1950s Cinema and Shops Opening Celebrations 2024 – Beamish

Join us to celebrate the opening of our 1950s cinema, toy shop and electrical shop!

The Grand cinema, from Ryhope in Sunderland; a toy shop named after the Romer Parrish shop in Middlesbrough; A Reece Ltd Radio and Electrical Services electrical and record shop, named after Alan Reece, founder of the Reece Foundation; STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) learning space and milk bar will be officially opened on Saturday, 6th July.

The day will be marked with activities across our 1950s Town:

• Join in a celebratory parade from our Events Field at 10.30am, led by Ryhope Allstars Jazz Band and the Ryhope mining banner, alongside community groups from Ryhope and Middlesbrough who have been involved in the project.
• Hear welcome speeches from Beamish representatives and special guests from 11am.
• Visit our new STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) learning space and try your hand at some STEM-based activities across the weekend.
• Experience a 1950s-style trip to the cinema.
• Indulge your inner child at our 1950s toy shop and admire toys from our collections. There’ll also be opportunity to purchase 1950s-themed toys.
• Hear the latest in 1950s music at our record shop.
• See fantastic displays from local schools and community groups in our 1950s welfare hall across the weekend.
• Treat yourself to a choc ice or flavoured milk from our Milk Bar, or enjoy a hot beverage.
• Visit Clover Cottage to learn about the work of our amazing Health and Wellbeing Team.
• Enjoy a display from Cleveland Miniaturists in our 1950s welfare hall.
• Visit our bowling green to have a go at the game and pick up some tips from Billingham Bowling Club.
• See some fantastic 1950s vehicles on display.

We will also be enjoying a host of musical performances throughout the day:

• Ryhope Choir at our 1950s welfare hall, 12-12.15pm, 1.35- 1.50pm and 3.15-3.30pm.
• Ryhope Brownies at our 1950s welfare hall, 12.20-12.30pm and 2-2.10pm.
• Ryhope Allstars Jazz Band at our 1950s football area, 12.30-1pm.
• Hop, Skiffle and Jump outside the new exhibits, 11.30-12.15, and at our 1950s welfare hall, 12.45-1.30pm.
• Beamish Choir at the Entrance, 10-11am, and at outside the new exhibits, 1-2pm.

The Remaking Beamish project is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.

The STEM learning space has been sponsored by the Reece Foundation and will be used by children taking part in activities led by the museum’s Learning Team.

The 1950s exhibit opening celebrations are included in admission to Beamish and are free to Beamish Unlimited Pass holders and Friends of Beamish members – pay once and visit free for a year, including daytime events.

Beamish reserves the right to alter events, activities, facilities, operations and opening times without prior notice.