Animation artists Illuminos once again lit up The Atkinson with the:- 'Nightingale, The Song' projection

IT was just before lockdown in March 2020 that the international projection artists Illuminos lit up The Atkinson with this fantastic display, as part part of Sefton Borough of Culture 2020. The group returned on Sunday, 27 March 2022 to give those who could not see it back then a chance to see it again. This spectacular celebration of Sefton's coastline, entitled:- "The Nightingale's Song" was also projected onto Waterloo Town Hall and Bootle Town Hall.

For this years trilogy, Illuminos reawakening The Nightingale's Song in a series of 3 new mesmerising projections in collaboration with Guildhall Live Events, Lightworks, and artist Amelia Kosminsky. Plus residents and visitors alike could also enjoy a triumphant series of video projection artworks celebrating the history of Sefton:- The Echo at Southport Market, The Whisper at Bootle Canalside and The Song at The Atkinson.

This was a fantastic free event, but sadly, yet again, not everyone could come and see it. Lets hope Illuminos can return and give us yet another fantastic display!

If you are interested in what The Nightingale's Song Reawakened was all about, it was the tale of magic and wonder, of myths and wondrous creatures, spectacular nature, of ships and sailing, of peoples past and present that captures the history of Sefton. The projections are anchored through following the journey of the Natterjack Toad; the endangered amphibian who lives in the Sefton dunes. Known as the Birkdale Nightingale because of its extraordinary night time song, it becomes the character we follow, symbolising the growth and transition through ever changing stages of egg, tadpole, and toad.

So did you enjoy seeing The Nightingale's Song Reawakened? Please let us know your thoughts on this and also the other video projection projects that took place this year as part of this event by emailing us at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

Wayfarers Arcade will be supporting National Pet Month

WAYFARERS Arcade is commemorating April being National Pet Month by supporting Southport, Ormskirk and District RSPCA, who are a separately Registered Charity to the National RSPCA. The charity is completely reliant upon donations, legacies and monies raised through their charity shop and the public's generous support of fundraising events.

The animal centre in New Cut Lane, Birkdale takes in, cares for, supports and helps rehabilitate cats and dogs that have been rescued by the national RSPCA and who have suffered from cruelty and neglect, and they are cared for and eventually found new homes.

The charity will be in Wayfarers on:- 2 April, 9 April, 14 April, 18 April, 23 April and 30 April raising awareness of what they do to help our furry friends find their forever home. They are looking forward to meeting people who would like to get involved. They will have information about fostering and adopting and will sell:- toys, coats, leads, collars etc.

Yvonne Burns Wayfarers Centre Manager commented:- "We at Wayfarers are known for supporting local charities and we know how much good work Southport, Ormskirk and District RSPCA do. We hope that having the opportunity to meet visitors to the arcade will help to raise awareness of the excellent work this charity does."

Sophie Hubble of the local RSPCA said:- "We are very grateful to be invited to join in Pet Month at Wayfarers Arcade. Opportunities like this are a great way we can share our message with the public and let them know what it is we do and how they can get involved to help support us. This could be by volunteering, fundraising, fostering, attending our events, or donating. You can contact the local RSPCA on:- 01704567624."