The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven is set to offer a vibrant and varied programme this April, combining major exhibitions, creative workshops and engaging events for all ages, as the museum continues to celebrate culture, creativity and local heritage.
Taking centre stage in the Harbour Gallery is I Grew Up 90’s, a major exhibition running until 21 June. Curated by collector and cultural commentator Matt Fox, the exhibition invites visitors to step back into Nineties Britain through the lens of youth culture. Featuring more than 200 iconic objects and artworks, the exhibition explores the toys, video games, fashion, food, film and music that defined the decade, offering a nostalgic and immersive experience for those who lived through the era and a fascinating insight for younger generations.
Alongside this, the Light and Dark Gallery continues to host the JD Kenworthy exhibition, which is running until 21 June. This temporary exhibition celebrates the work of local artist and civic leader John Dalzell Kenworthy, whose striking portraits capture the people of West Cumbria during the Edwardian period.
April’s programme also includes a wide range of events designed to inspire curiosity and creativity during the easter school holidays. Popular Pet Encounter Experiences return on Thursday 2 and Thursday 9 April, offering animal lovers the chance to meet and interact with a variety of fascinating creatures in a hands‑on setting.
Young innovators are invited to take part in Build it, Code it, Race it! on Wednesday 8 and Friday 10 April. During these interactive workshops, children will work in pairs to build LEGO® WeDo race cars and learn how to programme them before testing their creations on the track. Special guests Spot and Sparky, the programmed robot dogs from Sellafield, will also be paying a visit.
The museum’s Portal space will host two pop‑up history events during the month. Lessons of the Past, taking place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April, explores how education shaped life in Whitehaven and surrounding communities, bringing local schooldays to life through stories and displays. This is followed by the Iron Ore pop‑up on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April, highlighting the region’s mining heritage through historic photographs, artefacts and mineral specimens collected by one of the museum’s volunteers.
The monthly Talking Tuesday session returns on 14 April. Led by Beacon Volunteer - Mike James, Cumbrian Powerhouse: 19th Century Style explores the geology of the region and how iron, coal, limestone and steel combined to shape Cumbria’s industrial past.
For adults looking to try something creative, the Kintsugi workshop on Saturday 25 April offers a chance to explore the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Led by conservator Amelia, who holds a Master’s degree in the Conservation of Cultural Heritage, the workshop introduces participants to the philosophy of embracing imperfection while creating two unique ceramic pieces to take home. All materials are included, along with a glass of fizz and a sweet treat.
Rounding off the month, The Beacon Book Club returns on Thursday 30 April with a special Nineties theme to complement the I Grew Up 90s exhibition. This session will focus on autobiographies by figures from the decade, offering an informal and sociable evening for all book lovers.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places at Cumberland Council said:
“April is an exciting month at The Beacon Museum, with a programme that brings together new and current exhibition’s, hands‑on workshops and opportunities to explore our local heritage in new ways.
“From the nostalgia of the 90’s to stories rooted in West Cumbria’s past, It’s fantastic to see The Beacon continuing to provide a welcoming space where visitors can learn, be creative and engage with culture.”
Heather Holmes, Customer and Visitor Experience Manager added:
“We’ve shaped this programme to offer a really varied and enjoyable experience for our visitors. It’s about giving people the opportunity to spend time together, try something different and leave inspired by what The Beacon Museum has to offer.”
With exhibitions, workshops and events running throughout the month, April offers plenty of opportunities to explore, learn and create at The Beacon Museum.
Full details, booking information and ticket prices can be found at the museum’s website: https://thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk/