AN artistic magical mystery tour taking in 18 churches opens this weekend to celebrate Wirral Festival of Firsts 10th anniversary.

The Art Trail, open to the public this Saturday, Sunday and next weekend, will give visitors a chance to enjoy a diverse range of art from talented local artists in the spectacular surroundings of some of Wirral's architectural gems.

Each of the 18 churches will be contributing a unique exhibition, so visitors are being encouraged to enjoy different venues.

Things to see include:

St Luke's Methodist Church in Hoylake, hosting submissions for Wirral Festival of Firsts’ smartphone competition 'Life in 2021'.

Claremount Methodist Church in Wallasey has eight large scale pieces created by pupils at St George's.

Birkenhead Priory will display paintings by Ali Harwood of ships built at Cammell Laird that served in the Battle of the Atlantic.

The Art Trail will also feature poetry readings and artwork from pupils from local primary schools. The theme is "Friendship and new beginnings".

An Art Trail map can be downloaded at wirralfestivaloffirsts.org.uk.

Sue Powell, from Festival of Firsts, said: "This is the first time we have run this event and have been so pleased with the response from churches, artists and schools.

"We have 18 churches taking part, and all have something really interesting for visitors to discover plus the opportunity to see really impressive art in a novel setting".

You can visit the churches at the following times:

Saturday and Sunday (September 25 and 26):

  • Birkenhead Priory Chapel: Sep 25 (10am - 4pm) and Sep 26 (12pm - 4pm)
  • Christ The King, Birkenhead: Sep 25 (10am - 4pm) and Sep 26 (12pm - 4pm)
  • St James’ Church, New Brighton: Sep 25 (10am - 4pm) and Sep 26 (12pm - 4pm)
  • St John The Baptist, Meols: Sep 25 (10am - 4pm) and Sep 26 (12pm - 4pm)
  • St Paul’s Church, Seacombe: Sep 25 (10am - 4pm) and Sep 26 (12pm - 4pm)
  • West Kirby Arts Centre: Sep 26 (12pm - 4pm)

Saturday and Sunday, October 2 and 3:

  • Church Of The Resurrection & All Saints, Caldy: Oct 2 (10am - 4pm) and Oct 3 (12pm - 4pm)
  • Claremount Methodist Church, Wallasey: Oct 2 (10am - 4pm) and Oct 3 (12pm - 4pm)
  • First Church Of Christ, Scientist, Hoylake: Oct 2 (10am - 4pm) and Oct 3 (12pm - 4pm)
  • Prenton Methodists: Oct 2 (10am - 4pm) and Oct 3 (12pm - 4pm)
  • St Andrew’s URC, Meols: Oct 2 (2pm - 4pm) and Oct 3 (12pm - 4pm)
  • St Bridget’s Parish Church, West Kirby: Oct 2 (10am - 4pm) and Oct 3 (1pm - 4pm)
  • St Hildeburgh’s Parish Church, Hoylake: Oct 2 (10am - 4pm) and Oct 3 (12pm - 4pm)
  • St John The Baptist, Meols: Oct 2 (10am - 4pm) and Oct 3 (12pm - 4pm)
  • St Luke’s Methodist Church, Hoylake: Oct 2 (10am - 4pm) and Oct 3 (12pm - 4pm)
  • St Mary’s Church, Liscard: Oct 2 (10am - 4pm) and Oct 3 (12pm - 4pm)
  • St Michael And All Angels, Newton: Oct 2 (10am - 4pm) and Oct 3 (12pm - 4pm)
  • West Kirby Arts Centre: Oct 3 (12pm - 4pm)
  • West Kirby Methodists: Oct 2 (10am - 4pm) and Oct 3 (12pm - 4pm)
  • West Kirby URC: Oct 2 (10am - 4pm) and Oct 3 (12pm - 4pm)

Entry to all churches is free with COVID-secure procedures in place.