THE FIRST event of Wirral's Borough of Culture year will light up Hamilton Square tomorrow.

Created by the award-winning Illuminos, Animated Square will project the tale of Birkenhead's history upon the town hall on Saturday, March 23.

The creators have attempted to unearth as many stories as they could about the town's past, present and future and even visited the Wirral Archives, Birkenhead Priory, Birkenhead Library, Birkenhead Park, Bidston Windmill and Cammell Laird to hear from historians and archivists.

The 15-minute projection will be shown at 7.45pm and a second viewing at 8.30pm.

From 5pm Hamilton Square will burst into life with magical characters and illuminations from the Lantern Company plus circus performers from Bring the Fire will be entertaining crowds, offering visitors the chance to try free circus and aerial skills workshops from Magical Circus and JD Aerial Fitness.

Entertainment will be provided by the Wilfred Owen Choir, The Luminelles, Kaboodle and River Sign Choir.

Families will be able to enjoy a fun fair and a selection of food and drink stands around the square with small charges for some concessions.

Wirral Council leader Phil Davies said: “As we begin our year as Borough of Culture for Liverpool City Region, we’re really excited to be bringing Animated Square back this weekend.

"Our incredible events programme for 2019 is inspired by discovery, exploration and the great outdoors, which is all captured brilliantly in the projection show which Illuminos have created.

“This is going to be a really special and memorable event for our residents and visitors and a true celebration of Birkenhead and Wirral.

"We’re looking forward to seeing Hamilton Square fully transformed and welcoming thousands to what promises to be an extraordinary evening.”

Radio City will be providing the entertainment in-between performances and will be offering free face-painting throughout the event.

Lucy Barrow, assistant director for Culture and Visitor Economy at Wirral Council told the Globe: “Wirral is delighted to be the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture in 2019.

"Last year’s Imagine Wirral initiative saw more than 250,000 people attend and be part of incredible cultural events including the Tall Ships Three Festivals Regatta celebrations, New Brighton Revisited, Lost Castles, the Giant Spectacular and River of Light.

"Wirral’s 2018 events generated over £5m for the local economy.

“We are certain we will build on this success during our Borough of Culture year and attract more than 500,000 visitors to our wonderful peninsula to enjoy a fantastic variety of attractions, events and exhibitions which in turn will positively benefit our local economy.”

Animated Square first appeared in Birkenhead last year as part of the Tall Shops Regatta.