Secrets of the Albert Dock unveiled in Heritage on the Dock

If you are into your history and culture then this is for you! Albert Dock Liverpool have announced some really cool and exciting plans for a brand new event – Heritage on the Dock (September 8-9), inviting the local community to embark on a journey of discovery, celebrating the unique heritage and unlocking the secrets of this iconic Liverpool landmark.

Part of the Albert Dock Liverpool 175 strategy, Heritage on the Dock will allow the public to experience a number of firsts at the beloved Grade I listed estate, including Blue Badge Guide heritage walks designed especially for this event, fascinating behind-the-scenes tours of Tate Liverpool, new bespoke architectural tours conducted by RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), first time access to Liverpool Record Office archives relating to Albert Dock, and a closer look at life under the waters of Albert Dock with Lancashire Wildlife Trust. Who knew the Dock was teeming with eels, moon jellies and crabs?

Merseyside Maritime Museum will host a fascinating evening on September 9 (from 7pm) beginning with a live suite of maritime-themed folk music performed by choirs from across Merseyside. Liverpool-born professor of English, Tony Crowley, will then take to the stage for Word and World: How the docks shaped the language of Liverpool, followed by The Stars are Ours! – a talk led by professor of astrophysics, Don Kurtz, focusing on Albert Dock’s influence on astronomy and the intrinsic links between the seas and the skies.

Chris Fittock, project manager, said:

“Heritage on the Dock will tell the untold story of Albert Dock, using the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of this great dock’s mercantile history to really stimulate the senses and bring the past back to life. Everything from molasses, rum and spices, to fabrics and silks came through this dock – a rich plethora of flavours and colours to explore and utilise to create something very unique and special for Liverpool.

“With our partners, we have curated an event that is truly meaningful to the local community, and one that will engage the people who live and work around the Dock.”

Clare Rawlinson, marketing manager, added:

“We are so fortunate to live and work around such incredible and historic dock buildings, and we are excited to be able to enhance the visitor experience further and bring the history of this wonderful working dock back to life through Heritage on the Dock.”

Albert Dock’s role in introducing our shores to Chinese culture and history will also be marked at Heritage on the Dock. Entertainment from Pagoda Arts’ Guzheng Ensemble, with Zi Lan Liao, one of the world’s most widely-appreciated Guzheng performers, who has recorded music for the Oscar-winning film, The Last Emperor, and collaborated with the likes of Peter Gabriel, Nigel Kennedy, and Jah Wobble. Tea specialist, Alison Appleton, will also conduct a unique tea tasting event that explores the historical import of tea from China to Liverpool.

For more information on the programme and to book your place, visit www.heritageonthedock.com

For details on all other upcoming events at Albert Dock, please visit the Albert Dock website. Join us on Twitter – @theAlbertDock #HeritageDock16