Monty the Mersey Monster is coming to New Brighton for Halloween

As Wirral’s year as the Borough of Culture comes to an exciting close, organisers have announced a grand finale that promises to be a thrilling spectacle for the whole family.

On 1 – 2 November, New Brighton’s Marine Lake will transform into the scene of an extraordinary quest: the search for the legendary Monty the Mersey Monster.

The Leader of Wirral Council, Councillor Paul Stuart, said:

“As Wirral’s year as Borough of Culture draws to a close, we wanted to go out with something unforgettable for everyone to enjoy. We’re inviting everyone of all ages and abilities, families with younger or older children and visitors to New Brighton. Everyone will enjoy an evening with a mysterious monster and all the attractions and hospitality available in our iconic seaside town of New Brighton.”

Named back in 1207 by Sir Percival Montangle, Monty the Mersey Monster is said to have enjoyed centuries of slumber in the deep waters around the peninsula. However, after a number of unconfirmed sightings, the fiery monster is said to have made its way back to New Brighton, where brave swimmers from Friends of the Marine Lake will lead the search at 6.00pm each evening.

World-renowned outdoor arts organisation Walk the Plank has been commissioned to deliver the event following their success in curating activities around the visit of Gaia – the huge earth installation – which attracted around 33,000 visitors to Birkenhead Park over three days in May.

Walk the Plank’s Senior Producer, Bev Ayre said:

“We are so pleased to be involved in another huge Wirral Borough of Culture event and I can’t think of a better time to undertake the search for a mysterious fiery monster than Halloween weekend.”

The event is funded by the Metro Mayor for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s 1% for culture initiative and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Councillor Mike Wharton, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said:

“Wirral has enjoyed a successful Borough of Culture year which has been celebrated by people from across the Liverpool City Region.

“We are in a unique position to experience the vast cultural contribution the area has to offer, and it’s fantastic to see so much participation in these activities attracting visitors and putting our city region on the map.

“As Halloween draws near, what better way to draw such a successful year to a close than a monstrous search for Monty!”

The search for the Mersey Monster will take place around New Brighton Marine Lake on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 November, with three chances to get a glimpse of Monty each evening at 5.30 to 6.00pm, 7.00 to 7.30pm and 8.30 to 9pm.

Find out more about Monty The Mersey Monster here.

For more on Halloween click here.