Young people get a blast from the past with the Liverpool City Heritage Trail

LIVERPOOL'S young people are on a quest to unlock the secrets of some of City's most iconic buildings.  It's a walk through the corridors of history to find hidden gems and long forgotten stories…

And while it may sound like the plot of a Hollywood movie, it's actually all part of an exciting new project to find City's very own Young Heritage Champions.

Throughout next week young people aged between 14 and 19 will be taking part in a series of workshops, tours and practical sessions all aimed at giving them a greater appreciation of the City's rich heritage.

The Young Heritage Champions (YHC) project is being spearheaded by Liverpool City Council's Mayoral Lead for Heritage, Cllr Alice Bennett who has recruited the young people from schools and youth groups.

Cllr Bennett said:- "This is a 4 day programme that will take the young people on a journey through the City's heritage. During the sessions and tours they will be learning about the history of some of our most prestigious buildings. They will be looking at the architecture and design and learning more about the various artworks on display. We will also be giving them a chance to hone their photography skills by capturing the events on camera as well as their art and design skills. The young people will be encouraged to think of the future of the City for the next 100 years and how to preserve its heritage as we move into the future."

The week kicks off at St George's Hall where the young time travellers will get a grounding on the stunning Minton Tiled Floor.

They will also look at buildings at risk across the City to give them an understanding of conservation and preservation.

The week will include an introduction to Liverpool's World Heritage Site, a look inside:- the Town Hall, St Luke's Church and the Georgian Wellington Rooms, Mount Pleasant.

The young people will be given the chance to contemplate the relevance and importance of heritage to their generation and look at how they would use their new found skills to re-design where they live.

At the end of the project the young people will be asked to compile their own portfolios of photographs, designs and writing. Each will then be presented with a special certificate by Deputy Lord Mayor of Liverpool Cllr Peter Brennan before being officially hailed as Young Heritage Champions.

Cllr Bennett, added:- "The reason I started this is because decision makers tend to be older and usually male who at the most come up with 15 year plans. This programme gives a voice to young people to help them think about how they can influence decision making and the shape of the City over the next 100 years. Heritage is an area that is often overlooked for young people, but we believe it is vital that they learn more about it and become passionate about the past. Young people are the future of the City so it is only right that they become the custodians of its past."

For more information on Liverpool's World Heritage site visit:- Liverpool.Gov.UK/WorldHeritage.

Town Hall Opens its Doors

EVER wondered what is inside Liverpool Town Hall? Now is your time to explore, from Tuesday, 14 August 2018, until Friday, 24 August 2018.

The Grade 1 listed building, which sits within the City's World Heritage Site, is delighted to present their annual free open days for the public. Guided tours are also available at ₤5.50 per person, tour spaces are limited and tickets can be purchased from TicketQuarter. Liverpool Town Hall is open 10am to 5pm, full details of their opening times can be found on the Liverpool Town Hall website.

As part of the Liverpool Biennial 2018 the Town Hall is also running a series of fascinating:- 'Silver Tours' giving visitors the rare opportunity to gain a greater insight into ten amazing pieces of silver and hear some of the amazing stories behind them.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meander through the magnificent state rooms, walk down the aisle in our Small Ballroom (which will be set up for a Civil Ceremony) and enjoy the glorious views from our world famous balcony. There's even a souvenir shop, at reception, so you can take a little piece of the Town Hall home with you.

This year Peter Seddon will be doing our tours and former City Historian Steve Binns MBE will be doing the Silver Tours. Ruby Porter will also be holding an exhibition in the West Reception Room displaying the most stunning pieces of embroidery created by the ladies in a small village of Sreepur in Bangladesh. Pieces are available to buy, as well as beautiful greeting cards and all monies raised go towards helping the women of the village and their children.

There is also opportunity to view the Mandela Prints in the Front Reception which have been gifted to Liverpool City Council and the Mandela8 group by Nelson Mandela's daughter.

Did you know in our Hall of Remembrance we have thousands of names of those that lost their lives in the 1st World War, who were born or lived in Liverpool? If your relative's name is listed, you can purchase a certificate in remembrance. Alternatively, if your relative's name isn't listed, and should be, speak to a member of our helpful staff.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Christine Banks said:- "it's an honour and a pleasure to be able to open Liverpool Town Hall to the public, it's an amazing building with such strong heritage. The tours offer a rare opportunity to become fully immersed in world class architecture and history and are not to be missed. I will be in and around the Town Hall so if you see me on your tour please do say hello."

Head of City Assets, Angie Redhead said:- "It's wonderful to share this magnificent Georgian building with the people of Liverpool who will be wowed by its fascinating history and grandeur. We've also taken the opportunity to dress each of the rooms so visitors can see what Town Hall looks like during grand gala dinners and fabulous weddings. Entrance is free of charge however for a real insight, our guided tours are always extremely popular, so we would advise guests to book early to avoid disappointment."