"WE'LL try our best to illuminate Birkenhead Park" says OMD frontman Andy McCluskey ahead of this year's Wirral Food, Drink and Music Festival.

The electronic pioneers from Meols - currently celebrating their 40th anniversary with a sold-out international tour - will round off a weekend of entertainment during the event, which returns to Birkenhead Park for a second year on September 5 and 6.

The group - whose last Wirral gig was at West Kirby Concourse youth club in 1979 - will feature on the bill with The Coral and fellow Merseyside legends, Echo and the Bunnymen.

As well as music, the festival will welcome families, foodies, first-time visitors and friends to enjoy the best of Wirral's produce and delicatessen.

Looking forward to OMD's appearance, Andy McCluskey told the Globe: "If you'd have told me, when we played our gig at West Kirby Concourse in 1979, that years later we would go on to play in front of thousands of people at Birkenhead Park, I would have laughed at you.

"But we're looking forward to what has become a massive date on Wirral's cultural calendar.

"It's really exciting, we'll try our best to illuminate Birkenhead Park during the summer.

"What could be better? You can enjoy some good food during the day and great bands at night.

"It will be the first time we will have ever played as a four piece too, and we'll play all of our hits so you won't be disappointed."

On the line-up, he continued: "It's going to be great; The Coral are taking part, an amazing band from Hoylake and Echo & Bunnymen.

"Interestingly Eric's legend Pete Fulwell, who got our first gig at Eric's in 1979 has passed away. We called ourselves Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark to play on Thursday.

"He also got Echo & The Bunnymen their first gig at Eric's too.

"So although we've never played together before, it's going to be great to perform at the same festival with Echo and Pete, but there will be a touch of sadness."

The popular evening concerts will be ticketed and ramped up with an extra night:

  • Friday September 4: The Coral
  • Saturday September 5: Echo & the Bunnymen
  • Sunday September 6: by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD)

Aside from the music, two days of food-focused free entertainment will feature demonstrations Wirral resident and Ambassador Paul Askew, Chef Patron of The Art School restaurant, will lead a strong line-up of chefs at the festival will be joined by well-known chefs, providing professional tips and cooking up a storm, using fantastic produce available on the peninsula.

Chefs will also link up with schools to run children’s cookery courses during the daytime.

Foodie favourites already confirmed in the popular Food Heroes Tent include The Art of Wine, Estrella Bar/Tappers Gin, Wards Fish, K&N Fresh Vegetables and Fruit, Wirral Watercress, Edge and Sons butchers.

Entry to the event and chef demos is free. Ticket information for the evening concerts can be found via visitwirral.com