celebrations.

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Boost for New Brighton as Shopmobility hub opens

A sports pavilion near to New Brighton’s promenade is being brought back into use as a Shopmobility centre for the resort.

The former secondary bowling pavilion at Marine Park – opposite the Marine Point leisure and retail development – has been transformed into a base where people with mobility issues can hire equipment to help them get out and about more easily. An adjoining block housing public toilets is also being reopened.

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National accolades for New Brighton's top attractions

Our attractions at New Brighton's Marine Point development have been awarded Trip Advisor's Certificate of Excellence, writes Jess Carney.

Bubbles' World Of Play, the Floral Pavilion, Light Cinema and Championship Adventure Golf have all been awarded the certificate by the world's largest travel site.

Trip Advisor excellence awards are given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding reviews on the website.

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Resort ready for bumper summer season

A group of dedicated environmental volunteers have joined forces with Wirral Council to help keep New Brighton looking ‘ship-shape’ during the always busy summer season.

The ‘New Brighteners’ are well-known in the area for their litter-picking and environmental activities around the resort and they have been working with the council, through a partnership led by the Wallasey Constituency Committee, to make sure there are plenty of bins around the area over the summer months - so there is no excuse for visitors leaving their rubbish on the beach or along the promenade.

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New Brighton Coastal Community Team builds upon current success story

New Brighton Coastal Community Team builds upon current success story

Exciting new plans to establish New Brighton as a year round destination and boost the local economy have been submitted to the government.

The economic plan for New Brighton is aimed at attracting even more day trippers, overnight stays and increasing employment. Plans to improve the resort are part of Wirral’s Growth Plan, which outlines the council’s plan to increase visitor spend to £450m by 2020.

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New Brighton Prize Survey

The New Brighton Coastal Community Team is eager to find out what people think about the resort and are offering prizes to encourage residents to complete a quick survey.

The easiest way to have your say is to go online and visit to complete the short, simple survey and share your views.

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