LEGENDARY actress Dame Patricia Routledge will return to Birkenhead to launch a new commemoration for war poet Wilfred Owen.

Famous for playing Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, Patricia will be joined by Birkenhead MP Frank Field at the Wilfred Owen Commemoration shop on St John's Pavement at Pyramids Shopping Centre on Saturday, March 17 from 2pm to 4pm. 

They will announce a programme of events for the official commemoration which will take place from October until November.

The shop will be transformed into a pop-up exhibition space, where for six weeks Pyramids’ visitors can view a showcase of material borrowed from current displays from around Birkenhead including The Wilfred Owen Story on Argyle Street.

Free creative writing and art workshops will also be available for the community to enjoy on the day of the launch.

Centre director Derek Millar said: “Birkenhead is steeped in phenomenal history and it’s an honour to be involved in commemorating the life, achievements and 100 years since the passing of one of the greatest war poets, Wilfred Owen, who spent some of his early years here in the town.

“It’s wonderful that Frank will be here to speak with our shoppers and Patricia, too – I’m sure she’ll receive the warmest welcome back to her home town.

"The launch event is a great opportunity for visitors to familiarise themselves about Wilfred’s story from humble beginnings to renowned wordsmith.

"We’re looking forward to seeing many members from the community getting together to honour this important figure from our local history, and to find out about the brilliant activities that will be staged this autumn during the commemorative week.”

The commemorative festival will coincide with the centenary of Wilfred Owen’s death on November 4 and will mark 100 years of Armistice Day on November 11.

Mr Field said: “The Wilfred Owen Commemoration aims to remember and honour those who bravely went from Birkenhead to fight in World War One.

“Through a series of extraordinary events, including Songs of Praise, an evening with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and an installation at the Williamson Art Gallery, we will remember them - 100 years on.”