Cumberland Sports exhibition to open at The Beacon Museum

An interactive showcase of Cumberland sports will go on display at The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven from this Saturday (30 September).

Hosted within the Light and Dark gallery, the Cumberland Sports exhibition will provide a fascinating insight into the area’s sporting clubs. From Cumberland wrestling to traditional hound trailing.

Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:

“The exhibition tells the story of sport within Cumberland with text, images, videos, historical pictures, newspaper cuttings, team kits and objects. There will be a jersey bin for children and adults to try on various tops, a photo opportunity for you to lift The Beacon cup, and a chance to play a variety of sports on a Nintendo wii console.

“We have a rich history of community sports within Cumberland and this display brings these stories together. It’s a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in local heritage and sport.”

This exhibition that has been drawn together by The Beacon Museum’s own curator, Alex Milner with the close involvement of a variety of sporting clubs based in the Cumberland area.

A selection of sports includes aikido, athletics, cricket, cycling, fell/mountain running, karate, rowing, squash, swimming, traditional hound trailing and triathlons.

Cumberland Sports opens this Saturday (30 September) and remains open to visitors until 7 January.

Visitors on Saturday 30 September and Sunday 1 October will get to visit the exhibition and The Beacon Museum’s other attractions for free.

Come and see what you can discover, with four floors of family-friendly galleries and exhibitions, there really is something for everyone.

The museum tells the story of historic Cumberland, an area set amongst the Lake District’s dramatic mountain and coastal landscapes.

The Beacon Museum offers an ongoing programme of exhibitions to complement the display of its permanent collection. These range from major blockbusters often curated by staff, to touring exhibitions and works on loan from other institutions.

Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, added:

“Our award-winning tourist attraction is a great place to visit, and this is an opportunity for those who haven’t yet visited us to experience the fantastic interactive exhibits spread across four floors of fun. For those who have joined us before, we welcome you back to see what’s new.

“Why not visit us and see our popular Roman exhibition, find out more about the area’s nuclear heritage or just unearth some of the fascinating history of Cumberland. There are endless things to do that will entertain and educate.

“A visit could be combined with a walk along the harbour, or up to the Candlestick. Please come along and enjoy a free day out on us.”

Until Sunday 1 October, you can discover what the Romans did for Cumbria, who they were and what did they leave behind for us as part of a special exhibition in the Harbour Gallery – Romans – are we there yet!

Owned and managed by Cumberland Council, the museum is open daily 10am – 4.30pm during school holidays. During term time (from 11 September 2023), it is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4.30pm and Sunday, 11am – 4pm. Closed Monday.

Last admission is 45 minutes prior to closing.

Every first Sunday of every month, they hold a ‘quiet hour’ for the first hour of opening (10am – 11am).