THE annual Be in Birkenhead festival made a dazzling return to Hamilton Square last week.

Birkenhead BID's family fun-day basked in the sunshine as visitors enjoyed food vendors, activities and gift stalls.

Highlights on the day included tours of Birkenhead Town Hall, a vintage bus from the Wirral Transport Museum, an inflatable football target and an action-packed Summer Playscheme from Wirral Play Council and football coaching from Tranmere Rovers.

Local artists including local singer/song writing duo Two Black Sheep, The Voice Kids UK star Astrid and members of The Hive Youth Zone music club all took to the stage to the delight of the crowd.

Creative minded visitors were also invited to craft a poppy as part of the forthcoming Wilfred Owen Commemoration.

Every poppy made will be put on display during the 2018 Armistice Day celebrations, marking the centenary since WWI ended.

This display will create a beautiful and poignant visual art installation at the Town Hall.

Gemma Nichols, Head of Birkenhead BID told the Globe: "As the Birkenhead BID’s annual event, I am thrilled with the growth in footfall and also with the feedback received from members of our community and our stall holders. It’s certainly a very exciting time to be a resident or a business in Birkenhead with the ongoing developments to our town. The team at Birkenhead BID are working alongside our levy payers and local community to support these developments and to build a better Birkenhead for all.”

Numerous stalls provided festival goers with savory goodies and tasty treats including Mr Churros, Mad Batter Catering and The Chocolate Cellar which made sure that children and parents had full stomachs and smiling faces.

Charities and groups including Involve North West, Birkenhead Scouts, Claire House, Wirral Hospice St. John’s plus many more were able to spread the message of the work that they do by setting up stalls and meeting visitors.

On the day, more than £540 was raised for Wirral Hospice St John’s.

The charity, who provide care and support to patients, their families and their loved ones were able to raise funds by taking donations and offering refreshments throughout the day.

Head of fundraising Teresa Nightingale said: "A phenomenal amount of effort clearly went into the day, we really enjoyed it and met some lovely people.

"The generosity of the Birkenhead residents has left us absolutely bowled over, we couldn't be more grateful.”