Big History Festival about to unlock Liverpool’s secrets
The Big History Festival, which takes place in and around St George’s Quarter in Liverpool, is soon to offer families the opportunity to unlock hidden secrets of one of Liverpool’s most iconic areas.
Formerly called the St George’s Day Festival, The Big History Festival takes place in and around St George’s Hall and World Museum during the Easter holidays. Kicking off on World Heritage Day, April 18, the event will take place in the city until April 30.
Among the highlights, The Big History Festival will include the rare unveiling of one of the city’s greatest treasures, the Minton-tiled floor at St George’s Hall. The event will also see the reopening of World Museum’s new-look Ancient Egypt: A journey through time gallery, following an 18-month major refurbishment, making it the UK’s second largest Ancient Egypt gallery after the British Museum.
Gillian Miller, CEO at Royal Court Trust and chair of St George’s Quarter CIC, said: “The Big History Festival will have plenty for families, visitors and tourists to enjoy, celebrating the rich history and heritage of the area. Everybody involved in St George’s Quarter has been keen to get involved and we are looking forward to seeing the whole area buzzing with activity this April.”
The Big History Festival will culminate with The Big History Weekend at St George’s Hall with a full two days of stalls, exhibitions and talks from guest speakers inside the Grade I listed building.
Bill Addy, chief executive, Liverpool BID Company, which represents Queens Square, St Johns Shopping Centre and Williamson Square, said: “Liverpool BID company works to develop the physical and economic environment for doing business in the city and this event will be a key celebration of some of the city’s most loved assets.”
The Big History Festival programme includes:
Minton-tiled floor reveal, St George’s Hall – April 13-19 – 10am-5pm daily
Made up of more than 30,000 individual tiles, the minton-tiled floor at St George’s Hall was the largest minton pavement in the world when it was constructed and is now considered one of the finest examples of its kind in the world.
Egyptian dancing, World Museum – April 19
Join the Wirral-based Egyptian dance troupe Ya Raqs as they take you on a journey across north Africa and down the Nile into the heart of Egypt. Younger visitors will also have the chance to dress up and take part.
Backstage tours of Liverpool Empire – April 20-22
See behind the scenes of the largest two-tier theatre in the country.
St George’s Quest, Walker Art Gallery – April 22
Discover courageous knights and fearless dragons in the gallery trail and take part in a noble knight craft activity.
If the sky could dream… It would dream of Dragons, Lime Street Station, April 22-23, 4.30pm
A special promenade performance developed by students from Liverpool John Moores University.
Heritage and ghost tours, Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool – April 24-27
This Grade II listed building is one of Liverpool’s most enduring and iconic buildings, and has a rich history, including several ghosts.
Ancient Egypt: A journey through time gallery, World Museum, from April 28
One of the country’s most significant collections of Ancient Egyptian artefacts includes, the reopening of World Museum’s Mummy Room for the first time in 150 years. This now brings the total number of mummies on display in the gallery to 10.
International Day of Dance, Williamson Square – April 29
Brought to you by Liverpool BID Company, enjoy musical performances with Merseyside Dance Initiative.
The Big History Weekend, St George’s Hall – April 29-30
Explore Liverpool and Merseyside’s history through a variety of stalls, exhibitions and talks from guest speakers.
