This October, Wirral will be hosting the World Urban Parks European Congress.
This is part of celebrating the 170th anniversary of the opening of Wirral’s Birkenhead Park in 1847 - designed by Sir Joseph Paxton and considered as the World’s first municipally funded public park.
The Congress will feature high profile speakers from across the globe including the CEO and President of Central Park, New York. It will explore key issues around the crucial role of parks for towns and cities; the challenge of sustainability; and a celebration of the rich heritage that parks create within communities.
Day-tickets are available for lecture sessions and site visits on Tuesday 17th, Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th October as well as a Delegate Pass for the entire Congress (including the Gala Dinner).
Site tours during these days will include New Brighton Promenade/ Vale Park, Flaybrick Memorial Gardens, Birkenhead Park and Port Sunlight Village. More details including ticket prices and booking links are available here.
The main Congress will take place at the Floral Pavilion Theatre and Conference Centre, New Brighton, Wirral. There are also optional pre- and post- Congress tours to areas around the North West region of England including Manchester and the Peak District - as well as Southport, Liverpool and the Wirral. On Monday 16th October a trade show and exhibition will be open to the public (free no ticket required). Wednesday 18th October includes a symposium on Edward Kemp (1817-91) – apprentice to Paxton, superintendent at Birkenhead Park and leading Victorian designer of parks and gardens. On Thursday 19th October the main venue will be Birkenhead’s Victorian Town Hall in the town’s impressive Hamilton Square with its public gardens.
The Congress will provide opportunities to network, gain national and international perspectives, support professional development, share best practice and explore innovative solutions.
