A collection of films celebrating the maritime history of Merseyside will be screened in New Brighton this month, with proceeds going to Wirral’s Royal National Lifeboat Institutions.
The event, Wirral Lifeboat and Maritime Extravaganza, includes an evening of short films and a chance to learn about the history of the Wirral RNLI.
Local award-winning film maker Graham Mathews has produced the films, which include footage of the Three Queens’ recent visit to the River Mersey, the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic and last visit to the Mersey by HMS Liverpool.
New Brighton RNLI’s Bob Warwick told JMU Journalism: “Without our maritime history Wirral and Liverpool would not be what we are today. We are influenced by the sea for work and pleasure and anything maritime tends to have a big following.
“It should not be forgotten that Liverpool was the HQ for the longest fought and most critical battle during World War II. Had we failed we would probably have lost the war.
“Don’t forget the Atlantic liners and trade during the late 19th and early 20th century before aircraft took over the passenger routes.
“There have been lifeboat stations on the banks of the Mersey since the 1770s and we will be showing a unique film by Graham covering the operations and history of our lifeboat stations on Wirral.”
Over a million people flocked to New Brighton and Crosby to catch a glimpse of the three Cunard ships – Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria – as they made their way down the river last May.
Bob added: “A big thanks to The Light Cinema, New Brighton for supporting us in this venture. If you missed the visit of the Three Queens to the Mersey, or would like to see the events again, now is the chance.”
The films will premiere in The Light Cinema on February 23rd at 7:30pm.