The Ultimate Guide to the Wirral Food & Drink Festival 2019

The first ever Wirral Food & Drink Festival opens at Birkenhead Park this weekend and it’s going to be fantastic celebration of all things Wirral.

The UK’s first ever public park, Birkenhead Park is hosting a very special event this weekend. Wirral Food & Drink Festival is a free, two day gastronomical extravaganza which will bring together renowned chefs, local restaurants, producers, microbreweries and live music for a family-friendly day out like no other.

This magnificent Green Flag Park will host in the region of 60 food, drink and lifestyle outlets plus two unmissable concerts after dark. Scroll down and get planning your visit.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Wirral Food & Drink Festival 2019…

When & Where

The Wirral Food & Drink Festival 2019 takes place at Birkenhead Park on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September 2019.  The festival site is located on the Lower Park site, opposite Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre.

Times

The Wirral Food & Drink Festival site is open from 11am until 5pm on both days and is FREE to attend, no ticket needed.

Getting There

Train

Merseyrail operate frequent services to Birkenhead Park train station from right across the Merseyside area. The station is just a ten minute walk from the festival site. Plan your journey with Merseyrail here.

Bus

Arriva North West runs a network of local bus services across Merseyside and the Wirral, Lancashire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester. You can buy tickets and plan your journey using the Arriva app, alternatively check online here.

Parking

There is parking available at the Wirral Food & Drink Festival site, available on a first come, first served basis. Head to Birkenhead’s Upper Park and follow the signs. This event is already proving very popular so please be patient and where possible, use public transport. Use the postcode CH41 8AU.

What’s On

The Festival Field

Showtime Ice Cream – Whipped and scoop ice cream

Inspiring Wines – Pop-up wine bar

Greek St Food – Greek street food

Amber & Malt – Traditional bar

ERA Trade Ltd – Barista coffee

Thyme Oxton – French style cheese and meat plates

Nova The Outsiders – Chicken shwarma, dirty chips and vegetarian options

Brimstage Brewery – Traditional real ales, local lager and new session IPA

Wirral Distillery – Gin bar and shop

Karma Indian Food – Indian street food

Crack Pot Caterers – Loaded chips, dogs, burgers, nachos

Love Lane Brewing – Love Lane craft beer bar

Yellow Submarine (LFC) – Fish and chips

Muffs of Bromborough – BBQ using local meat

The Family Zone

Wirral Food & Drink Festival 2019 is a family friendly event with something for everyone. There is a dedicated Family Zone on The Festival Field full of food & drink related interactive activities for children of all ages to enjoy as well as a fairground behind Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre offering rides and attractions.

The Marketplace

Mere Brook House – Home produced honey, apple juice and cider, homemade cakes

KO-CO – Free-from organic brownies

Wirralstone Farm – Artisan dry cured bacon products

Ena Pa – Spices and sauces

Tasty Baker – Artisan breads

The Cheese Counter – Rare cheeses

MOWGS – Handmade baskets from Burma

Costco Chester – Costco memberships

Sally Anne’s Wirral Gifts – Handmade wooden crafts, frames and gifts

Cheshire Wildlife – Trust Local wildlife conservation charity promoting our nature reserves

Wild Scape – Wildlife images on various products

The Avenue

Chip’d – Dutch style chips, dips and snacks

Happy Days – Barista coffee

The Bhaji Box – Indian street food

Joro Vegan Eatery – Hot and cold vegan food

Bakes & Bars – Barista coffee, home-made cakes and prosecco

Thai 2 Go – Thai-Laos street food

Capitol Chinese – Chinese street food Restaurant

The Punch Brew Co. – Yorkshire herbal punch (non-alcoholic)

Silk Road – Pacific and Mediterranean tapas

After Dark

Following the days foodie fun, there’s another feast for the senses as Birkenhead Park becomes a stage for two unmissable evening concerts. Read on for information and tickets.

Saturday 7:30pm

On Saturday evening, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will take centre stage for their only outdoor performance as a full orchestra in 2019. This show, featuring mezzo soprano Jennifer Johnston will be packed with  popular classics, show tunes and exciting film standards such as ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, ‘Ferry ‘cross the Mersey’, and music from films such as Star Wars and E.T. Get your tickets here.

Sunday 7pm

Iconic Merseyside bands Lightning Seeds, The Christians & China Crisis will take over Birkenhead Park for one night only with a not-to-be-missed musical extravaganza. The ultimate homecoming gig will feature many much loved tracks and anthems in a thrilling finale to an amazing weekend of food, drink, music and memories. Tickets are priced at £19.25 for adults and are available here.

VIP

VIP and corporate hospitality packages are available for Saturday and Sunday evening, featuring culinary delights from Chef Paul Askew, drinks and concert tickets. For more information on these all-inclusive events and to book tickets, please email: cultureteam@wirral.gov.uk.

Accessibility

There are disabled toilets located in Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre and for the evening concerts there is an accessible viewing platform with toilets nearby. Visitors do not need to go on to the grass to get to the accessible viewing platform.

To book tickets call RLPO (0151 709 3789) or Floral Pavilion Box Office (0151 666 0000). Accessible viewing platform places are limited and on a first come, first served basis.

There is blue badge parking available. All parking is in Upper Park with access from Park Rd end of Ashville Drive. Parking will be sign posted with stewards – please alert a steward if you require blue badge parking and they will direct you.

Parking is limited and on a first come, first served basis so arrive early to avoid disappointment. The car park is a 3 – 5 minute walk from the event site.

Festival FAQ’s

To make sure everyone enjoys a fabulous day out at Wirral Food & Drink Festival, here’s some frequently asked questions and all important answers to help you plan your visit.

Wirral Food & Drink Festival is free to attend, no need to purchase tickets.

The Lightning Seeds and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra concerts are ticketed, scroll up for ticket links.

There are no cash machines or ATM’s on the Wirral Food & Drink Festival site. The nearest ones are at nearby Aldi Birkenhead and Thiaras Convenience Store. Some retailers will have card facilities but it’s best to get your cash out before you visit.

You can bring your dog to the Wirral Food & Drink Festival. Please keep them on a lead and clean up after them.

There is baby changing located at the Birkenhead Park Visitors Centre and a lost child meeting point on the festival site. It’s going to get busy so please keep children in sight at all times.

First Aid is located on the main festival site and there’s a lost property desk at the Birkenhead Park Visitors Centre.

Now is the time to keep an eye on the weather and dress accordingly for your visit. No one wants a soggy bottom!

Stay Connected

Stay connected across the Wirral Food & Drink Festival weekend by following @ImagineWirral on Twitter for the latest event news. Tag your photos and videos with #Wirral2019 and #MadeForFoodies.

As always keep it with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram across the Wirral Food and Drink Festival 2019 as our Josh and the team brings you all the action as it happens.

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