Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
Entertainment
Sophie Finnegan & Aaron Morris & Nicole Goodwin

Beamish opens brand new 1950s Front Street terrace with week-long celebrations taking place

Beamish Museum has opened up its brand-new 1950s centred feature, with a week jam-packed with celebrations and special events for all to enjoy over the February half-term.

The Stanley staple officially unveiled the new Front Street terrace during a Facebook Live event this morning - with crowds of visiting spectators eager to take a look around at the site itself after the grand reveal had taken place.

And week-long celebrations will continue from today through until next Sunday (27 February) with staff welcoming visitors old and new to the new exhibition with open arms.

Go here for the very latest breaking news updates from across the North East

The latest addition to the living museum, Front Street terrace, features a decadent 1950s café, fish and chip shop, hairdresser's, and a recreation of the home of North East artist Norman Cornish.

Visitors will be able to tuck into a fresh ice cream while listening to the swanky jukebox at John's Cafe - which is a simulation of the popular cafe from Wingate, County Durham.

Those looking for something a little more filling will be able to tuck into fresh fish and chips at Middleton's, which is a callback to Middleton St George's chippy, near Darlington.

They can also get a stylish trim and pose for photographs under the periodic hairdryers at Elizabeth's - a recreation of an end-terrace salon from Bow Street in Middlesbrough.

And parties can round of the day by trying their hand at sketching in No. 2 Front Street - based upon artist Norman Cornish's Spennymoor home in the 50s. They can also fill their boots with further knowledge about the Spennymoor Settlement while they're there.

An official unveiling took place on the museum's official Facebook page just after 11am this morning, in which historians and viewers around the world were able to look on from home while a guided tour was given of the exciting new feature to those invited.

And towards the end of the grand unveiling Chief Executive of Beamish Museum, Rhiannon Hiles, gave a speech to those in attendance and everyone watching at home.

Speaking on the live stream, she said: "This row and this terrace, for us at Beamish is a major milestone for us.

Front Street, Beamish's new 1950's attraction (Beamish Museum)

"To move this project forward, funded by the lottery, funded by our trusts and foundations, funded by you and supported by you - we couldn't have done this without all of you.

"You here today really makes it for us, and looking around I can seen some faces who I've met over the last week, and it's lovely to see you all.

"It's absolutely brilliant. So thank you all for your support."

Councillor John-Paul Stephenson, Chairman of Beamish Museum also gave an opening speech before a final countdown was made, and the doors opened to the general public for the first time.

Visitors can look the part by getting a photo under dryers from Beamish’s collection (Beamish)

The terrace in The 1950s Town is part of the Remaking Beamish project, which also includes 1950s Spain's Field Farm and an expansion of the Georgian landscape, including early industry and overnight accommodation.

All visitors will need to pre-book an entry time slot to visit the museum – time slots from February 19 to March 27 are available to book online now.

To book a time slot in advance, visit Beamish's official website, here.

For the latest What's On news, announcements and reviews direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.