Monty the Mersey Monster promises a Halloween Weekend to Remember
Plans for the finale to Wirral’s year as Borough of Culture have been revealed, and organisers are promising a monster spectacle for the whole family.
On the 1st and 2nd of November, the still waters of New Brighton’s Marine Lake will be the setting for a quest to find out if the legend of Monty the Mersey Monster, is true.
The Leader of Wirral Council, Councillor Paul Stuart, said:
As Wirral’s year as Borough of Culture draws to a close, we wanted to go out with something unforgettable for everyone to enjoy. We’re inviting everyone of all ages and abilities, families with younger or older children and visitors to New Brighton. Everyone will enjoy an evening with a mysterious monster and all the attractions and hospitality available in our iconic seaside town of New Brighton.
Named back in 1207 by Sir Percival Montangle, Monty the Mersey Monster is said to have enjoyed centuries of slumber in the deep waters around the peninsula. However, after a number of unconfirmed sightings, 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 at 6.00pm each evening.
World-renowned outdoor arts organisation Walk the Plank has been commissioned to deliver 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.
Walk the Plank’s Senior Producer, Bev Ayre said:
We are so pleased to be involved in another huge Wirral Borough of Culture event and I can’t think of a better time to undertake the search for a mysterious fiery monster than Halloween weekend.
The event is funded by the Metro Mayor for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s 1% for culture initiative and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Councillor Mike Wharton, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said:
Wirral has enjoyed a successful Borough of Culture year which has been celebrated by people from across the Liverpool City Region.
We are in a unique position to experience the vast cultural contribution the area has to offer, and it’s fantastic to see so much participation in these activities attracting visitors and putting our city region on the map.
As Halloween draws near, what better way to draw such a successful year to a close than a monstrous search for Monty!
The search for the Mersey Monster 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 at 5.30 to 6.00pm, 7.00 to 7.30pm and 8.30 to 9pm.
Updates on the event and how you can make the most of your visit to New Brighton will be posted on Wirral Council’s social media channels and on the Visit Wirral website at visitwirral.com/monty in the coming weeks.
About the Borough of Culture - this is awarded annually on a rotational basis to one of the six local authorities that make up the Liverpool City Region, as part of the Combined Authority’s culture programme.
The Borough of Culture is part of the 1% for Culture initiative which commits at least 1% of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s annual gainshare funding (£300k) to cultural projects and activities.
Established as an annual award rotating around the boroughs, the Borough of Culture helps to celebrate, amplify and strengthen the existing cultural offer, develop new ideas and initiatives that will underpin future development and legacy.
Liverpool City Region is the first Combined Authority to have control over culture in its devolution deal, utilising many of the region’s existing assets and talent to stimulate cultural and creative opportunities.
The Borough of Culture was first launched in St Helens in 2018, followed by Wirral 2019, Sefton 2020, Halton 2021 and Knowsley in 2022. The title recommenced its rotation in 2023 back in St Helens, with Wirral holding the title in 2024.
About Walk the Plank
Walk the Plank’strack record of making art, festivals and events that engage citizens in public celebration is founded on ambitious creativity that connects with ordinary people.
From European Capital of Culture celebrations (eg. Bodø24, Pafos17, Turku11, Liverpool08) to immersive installations like BODY (Science Festivals in UK, Canada & Ireland), from parades to fire gardens, the company consistently attracts acclaim and showcases talent.
Working internationally and locally from company’s HQ/creative hub, Cobden Works in Salford, UK.
