The Living Museum of the North is preparing for the opening of its latest attractions in what is hailed as, “an exciting programme of events” for 2024.
New exhibits to appear at Beamish Museum in the coming year include The Grand Cinema, originally in Ryhope, Sunderland, which will give visitors a chance to experience a trip to the pictures from the 1950s.
The cinema is being re-created, incorporating as many elements and features of the original building as possible, and brought to life with the screening of films, period newsreels and adverts.
A toy shop named after the popular Romer Parrish store, in Middlesbrough, and an electrical shop and radio repair workshop, A Reece Ltd, are also due to open on the Front Street of the open-air museum’s 1950s Town.
Meanwhile, this year will see the opening of the Drovers’ Tavern, in the museum's 1820s Landscape, where visitors will be able to enjoy Georgian-inspired food and drink, as well as a Georgian pottery, expanding the range of early cottage industries Beamish-goers can experience.
Beamish will also be allowing visitors to stay overnight in Georgian workers' cottages, offering a unique self-catering experience in farm buildings original to the site.
The first two of these cottages are due to open near 1820s Pockerley Old Hall later this year.
It is all part of the Remaking Beamish project which was awarded a £10.9m grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2016, a major milestone in the museum’s history as the largest single investment seen in its 50-plus year history.
Beamish Events Manager, Paul Foster, said: “We have an incredible line-up of events for 2024, including everything from pantomime performances to traditional transport.
“No matter what your interest, you’re sure to find something incredible to see and do at Beamish this year.
“We can’t wait to have everyone come and join us for what is sure to be an unmissable year at the museum.”
Other than the exhibit openings, the museum also has a packed calendar of events for 2024, starting with its own pantomime, Cinderella.
Performances take place on weekends until February 11, with pre-booking required, and a small extra charge applying.
Following what is billed as a fantastic music-themed February Half Term (February 17 to 25), the museum will be exploring the role of women in history during the International Women’s Day event, from March 8 to 10, ending on h Mothering Sunday (March 10).
A celebration of science follows, with special activities for schools (March 13 to 15 and 20 to 22) as well as for visitors in general, during Science Weekend (March 16 and 17).
Beamish’s Easter celebration, from March 29 to April 1, features an egg trail, enjoy traditional Easter baking, crafts and other activities.
The Beamish Steam Gala will be taking place on April 6 and 7, showcasing a wide array of road steam, locomotives and internal combustion engines.
Traditional May Day celebrations will be held on May 5 and 6, and the museum will be enjoying all things equine during the Horses in Harness event (June 8 and 9).
Fares Please! (June 29/30) is an unmissable festival of public transport.
Between July and September visitors can step back in time to take part in fun, summer activities across the museum, which will welcome The North East Horticultural Society for their its annual show, on September 7/8.
Green fingered visitors can enter their homegrown produce for the chance to win cash prizes.
Autumn sees the return of traditional Harvest Celebrations, on October 5 and 6, with the museum’s festive programme, Christmas at Beamish, during daytimes from November23 to Christmas Eve.
Twelfth Night Celebrations follow between December 27 and January 5, 2025.
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During the year there will also be regular musical performances by brass bands in the bandstand in The 1900s Town, choirs in The 1900s Pit Village chapel and 1950s musical acts taking to the welfare hall stage.
Daytime events are included in admission to the museum and visitors can use the Beamish Unlimited Pass or Friends of Beamish membership to enjoy those activities, paying once and visiting free for twelve months.
More information on the 2024 events can be found on the museum’s website, by visiting www.beamish.org.uk, while visitors can also sign up to Beamish’s newletter, via www.beamish.org.uk/sign-up-to-our-newsletter, to stay up-to-date on all of its latest news.
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