Beamish Museum to host special screening of Pride

The County Durham museum will show the multi-award-winning film Pride at its 1950s-era Grand cinema on Saturday, October 18.

The screening is part of a collaboration between Beamish, Durham Pride, the Durham Miners’ Association, and OUT NE, with support from the Point North Community Fund.

Mel Metcalf BEM, chair of Durham Pride, said: "We’re thrilled to be marking 40 years since the end of the Miners’ Strike with this special screening of Pride in the wonderful 1950s cinema, a film that captures the spirit of unity and resilience so integral to our region’s heritage.

(Image: Beamish Museum)

"Working in partnership with the Durham Miners’ Association, we hope to encourage reflection and conversation about the power of solidarity, both past and present."

The 2014 film tells the true story of the unexpected alliance between gay rights campaigners and striking miners during the 1984–85 Miners’ Strike, a moment that became a landmark in the history of LGBT+ equality in the UK.

Starring Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, and Paddy Considine, Pride was named Best Film at the British Independent Film Awards.

The screening will take place in Beamish Museum’s recreation of the Grand cinema, which originally stood in Ryhope, Sunderland.

The event will be introduced by Peter Darrant, chair of OUT NE, and the film introduced by Stephen Guy, chair of the Durham Miners’ Association.

After the film, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Mr Darrant, Mr Guy, and Beamish Museum’s head of industry, Jonathan Kindleysides, and ask questions about the region’s mining heritage and the lasting impact of LGBT+ solidarity.

Mr Guy said: "Solidarity had no borders – the Durham Miners’ Association and Durham Pride share that truth at Beamish Museum with powerful story of Pride. A true story that reminds us that the fight for dignity is always

stronger when we come together. I am excited to be part of such an exciting initiative taking place at an exceptional County Durham venue."

Beamish Museum is also hosting the Striking Times exhibition in its STEM learning space in the 1950s Town.

Originally created for the 25th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike, the exhibition shares the memories and reflections of those who lived through the events of 1984–85.

A Beamish Museum spokesperson said: "Beamish is really pleased to be working with Durham Pride and Durham Miners Association with OUT NE to show ‘Pride’ in our 1950s cinema. 40 years on from the end of the 1984/85 miners strikes, this true story of solidarity, friendship and communities united in pursuit of social justice still resonates today."

Thanks to funding from the Point North Community Fund, tickets for the screening are free but must be booked in advance through the Beamish Museum website.

A valid museum entry ticket is required on the day.

Beamish Unlimited Pass holders and Friends of Beamish members can book a free cinema ticket, while others can purchase a special community rate ticket to explore the museum before the screening.

The film is rated 15, and tickets must not be purchased by or for anyone under the age of 15.

ID may be required for entry, with accepted forms including a passport, provisional or full driving licence, or digital ID via an app such as Yoti.

Visitors attending the event will also have the chance to explore the rest of Beamish Museum.

The museum brings the past to life with immersive experiences from the 1820s, early 1900s, 1940s, and 1950s.

Beamish was recently named Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025, the world’s largest museum prize.

2025 also marks the museum’s 55th anniversary.

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, is the North East’s most visited attraction and one of the top paid-for attractions nationally, recording 838,632 visitors in 2024.

The museum is a self-reliant charity that uses visitor income to maintain its exhibits, develop new attractions, and support health, wellbeing, and education programmes across the region.

For more information or to book tickets, visit www.beamish.org.uk/pride-film.