Thousands of visitors flocked to Thurstaston last weekend for Imagine Bamboo is Everywhere, a bamboozling family event and one of the highlights of Wirral Country Park’s 50th anniversary programme of events.
Crowds were treated to large bamboo artwork, bamboo bikes and a bamboo orchestra. Children enjoyed trying their hand at circus skills, limboing and the crafting workshops in the Visitor Centre.
There was ‘panda-monium’ when the Mayor, Councillor Jerry Williams, tried his hand at hula-hooping!
The event showcased bamboo’s versatility and sustainability, using borinda bamboo harvested from Ness Botanical Gardens. The bamboo was originally from mountainous Tibet and brought to the UK by a botanist from University of Liverpool.
Moreton-based artist Becky Bryson created four of the bamboo artwork pieces, including the popular selfie spot, which gave a new perspective to the stunning view across the Dee Estuary towards Wales.
She said, “I have been involved in the Imagine Bamboo project for over a year, experimenting with bamboo with community groups across Wirral, including Earth Moves, Convenience Gallery, OOMOO and Positivitree.
“For Saturday’s event I wanted to make a structure that can be both interactive and beautiful against the landscape. Wirral Country Park is my favourite place on Wirral and I was absolutely delighted that the Wirral event would be held here. I really wanted to make the most of the views, so a selfie frame seemed like the perfect fit!
“It was a beautiful, sunny day and the setting was perfect. It was great to see so many children and families enjoying themselves.”
Imagine Bamboo is Everywhere is part of the LCR Cultural Events programme, delivered in partnership with Imagineer and Culture Liverpool, and led by independent creative director Orit Azaz. The project is supported by Arts Council England, UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Heart of Glass, Ness Botanic Garden, University of Liverpool and Liverpool City Region Music Board.
Image: Wirral artist Becky Bryson with one of her bamboo creations
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