Tuesday 23rd November 2021

Toxteth Day of the Dead

In 2020, Beating the Bounds took place complying with the CoViD -19 restrictions at that time.  A Golden Acorn was relayed around the ancient boundary of Toxteth Park, being passed from individual to individual.

This year, we will walk in a group together, in a brand-new-old tradition following the Golden Acorn.  The procession around The Royal & Ancient Park of Toxteth will start at sunrise (7.51am) to share the knowledge of the landscape and for blessing the land.  The circular route is just under 10 miles in length and is mainly on pavement but includes some cobbles and a muddy lane.  Some sections are gradually uphill and there is a slightly steeper descent downhill.  The stretch alongside the river is on the flat but does have a couple of uneven steps.  The route will start and finish at The Britannia Inn on Riverside Drive, L3 4AZ.  Free on-street parking is available nearby.  The nearest Merseyrail station is St Michaels and the 500 bus route stops outside The Britannia. An online map is available and will be further annotated as we approach November 23rd.

To conjure the spirit of the old forest, we intend to wear masks of British woodland animals.  Those wanting to participate may wish to make their own masks – it isn’t compulsory but it will add to the spectacle.  Some may prefer to use face paint to create their animal.  Suitable subjects include British wildlife such as otter, badger, shrew and red squirrel, plus modern urban creatures such as rat, pigeon and seagull.  There is also the option of representing one of the species that are now extinct in Britain but did once inhabit this island e.g. boar and bear.  If needed, inspiration can be sought from The Wicker Man (1973) film.

The actual brick laying on the foundation stone of the People’s Pyramid won’t be part of the route this year.  Instead, the brick laying will take place between 6pm and 10pm at The Cat & Fiddle on the A537 road from Buxton to Macclesfield, in the bleak moorland on the border of Derbyshire and Cheshire.  It should be possible for participants in the Beating the Bounds procession in Liverpool to travel on afterwards to The Cat & Fiddle in time for the ritual.