Countdown to Monty the Mersey Monster in New Brighton

Joining the magnificent Monty the Mersey Monster in New Brighton this Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd of November will be Thingumajig Theatre’s Ghost Caribou. 

Part caribou/part spirit, these giant illuminated creatures will roam New Brighton’s Marine Promenade, accompanied by a wild herdsperson, as the quest to find Monty the Mersey Monster gets underway this Halloween weekend. This night-time street act combines ethereal music, song and shadow puppets to tell hauntingly beautiful stories of their journey into a dream-world and will be roaming prior to the Monty performances. 

A unique family event, this is a chance to find out if the legend of Monty the Mersey Monster is true. First named by Sir Percival Montangle in 1207, this medieval legend is said to have enjoyed centuries of slumber in the deep waters around the peninsula.

Now there have been a number of unconfirmed sightings and the fiery monster is said to have made its way back to New Brighton, where brave swimmers from Friends of the Marine Lake will lead the search from 6pm each evening.

You can come and be dazzled by this exciting display of light and colour, with three chances to see Monty each evening as the dragon returns home in a spectacular blaze. Its arrival accompanied by vibrant drummers, Katumba.

World-renowned outdoor arts organisation Walk the Plank has been commissioned to produce the event following their success in curating activities around the visit of Gaia – the huge earth installation – which attracted around 33,000 visitors to Birkenhead Park over three days in May.

The search for the Mersey Monster is the grand finale of Wirral’s year as Borough of Culture 2024. It will take place around New Brighton Marine Lake on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd November, with three chances to get a glimpse of Monty each evening, with each lasting approximately 30 minutes:

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

You can find out more about how to make the most of coming to New Brighton by checking the Visit Wirral website at visitwirral.com/monty. There will also be updates on the event on Wirral Council’s social media channels including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. 

A road closure will be in place from 5pm until 9.30pm along Marine Promenade 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.

Due to the time of year the weather will be monitored to make sure that the event can be staged safely for those attending as well as performers and staff, and changes to the advertised times and activities may be required if the weather conditions are particularly poor.