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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Williamson Art Gallery
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260710T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260710T203000
DTSTAMP:20260623T145839Z
CREATED:20250430T082221Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260623T145839Z
UID:10000305-1783708200-1783715400@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Books and Banter
DESCRIPTION:Love books? Love talking about books? Love Books & Banter!\nBooks and Banter is an opportunity to talk about books guided by theme\, with no specific book set to read. Discussions around the subject are facilitated but not restricted\, and tangents are welcome. \nThe theme for July is ART. \nFree to all – no need to book\, just come along! \n  \nTake a look at the list from June’s session  \n  \nThe Williamson Café will be open and serving refreshments\, including alcohol. \n 
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/books-and-banter-theme-eastern-europe/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
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ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260717T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260717T123000
DTSTAMP:20260705T223347Z
CREATED:20250514T082721Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260705T223347Z
UID:10000306-1784286000-1784291400@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Peter Rainsford Presents
DESCRIPTION:A Miscellany of Music and Creativity\, Coffee Concert. \nPeter is founder and director of Tafelmusik music school in Oxton. Each month he brings a varied repertoire of music and performers to the Williamson. \nAlong side Peter and singer/songwriter Paula\, this month we welcome back special guest Tenor – Terence Robertson. \nTerence sang at our concert last November and made a stunning impression with his magnificent voice. In July he will be singing songs from Opera and Operettas including: The Desert Song by Sigmund Romberg and Nessun Dorma by Puccini. \n \nTerence studied with Carlo Bergonzi and Luciano Pavarotti. He has sung with Scottish Opera\, ENO\, Opera North\, Opera Holland Park and won great success in the role of Verdi’s Otello with Welsh National Opera. \nThe concert will also include music from Peter and a selection of songs from Paula. \nThis is the last concert of the season\, and we look forwards to seeing all our coffee concert friends. \n  \nTafelmusik website \nFollow \n  \nThe Williamson café will be open serving hot & cold refreshments.
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/peter-rainsford-presents/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
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ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260717T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260717T203000
DTSTAMP:20260623T152621Z
CREATED:20260623T152621Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260623T152621Z
UID:10000367-1784313000-1784320200@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Live Music: Two Penny Piece
DESCRIPTION:We are excited to welcome Two Penny Piece for the first time to the Williamson. \n  \nTwo Penny Piece consists of Ken and Chris. \nTwo friends that got together about 8 years ago to perform music together. They have a wide genre of songs \, from ballads  to country and much more. \nThey will be performing live in the famous Williamson Café. We know its going to be a great start to your weekend with a set that is sure to get you tapping your feet and singing along. \n  \nFriday 17th July \n18:30pm \nMORE \n  \nFollow         Two Penny Piece
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/live-music-two-penny-piece/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Two-Penny-Pieces.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260718T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260718T160000
DTSTAMP:20260701T100541Z
CREATED:20250708T143105Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T100541Z
UID:10000318-1784383200-1784390400@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Enjoy The Piano
DESCRIPTION:A varied selection of piano music played by local musicians. \nOur ‘Enjoy the Piano’ concerts are going from strength to strength.  They started as a small group of pianists playing to each other and they have developed into: ‘Classical’ Solos – Jazz Improvisations and even Piano Duets. \nThere is something for everyone to enjoy. \nWe are always happy to hear from musicians who would like to practice in front of a live audience. If you would like to take part in a session\, please contact\, Peter Rainsford – piedpiper2000@aol.com to book your place. \n \n  \nThe Williamson Café will be open for refreshments.
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/enjoy-the-piano/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
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ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260724T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260724T203000
DTSTAMP:20260625T160650Z
CREATED:20260625T160059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T160650Z
UID:10000368-1784917800-1784925000@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Costume Figure Drawing: Pre-Raphaelite Women
DESCRIPTION:A new monthly drawing class is coming to the Williamson! \nFrom next month\, themed ‘Costume Figure Drawing’ classes will be starting Friday 24th July. \nWhether you are looking to start a new skill or a seasoned pro all are welcome to join in. Informal tutoring is available on request and refreshments available from the Williamson Café. \n  \nThis months theme will be ‘Pre-Raphaelite Women’. Please bring your own sketching paper and materials. \nNo booking required\, cash or card payments on the door. \nCash: Under 18’s £10| Adults £12  (0.17p surcharge on card payments) \nDoors open at 18:20pm \nFor more information please email: Marieartlife@outlook.com \n  \n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/costume-figure-drawing-pre-raphaelite-women/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
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ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260724T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260724T203000
DTSTAMP:20260701T175254Z
CREATED:20260701T175254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T175254Z
UID:10000370-1784917800-1784925000@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Creaking Gates
DESCRIPTION:Creaking Gates will be performing live at the Williamson! \n  \nA local Acoustic folk\, American roots music and Americana band from the Wirral. Creaking Gates have been performing together for many years and is a well loved band here on the Wirral. \nJoin us at the gallery for a night that is set to be electrifying and entertaining. \n  \nFriday 24th \nFREE \n  \nSee More  &   Hear  More \n  \nFollow Creaking Gates on   Facebook  and  Instagram \n  \n 
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/creaking-gates/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
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ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260727T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260727T160000
DTSTAMP:20260705T145519Z
CREATED:20260701T103717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260705T145519Z
UID:10000369-1785160800-1785168000@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Creative Business Clinic - 1:1 Mentorship
DESCRIPTION:NEW to Community Mondays  a monthly Creative Business Clinic: Free 1:1 Mentorship for Local Creators \nGot a creative business idea\, brand\, or strategy you’d like to refine? Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale\, our free 1:1 Creative Business Clinic offers tailored advice to help you turn vision into action. \nWhat We Cover: \n\nBusiness Development: Talk through your creative\, craft\, or art business—from concept to execution.\nPartnerships & Networking: Build meaningful relationships with organisations\, voluntary groups\, venues\, or collaborators.\nFinancial Clarity: Develop budgets\, review funding applications\, or explore sustainable pricing models.\nBrand & Communication: Sharpen your messaging\, visual identity\, or audience engagement strategy.\n\nWhy Attend?\nThis isn’t a lecture—it’s a collaborative\, no-nonsense session led by you. As a business mentor and chaos architect\, I’ll help you untangle challenges\, spot opportunities\, and leave with actionable next steps. Think of it as therapy for your creative hustle. \nHow It Works: \n\nIn-person only (for now).\n60-minute sessions – book your slot online via the link below.\nNo free spot? Pop us an email\, and we might set up a virtual meeting.\nConfidential\, judgment-free\, and 100% free.\n\nWho’s It For? \n\nEmerging creators testing the waters.\nEstablished makers hitting a roadblock.\nSocial enterprises or CICs aligning profit with purpose.\nAnyone who wants to simplify\, strategise\, or scale their creative work.\n\nEvery 4th Monday of the month\, 2:00 – 4:00 PM   Book your session Now!
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/creative-business-clinic/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
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ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260731T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260731T203000
DTSTAMP:20260701T184700Z
CREATED:20260701T184700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T184700Z
UID:10000371-1785522600-1785529800@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Medical Negligence
DESCRIPTION:“Get ready to be blown away by Medical Negligence – a six-piece band made up of friends\, family\, and a shared love of music (and yes\, a medical background too!). 🩺🎵 \nExpect a stunning mix of guitars\, harp\, flutes\, cello\, mandolin\, piano\, percussion\, and FOUR incredible voices weaving together unique arrangements that cross genres and generations. Add in their hilarious on-stage banter\, and you’ve got a night full of music\, laughter\, and magic. ✨” \n  \nSee More \nHear  More \n  \nFollow MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE \n  \nThe Williamson Café will be open for drinks (including alcohol) and light bites. \n  \n 
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/medical-negligence/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Med-Neg.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260807T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260807T203000
DTSTAMP:20260701T193450Z
CREATED:20260701T192325Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T193450Z
UID:10000372-1786127400-1786134600@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Emptiness In Sound Live Performance
DESCRIPTION:Cailiach and Eljae of Emptiness in Sound invite you into a transformative musical journey through sound\, healing\, and dance. Blending progressive house rhythms with sacred mantras\, healing frequencies\, and channelled vocals\, their music creates a deeply immersive experience designed to awaken the body\, heart\, and soul. \n  \nDrawing on Caileach’s work as a quantum healer\, meditation teacher and trained sound healer\, alongside Laura’s gifts as an oracle and intuitive channel\, their music and voices weave together ethereal soundscapes\, medicine music\, and ancient sacred vibrations with modern electronic beats. \n  \nExpect soothing melodies\, uplifting grooves\, light language\, and powerful frequencies that guide you through the energy of the chakras\, from deep inner presence to ecstatic dance. \n  \nTheir latest album\, Dance of the Chakras\, is a celebration of healing through movement\, sound\, connection and the spaces in between\, inviting audiences to dance\, release\, and remember. Inspired by ancient wisdom and futuristic soundscapes\, their music weaves together medicine songs\, light language\, and progressive house rhythms to create a transformative and heart opening experience. \nFriday 7th August \nFREE \n  \nFollow on Instagram \n 
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/emptiness-in-sound/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/EMPTINESS-in-Sound-image-2.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260814T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261031T170000
DTSTAMP:20260420T094125Z
CREATED:20260409T100911Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T094125Z
UID:10000353-1786701600-1793466000@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Coming soon- Leonard McComb: Nature & Humanity
DESCRIPTION:The Williamson Art Gallery & Museum will present the largest ever exhibition of work by one of the most important British artists of the 20th century\, Leonard McComb. \nLeonard McComb: Nature and Humanity will include the best works from the artist’s estate\, as well as choice loans from major public and private collections\, over 60 of the artist’s best pieces\, including painting\, watercolour\, drawings\, and sculpture\, will be brought together. These will include ‘Rock and Sea Anglesey’\, from Oriel Môn\, which\, measuring over 10 metres long\, is the largest drawing on paper held by any UK public collection. There will also be a selection of choice loans from Manchester Art Gallery and the Royal Academy. \nThe loans are supported by the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund. Created by the Garfield Weston Foundation and Art Fund\, the Weston Loan Programme is the first ever UK-wide funding scheme to enable smaller and local authority museums to borrow works of art and artefacts from national collections. The exhibition is a collaboration with Art Space Gallery| Michael Richardson Contemporary Art and the Estate of Leonard McComb RA. \nLeonard McComb RA (1930-2018) received acclaim and accolades throughout his career for his work in different mediums including painting\, drawing and sculpture. This exhibition at the Williamson will have a particular focus on McComb’s ecological outlook\, which can be found throughout his work. Whether portrait\, still life\, landscape\, or sculpture\, McComb’s work demonstrates his beliefs on the beauty\, energy\, and interconnectedness of all life. \nCurator Josh Mackarell says that “we are delighted to be able to bring this major exhibition of an important and celebrated artist to Merseyside. McComb’s work is not just relevant to our modern times for its beauty and technical brilliance\, but also because its environmental outlook speaks to the fundamental debates of our time.” \nThe exhibition will open on Friday 14th August 2026 and run until Saturday 31st October.
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/coming-soon-leonard-mccomb-nature-humanity/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Exhibitions,Slide 3
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Leonard-McComb_090-lead-image.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261204T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261204T170000
DTSTAMP:20260629T145931Z
CREATED:20260326T110011Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T145931Z
UID:10000351-1796378400-1796403600@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:You Gotta Get a Gimmick: The Paul O’Grady Story
DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” \nA major exhibition delving into the private archive of Paul O’Grady\, revealing his life in front of and behind the cameras will open in his hometown of Birkenhead at the end of this year. You Gotta Get A Gimmick – The Paul O’Grady Story will be a free exhibition at Williamson Art Gallery and will open on 4 December 2026.  \n  \nThe exhibition\, featuring a wider community and participation programme\, will give a first glimpse into the extensive archive of Paul\, contextualising him as an LGBTQIA+ icon\, an award-winning broadcaster\, passionate activist and someone who gave a voice to the voiceless\, particularly those with four paws. From Tranmere to the Royal Vauxhall Tavern\, the “blonde bombsite of Birkenhead” to Battersea Dog’s Home\, the exhibition will present Paul O’Grady is one of Britain’s most cherished\, and significant cultural figures.  \nBirkenhead is at the heart of Paul O’Grady’s story\, whether it is the acid tongue of Lily Savage\, the humour and activism of Paul as a presenter and entertainer\, the determination to stand up for a cause and the working-class identity at his core. Premiering the exhibition in the town has been the central ambition of the curatorial team\, and The Paul O’Grady Estate with a commitment to keeping access free. \n  \nEarly Years \nPaul James O’Grady was born to Molly and Paddy on 14 June 1955 in Birkenhead and was brought up in a close-knit Irish Catholic household in Tranmere. The youngest of three children\, he first attended St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Prenton and then St. Anselm’s College in Birkenhead\, which was founded by the Christian Brothers.  After leaving school Paul worked in a variety of jobs including being a clerk in the Magistrates Courts and a care worker in a Children’s Convalescent Home in West Kirby. \n  \nCrossover into mainstream \nSet against the turbulent social and political landscape of 1980s Britain\, the exhibition charts the rise of Lily Savage within the context of Section 28 and widespread homophobia. Lily Savage emerged as a defiant response to the era’s unrest\, channelling working-class resilience into high-glamour\, razor-sharp satire. \nAs we mark the 60th anniversary of the 1967 Sexual Offences Act\, the exhibition places Paul O’Grady at the vanguard of LGBTQIA+ visibility. It maps the moment queer culture crossed over from the pub and club underground into the collective heart of the British public\, forever altering the national cultural fabric.  \nLily’s television career included hosting “The Lily Savage Show” (BBC); “Lily Live” (ITV); and “Lily Savage’s Blankety Blank”. After resting Lily\, Paul O’Grady’s career flourished in many directions from the BAFTA award-winning “The Paul O’Grady Show”\, “Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs” and “Paul O’Grady’s Little Heroes” to name but a few. He also had a definitive decade-long residency on BBC Radio 2\, making him one of the most significant cultural figures of his generation. \nHe has written four volumes of his autobiography and in 2017 “Paul O’Grady’s Country Life” was published.  Paul’s children’s books about Eddie Albert focus on a boy who lives with his dad after his mum has died and who finds he has the ability to talk to animals.  They are his friends and they have adventures together which include rescuing a baby orangutan from a cruel owner.  Paul wanted his books to encourage children to be kind to animals as well as wanting to support children who are bullied in school or who feel they don’t fit in. \nDespite all his success which undoubtedly changed his life he remained passionate about speaking out when he considered people were being treated unjustly and in his TV series about the Working Class and “The Sally Army and Me” he wanted to highlight the day to day struggles of ordinary people and show the hard work that goes on often unnoticed by the powers that be. \n  \nThe Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character \nFor the first time\, the public is invited to engage with the meticulous craft behind the persona. The exhibition brings together a unique selection of items from Paul O’Grady’s archive: \n\nIconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.\nMedia: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.\nPrivate World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.\n\n  \nA Living Heritage \nThanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund\, this exhibition will spread from behind the gallery walls to document Paul’s legacy and the lived experience of his peers and community. Through a series of oral history sessions\, the exhibition documents the lived experiences of the local LGBTQIA+ community\, ensuring Paul O’Grady’s legacy is intertwined with the heritage of the Northwest and the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. The exhibition will be accompanied by a year-long public programme of Talking Heads\, music\, performance and cabaret to inspire and platform the next generation of queer talent alongside reading clubs of Paul O’Grady children’s books in libraries across the Wirral. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. \nWith thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/paul-ogrady/
LOCATION:Merseyside
CATEGORIES:Exhibitions,Slide 4
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