Big History Weekend Set For Spring Return To Iconic St George's Hall Liverpool

Ken Pye and St George's Hall Liverpool are delighted to announce the return of the fascinating and insightful World Heritage Big History Weekend, which is back bigger and better for 2017.

The two-day event takes place on Saturday 29 April and Sunday 30 April in one of the most historic and iconic venues the city has to offer. The event will take place between 10am and 5pm on both days.

Admission is £2 payable on the door, free entry for under 16s. The admission cost will support the restoration of the iconic Minton Tiled floor in the Great Hall of St George's Hall Liverpool.

Local history fans and geology enthusiasts can look forward to a full programme across the weekend, including a diverse choice of talks, guided tours and exhibitor stalls.

A series of eight talks by guest historians will take place across the weekend, giving an insight to a variety of local subjects.

Guest speakers include Steve Binns MBE, expert on St George's Hall Liverpool; Ken Pye will focus on Liverpool's renaissance from a fishing village to a major port on the world stage; Clare Moorhead will give guest a fascinating insight into the life of Joseph Williams, the man behind the Williamson Tunnels; and Spencer Leigh, who will highlight 60 exciting and memorable years of the iconic Cavern Club.

For visitors wanting to learn a bit more about the city's history or for those who have a question about the city they've always wanted to ask, then the Local History Question Time is an absolute must. The panel line-up will be announced shortly.

Tickets for the special guest talks and the Question Time panel event are £2 each.

Visitors can also look forward to meeting representatives from a range of groups and societies from across Liverpool City Region who specialise in local history, family history and heritage.

More than 50 groups and societies will be exhibiting throughout the weekend including the Friends of Williamson Tunnels; Liverpool History Society; Liverpool Record Office (Central Libraries); Merseyside Polonia; and West Kirby Museum.

Visitors to the World Heritage Big History Weekend at St George's Hall Liverpool will also have the opportunity to discover and explore the iconic venue through a Privileged Guided Tours which take in the Great Hall, Concert Room, Courts and Catacombs. Tickets for the tour are £3.50.

Joint organiser Ken Pye from Discover Liverpool commented: "The annual Big History Weekend is the grand culmination of two weeks celebrating Liverpool as a World Heritage City. Over the two days in the glorious setting of St George's Hall Liverpool, we will be showcasing local history and heritage from across Liverpool City Region.

"With over 50 stalls and exhibitors, eight outstanding guest speakers, guided tours of St George's Hall and a few surprises during the weekend, this event has something for the whole family. It is all about who and what we are - and that's the wonderful people of Liverpool and Merseyside."

St George's Hall General Manager, Alan Smith said: "St George's Hall is delighted to welcome back to the hall the Big History Weekend. This time the event coincides with a World Heritage fortnight of events at St George's Hall.

These include the magnificent Minton tile floor reveal, the chance to walk on the floor in the evenings, a series of talks about the hall and its history, the amazing Steve Binns talking to visitors at the floor reveal in the Great Hall, a series of behind the scene tours, and then culminating in the Big History Weekend. It's a real feast for lovers of history, heritage and culture, for which Liverpool excels."

A full timetable will be announced shortly. Tickets for the guest talks, Question Time panel and guided tours can be purchased on the day, or they are available in advance from the heritage centre shop at St George's Hall Liverpool.

Refreshments will be available to purchase from the Heritage Café.

For more information visit www.stgeorgesliverpool.co.uk