![\"Love](\"http:\/\/ceidiog.com\/pr\/files\/2014\/06\/3105LoveWirral01-ceidiog.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe centre’s Commercial Director, \u00a0Derek Millar, could hardly conceal his delight as he watched thousands of delighted visitors enjoy the sights and sounds of the area\u2019s talented entertainers.<\/p>\n
The day-long programme was enjoyed by all from toddlers to pensioners and all the performers were greeted with rapturous applause.<\/p>\n The festival was staged in response to suggestions from regular customers at the Pyramids who felt it was an ideal venue to showcase local talent.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have staged various events over the years such as fashion shows but we agreed that the Love Wirral Festival was a good idea, and it has obviously been very popular,\u201d said Derek.<\/p>\n It was he who ensured that 13-year-old rising star Tabitha was in the line-up after spotting her on YouTube singing and playing guitar.<\/p>\n \u201cI was blown away when I saw her and thought we had to get her while we could still afford her because I\u2019m sure she\u2019s going to be a big name,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Tabitha, a pupil at Upton Hall Grammar School, sings a variety of her own compositions and popular covers, with backing from her 11-year-old sister Eliza Mai. On drums was another talented youngster, 10-year-old Seth Beard from Neston.<\/p>\n Next month Tabitha will appear in the final of the national talent competition TeenStar in Birmingham, but she admitted she was nervous about appearing before such a large crowd in the open-air in St John\u2019s Square.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t expect this many people to be here,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n She need not have worried, for she received a tremendous reception from the obviously impressed audience.<\/p>\n Among the teenager\u2019s fans watching was West Wirral MP Esther McVey, who said she was visiting the Festival specially to see and hear her sing.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a great atmosphere with the best performers on the best day of the year. It couldn\u2019t be better,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Ms McVey is also an admirer of the Wirral Ukelele Orchestra whose upbeat renditions of songs at intervals throughout the day had the crowds tapping their feet and swaying to the music.<\/p>\n \u201cThey have a huge following, and I\u2019m not surprised,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n The 20-strong orchestra was formed only three years ago, with members coming from all walks of life, and while some had previous musical experience others began playing for the first time.<\/p>\n One of the founders of the group, Pat Ross, who used to play the guitar but took up the uke after retiring from her job with a major energy company, said they were becoming in great demand and that their music invariably put a smile on people faces.<\/p>\n Their Hawaiian outfits were particularly appropriate in the sunshine, adding to the festive spirit.<\/p>\n \u201cIt really is a fantastic atmosphere here,\u201d said Pat.<\/p>\n The very young visitors were interested in only one character, however, and that was the ever-popular Peppa Pig, who made five personal appearances during the day for narrated story sessions.<\/p>\n Michelle Haughey from West Kirby said her four-year-old daughter Niamh had insisted that they visit when she heard that her favourite character would be present.<\/p>\n \u201cI come to the Pyramids most weekends to do my shopping but I couldn\u2019t drag Niamh away. She sat through two of the reading sessions,\u201d said Michelle.<\/p>\n The non-stop six-hour programme also included energetic dancing displays by local groups Xtreme Dance School and Funkstar.<\/p>\n There was entertainment of a different kind for youngsters in nearby St Werburgh\u2019s Square where Snapperjaxx Kids Club kept them busy with interactive games on a mediaeval theme.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n