THE organisers of Wirral's fourth Festival of Firsts have launched a recruitment drive for volunteers to help run the event.

The festival, showcasing the borough's artistic talents, takes place at venues in Hoylake, West Kirby and New Brighton from July 5 to 13.

Poetry performances, concerts, jazz parades, competitions, writing workshops and world premieres of plays will feature.

But volunteers are needed to help the event run smoothly. Anyone interested in volunteering can attend a briefing at Melrose Hall in Melrose Avenue, Hoylake at 6.30pm this Monday, May 19.

During the festival's recent launch, founder and former Scaffold star John Gorman said: "It's all very well organising an event like this, but the festival is entirely run by volunteers and we could do with a lot more.

"Without them, there would be no festival.

"We need them to help with publicity and to run around in general."

Anyone interested in volunteering can attend a briefing at Vanilla Lounge in Hoylake this Monday, May 19, at 6.30pm.

The programme for this year's showcase features appearances by Liverpool playwright Willy Russell and Wirral-based photographer Mike McCartney, whose work will be on display.

Radio Merseyside presenter Johnny Kennedy will present his performance of Simply Shakespeare, a tribute to the Bard.

The Poetry Proms will take place in New Brighton on Sunday, July 6, organised by Cathy Roberts, from Literally A Bookshop ... in New Brighton and hosted by Dr Kate McLoughlin of Birkbeck College, London
 

Hoylake will host a Music Proms on Saturday, July 12, and organisers would like to hear from anyone interested in taking part.

Among the attractions this year is an art exhibition of work by local artists on Hoylake promenade.

There will also be talks and art workshops in Hoylake Community Centre on July 13.

A headline exhibition features funnyman Harry Hill’s My Hobby paintings and Mike McCartney’s photographs.

There will be concerts of classical and popular music, featuring performances from guitarist Craig Ogden, Wirral Ukulele Orchestra, C-City and the Dave Gilbertson Saxophone Ensemble.

Proceeds from this year’s festival will go to Claire House children’s hospice.

The full festival programme will be widely available at the end of May.

Further details on all festival events and how you can get involved are from festivaloffirsts.com or Judy Ugonna on: 0151 632 2750.

By way of celebrating the Open Golf Championship, which returns to Hoylake from July 17 to July 20, community group Friends of Hoylake and Meols in Bloom is inviting children in the town to enter a competition to design a floral golf bag.

Full details and entry forms are from Ina Bowman at inarb931@live.co.uk or Jan Foster on 07725540049 or contact@hoylakeinbloom.co.uk

To register as a volunteer call 07716093670.