Families in Liverpool will have the chance to unlock the hidden secrets of St George’s Quarter over Easter as part of the city’s first Big History Festival.
Kick-starting on World Heritage Day (April 18) until the end of the month, the festival is taking place in and around St George’s Hall and the World Museum.
The Big History Festival celebrates the rich heritage of this historic area with fascinating, brand new exhibitions, talks, heritage walks, and workshops for people of all ages to enjoy.
Among the many highlights is the rare unveiling of one of the city’s greatest treasures, the Minton-tiled floor at St George’s Hall between April 13 and 19.
The World Museum’s new-look Ancient Egypt: a journey through time gallery will also be reopened following a major 18-month refurbishment.
A full two days of stalls, exhibitions and talks from guest speakers will see the festival culminate with the Big History Weekend inside St George’s Hall.
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 – programme highlights:
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)
This is one not to be missed – a special promenade performance developed by students from Liverpool John Moores University.
Heritage and ghost tours, Royal Court Theatre (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 – which also 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 (MDI).
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. Tickets are £2 (under 16s go free).
For more information, visit www.stgeorgesquarter.org.