Rare opportunity to see behind the scenes at Wirral's busiest 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 at Wirral’s busiest cemetery.

It was on October 22nd 1934 that the first cremations took place at the new crematorium within Landican cemetery, with the first burial following the next day – October 23rd 1934.

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

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 28th September is not only to recognise the last 90 years in service of Wirral residents, reflecting on its history and how attitudes and practices have changed and evolved over the years.

It is also an opportunity for people to meet cemetery staff, funeral directors, charities, legal representatives and other industry professionals and help lift the veil of secrecy and the taboo that can often surround death and funerals.

Alongside things such as show 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.

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 28th September from 10am until 2pm and is free. For more details, email: landicancemetery@wirral.gov.uk