Workshop: Encouraging Younger Volunteers in Heritage and Culture groups
2026-06-30 13:00 - 15:30 UTC | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
We’re inviting local groups and organisations to join us on 30th June for a practical and engaging session focused on Encouraging younger volunteers, delivered in partnership with Curious Minds and facilitated by Wirral CVS.
Younger people bring energy, fresh perspectives and new skills into the heritage and culture groups, but many organisations tell us they’re unsure how to attract, support and retain them effectively. This session is designed to help you bridge that gap.
During the session, you’ll:

Explore what motivates young people to volunteer
Understand common barriers and how to overcome them
Gain practical ideas to make your opportunities more accessible and appealing
Share experiences and learn from others across the sector
Whether you’re just starting to think about involving younger volunteers or looking to strengthen what you already offer, this session will provide useful insight and actionable approaches.

If you’d like to attend, please get in touch or secure your place via our website –
Encouraging Younger Volunteers – Wirral CVS
We hope you can join us for what promises to be a valuable and thought-provoking session.

The 3L's Choir - SUMMER CONCERT
2026-07-03 18:30 - 20:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
The 3L’s are back at the Williamson to perform a summer concert in aid of ‘WIRRAL WOMEN & CHILDREN’S AID CHARITY,
‘3Ls’ stands for Learning, Leisure and Laughter, – principles epitomised by this Choir. Made up of people from all over the Wirral. Including people who have sung in choirs all their life and people for whom singing is a new adventure.
On Friday 3rd of July from 6.30pm they will be performing a programme led by their music Director, Stella McGann.
These performances are to raise funds through your donations for the Wirral Women’s and Children’s Aid (Refuge). Please come along to support this excellent local charity.
The Wirral 3Ls Choir is part of an organisation of daytime learning and leisure activities, ranging from Art to Languages and Pilates.
The Williamson Café will be open during the performances for drinks and light bites.

FREE – Booking essential
BOOK HERE

Find out more about Wirral 3Ls

Peter Rainsford Presents
2026-07-17 11:00 - 12:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
A Miscellany of Music and Creativity, Coffee Concert.
Peter is founder and director of Tafelmusik music school in Oxton. Each month he brings a varied repertoire of music and performers to the Williamson.
Along side Peter and singer/songwriter Paula, this month we welcome back special guest Tenor – Terence Robertson.
Terence 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.

Terence 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.
The concert will also include music from Peter and a selection of songs from Paula.
This is the last concert of the season, and we look forwards to seeing all our coffee concert friends.

Tafelmusik website
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The Williamson café will be open serving hot & cold refreshments.

Live Music: Two Penny Piece
2026-07-17 18:30 - 20:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
We are excited to welcome Two Penny Piece for the first time to the Williamson.

Two Penny Piece consists of Ken and Chris.
Two 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.
They 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.

Friday 17th July
18:30pm
MORE

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Enjoy The Piano
2026-07-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
A varied selection of piano music played by local musicians.
Our ‘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.
There is something for everyone to enjoy.
We 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.

The Williamson Café will be open for refreshments.

Williamson Open 2026
2026-07-24 10:00 - 2026-10-10 17:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
The exhibition is now open!!!

The Williamson Open returns for 2026! Our much-loved annual exhibition showcases the best in art and photography made by artists across the Liverpool City Region.

Take It Home: Many of the artworks in the Open are available to buy. You can view and purchase artworks online as well as in-person this year.

View the Online Catalogue

On purchases made in the gallery, we offer the Own Art scheme.

Own Art is a national initiative, supported by Arts Council England, to make it easy and affordable for anyone and everyone to buy contemporary art and craft by providing interest-free loans.
Choose the artwork you love, apply for a loan from as little as £250 and pay it back over 10 months, completely interest-free.

Find out more about the scheme and eligibility criteria: www.ownart.org.uk

Please note that Own Art cannot be applied to online artwork purchases.

Costume Figure Drawing: Pre-Raphaelite Women
2026-07-24 18:30 - 20:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
A new monthly drawing class is coming to the Williamson!
From next month, themed ‘Costume Figure Drawing’ classes will be starting Friday 24th July.
Whether 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.

This months theme will be ‘Pre-Raphaelite Women’. Please bring your own sketching paper and materials.
No booking required, cash or card payments on the door.
Cash: Under 18’s £10| Adults £12 (0.17p surcharge on card payments)
Doors open at 18:20pm
For more information please email: Marieartlife@outlook.com

Creakin' Gates
2026-07-24 18:30 - 20:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
Creakin’ Gates will be performing live at the Williamson!

A local Acoustic folk, American roots music and Americana band from the Wirral. Creakin’ Gates have been performing together for many years and is a well loved band here on the Wirral.
Join us at the gallery for a night that is set to be electrifying and entertaining.

Friday 24th
FREE

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Creative Business Clinic - 1:1 Mentorship
2026-07-27 14:00 - 16:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
NEW to Community Mondays a monthly Creative Business Clinic: Free 1:1 Mentorship for Local Creators
Got 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.
What We Cover:

Business Development: Talk through your creative, craft, or art business—from concept to execution.
Partnerships & Networking: Build meaningful relationships with organisations, voluntary groups, venues, or collaborators.
Financial Clarity: Develop budgets, review funding applications, or explore sustainable pricing models.
Brand & Communication: Sharpen your messaging, visual identity, or audience engagement strategy.

Why Attend?
This 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.
How It Works:

In-person only (for now).
60-minute sessions – book your slot online via the link below.
No free spot? Pop us an email, and we might set up a virtual meeting.
Confidential, judgment-free, and 100% free.

Who’s It For?

Emerging creators testing the waters.
Established makers hitting a roadblock.
Social enterprises or CICs aligning profit with purpose.
Anyone who wants to simplify, strategise, or scale their creative work.

Every 4th Monday of the month, 2:00 – 4:00 PM Book your session Now!
Community Monday Noticeboard

Medical Negligence
2026-07-31 18:30 - 20:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
“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!). 🩺🎵
Expect 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. ✨”

See More
Hear More

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The Williamson Café will be open for drinks (including alcohol) and light bites.

Blank Page Club - Youth Group
2026-08-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
A NEW free, gallery-based art club for young people comes to COMMUNITY MONDAYS, run by qualified Art Teacher Billie Fletcher.
If you are aged 13-19 and have an interest in Art, Design, or anything creative – then join the
club! We will be looking at Williamson Art Gallery’s collections and exhibitions and creating
our own works in response to what we see.
In our first session, we are looking at Japanese Woodblock prints (Ukiyo-e) inspired by the
gallery’s exhibition ‘Echoes of the Floating World’. Using collage, we will create beautiful
landscapes using Japanese paper, and add detail by drawing into our work.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, these sessions are for everybody and
Billie will be there to guide you through the process. The session is also a great opportunity
to meet some likeminded people and spend some time in the amazing Williamson Art
Gallery.
These sessions are completely free, and all materials are provided, all you need to do is
come along and be creative! The session will be on Monday 3rd August, from 1pm to 3pm.
– Parents and carers: if you would like to accompany your young person to the session there
is a lovely café on site!

Book Here (FREE – Places are limited)
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Community Monday Noticeboard

Emptiness In Sound Live Performance
2026-08-07 18:30 - 20:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
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.

Drawing 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.

Expect 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.

Their 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.
Friday 7th August
FREE

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Coming soon- Leonard McComb: Nature & Humanity
2026-08-14 10:00 - 2026-10-31 17:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
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.
Leonard 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.
The 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.
Leonard 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.
Curator 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.”
The exhibition will open on Friday 14th August 2026 and run until Saturday 31st October.

Life Drawing
2026-08-14 18:30 - 20:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
Liverpool Life Drawing will be returning for their next Friday night session at the Williamson.
Open to all abilities, no experience needed as the tutors can guide you through the session. Basic materials will be available, though you are also welcome to bring your own or let the tutors know if there’s anything specific you require.
£10 cash or card payment on the night. No booking required.
Sessions will be on the second Friday of every month on an ongoing basis.

Follow Liverpool Life Drawing on social media
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Books and Banter
2026-08-14 18:30 - 20:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
Love books? Love talking about books? Love Books & Banter!
Books 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.
The theme for August is Ancient Classics – then & now.
Free to all – no need to book, just come along!

Take a look at the list from July’s session

The Williamson Café will be open and serving refreshments, including alcohol.

Children's Story Time
2026-08-17 12:30 - 13:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
A NEW Community Monday summer reading group is starting at the Williamson with local children’s author Alicia Steens and Benny!

Join Alicia for a magical Benny & Friends family experience.
Children can:

Meet Benny, the cuddly storybook bunny, and take photos with him.
Take a photo with Benny.
Help Benny find his lost picnic basket.
Enjoy colouring activities.
Listen to a reading from Benny and the Lost Picnic Basket.

Come along to discover the magical world of Benny & Friends and enjoy a fun, interactive experience for young children and their families.
For children aged 3-7 years old
Click the link to join the Benny & Friends Club and receive free colouring pages, updates on new books, family activities and future events.

Become friends with Benny

Community Monday Noticeboard

Live Music From E'n'B & Friends
2026-09-04 18:30 - 20:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
Two acts in one evening bringing fantastic live music to the Williamson for a Friday night!
“EnB” are a duo who play ukelele, guitar, bass and drums to sing along to; they enjoy all types of music, only performing songs they enjoy singing. Performing an eclectic mix of songs from the likes of The Houghton Weavers to The Killers, via John Prine and Cat Stevens.
They are returning for another performance with their “Friend” the accomplished singer, songwriter, Mark Miller.
He is a talented local musician whose deft guitar playing is always a joy to listen to. A singer-songwriter, Mark will be performing some of his own songs along with a set of covers. He should not be missed!

During the concert E’n’B will be raising money for the charity Alzheimers UK and hope the audience enjoy supporting the charity while listening to some fantastic music.
FREE ENTRY
The Williamson Café will be serving drinks (including alcohol) and snacks.

Kaboodle Choir & Kab'Ukes
2026-09-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
Kaboodle Community Choir were formed in 2007. Their performances at the gallery are always entertaining, and they’ll be performing a broad range of popular songs.
They are supported by Kab’Ukes, a small band of Ukelele players, who are all members of the choir. They’ll be performing their own fun and energetic set in the middle of the show.

Follow Kaboodle Choir here

Friday 25th September
FREE
The Williamson Cafe will be open for refreshments.

Opening December 2026: You Gotta Get a Gimmick: The Paul O’Grady Story
2026-12-04 10:00 - 17:00 | Merseyside
“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown”
A 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.

The 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.
Birkenhead 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.

Early Years
Paul 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.

Crossover into mainstream
Set 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.
As 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.
Lily’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.
He 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.
Despite 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.

The Archive: Craft, Costume, and Character
For 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:

Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.
Media: Rare footage, scripts, photography, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.
Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects, figurines, and puppets, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.

A Living Heritage
Thanks 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.
With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England
