Northumberland museums offer group benefits scheme


A charitable trust that runs museums across Northumberland has unveiled a membership scheme for group travel organisers. Launched by the Woodhorn


Charitable Trust, the initiative aims to boost group visitors to museums in Berwick, Morpeth, Ashington and Hexham. Group visitors to all of the museums will be able to convert their individual admission ticket into an annual pass during their visit, giving free return visits for the following 12 months. Also, groups can have a


free guided tour of Woodhorn Museum (pictured), including a brief introduction to the famous Pitmen Painters art collection.


admission for the organiser and driver; and free coach parking. Hexham Old Gaol and Berwick Museum & Art Gallery also offer new benefits for advance bookings with group admission rates, free group leader and driver, special guided tours or a museum introduction, and shop discounts.


The artworks were created and amassed over 50 years by a group of coal miners who created a record of life in Ashington, known as “the biggest pit village in the world”. Discounts will be offered for all


purchases in the museum shop including Pitmen Painter items, and discounted refreshment packages are available, along with a meal voucher for the driver; group admission rates with free


The Old Gaol in Hexham is the oldest purpose-built prison in England, dating back to the 1300s, while the Berwick Museum & Art Gallery houses a collection of fine art and ceramics gifted to the town by shipping magnate, Sir William Burrell. manorthumberland.org.uk experiencewoodhorn.com


Trade gathers in NewcastleGateshead to showcase Britain


Hundreds of delegates visited NewcastleGateshead last month for VisitBritain’s annual flagship travel trade event, ExploreGB. Now in its fourth year,


Fresh stunt features added to Kynren blockbuster show


New stunts such as a Roman Centurion being dragged along the ground at speed and a performer wearing a blazing cape have been added to this year’s Kynren show. Taking place in Bishop Auckland, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England is described as an “action-packed live blockbuster performed by a cast and crew of 1,000, taking you on an amazing journey through 2,000 years of history, myth and legend”. This year’s production will also commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War and the Suffragette movement. There will be 17 performances


from June 30 to September 15. kynren.com


travelgbi.com


the event welcomed 280 international travel buyers from 29 countries, with more than 330 tourism suppliers. Travel industry buyers and journalists from the UK’s largest and most valuable inbound visitor


markets including Australia, France, Germany and the US attended, as well as from its high- spending markets including China and the Gulf countries. Sally Balcombe, VisitBritain chief executive, said: “We are delighted to bring our flagship trade event ExploreGB to NewcastleGateshead and north east England, a fantastic destination and also a great base


for our international buyers to start their tours across the UK.” Sarah Stewart, chief executive


of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “In the year that Rough Guides named Newcastle as its number one place in the world to visit, it is great to be working with VisitBritain to bring its flagship event to NewcastleGateshead.” exploregb.org


English Heritage invests in new Hadrian’s Wall exhibition FINE


One of the world’s most important Roman archaeological collections will go on display later this month at Corbridge Roman Town on Hadrian’s Wall. English Heritage has invested £575,000 to revitalise Corbridge Roman Town and museum, so the artefacts unearthed at the site can be seen in a new permanent exhibition. As well as the renowned


Corbridge Hoard – one of the most remarkable finds in Roman history – visitors will be able to view new objects on display, many for the very first time.


PERFUME: This second- century


copper alloy and enamel


perfume vase comes from a cremation burial at


Corbridge Roman Town


Exhibits will range from a soldier’s belongings to jewellery, a perfume vessel and architectural and religious stonework. The collection has helped in


developing understanding of Hadrian’s Wall and unravelling the story of life on the edges of the Roman Empire. Over a period of almost 350


years, Roman Corbridge evolved from a military centre into a civilian community. As well as visiting the new-look museum and exhibition, visitors can imagine life in Roman times as they walk through the remains of the high street, flanked by granaries, markets, workshops and temples. english-heritage.org.uk/ corbridgeromantown


April 2018 | TravelGBI 25


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