Oh we do love to be beside the seaside!
Whether your memories of jolly old New Brighton are for going crabbing as youngsters, talking a stroll along the Mersey coastline or chipping a tooth or two on a big stick of rock – we’ve all got fond memories of this once forgotten gem of the North West’s Atlantic seaside towns. But over recent years the resort has gone through somewhat of a boom with over £80M investment in the Marine Point leisure district and a resurgence in the local indy food and drink scene around Victoria Road and Seabank Road.
And what’s more, successful Liverpool-based Event Management company Orb Events; responsible for festivals like Liverpool Loves and the reformatting of Liverpool Pride last year; have created a huge family-friendly celebration that you don’t want to miss out on. Taking place over the Spring Bank Holiday from 27th to 29th May at the historic Fort Perch Rock; visitors can expect a big main stage music programme, a plethora of mouthwatering eats, a full chef’s programme and plenty of things to keep your little seasiders entertained (while you grab a drink in the sun and take in the views across to the Liverpool skyline and Irish Sea of course).
So what are you waiting for? Here’s our pick of the ten best things to do while you’re there!
Get some tips and tricks from some of the best chefs in town
With local buzz-businesses Burnt Truffle, Blackberry Grove and more on hand with talks and demonstrations that will explain your tapenades from your chiffonade’s.
Check out the marvellous mutts at the Doggie Fancy Dress Competition
Whether you’ve got a Shi Tzu that looks like an ewok or a dastardly Datschund with a Batman outfit – feel free to take them along with you and you could be in with a huge prize!
Tickle your funny bones at the Comedy Cook Off
Saturday’s Chef’s Theatre programme features a fun-fuelled series of cook offs by hilarious duo Adam Franklin of Liverpool Marina and Comedian Brendan Riley.
Try your hand at Oyster Shucking
Oyster what? Well you can learn how to crack open some clams with eating competitions and more.
Get your sugar fix with a visit to Treaty Pie
What’s a trip to the seaside without some sugary goodness? The kids are going to need a bit of glucose to keep up with the amount of entertainment and activities on offer!
Get a fine dining experience from Hudson House Seafood Restaurant
New Liverpool-based seafood extraordinaires Hudson House will be pitching up a pop-up restaurant on site with a huge offer of a la carte gorgeousness.
Get up close and personal to everything creepy and crawly with Chester Exotic Animals
Know your tarantulas from your cockroaches? You won’t find us getting involved in this one with the Creepy Crawly Show!
More animal magic with Donkeys, Alpacas and a Unicorn parade
Yep you heard right. Unicorn Parade. The kids can also catch a ride on some lovely mules and feed alpacas.
Seaside sounds in the sun from the music Main Stage
Why not take in some live music from artists including Marc Kenny, Eleanor Nelly, The Shipbuilders and even sea shanty group, Button Street Badger Band. And don’t miss Gin Tin, Fizz Flute and the craft beer bar while you’re at it!
Explore a huge offer of Kids activities with the Little Seasiders programme
Whether it’s kids cookery with Junior Chefs Academy; entertainment by Johnny and the Raindrops, Live Fairy Tales, Superstar Parties and Funny Looking Kids; or a go on the vintage fairground – you won’t be stuck making sandcastles all day that’s for sure.
Full information for the festival programme can be found on the website at www.seaside-festival.co.uk and tickets are available online with Ticket Quarter at £5 for adults and £3 for children. Bargain!