A collection of new pieces of music inspired by Wirral premieres today at Hoylake Chapel as part of Wirral Festival of Firsts.

Peninsula, written and performed by Operation Lightfoot, takes its inspiration from some of the historical events, locations and people from Wirral, including its Viking heritage, the Hilbre Island group, the sinking of the Royal Navy submarine HMS Thetis in 1939 and the area’s natural beauty.

“Our commission to develop such a varied piece of work for this year’s Festival of Firsts has been an exciting challenge and one that everyone involved has risen to”, says Operation Lightfoot’s founder and artistic director Luke Moore. “We move from music based on the region’s stunning coastline and ancient history to pieces that have been inspired by poems written by Chester Poets specifically for this event. As a group, this is possibly our most collaborative work so far, with every one of the performers lending a distinct element to the music”

The evening will also include a performance from folk and storytelling group The Kirk Owls and a selection of new work read by Chester Poets. Tickets are £8 from festivaloffirsts.com.

Operation Lightfoot’s music can be heard at oplightfoot.bandcamp.com.