After 18 challenging months, Whitehaven’s Rosehill Theatre is holding a free welcome back party this month.
Between 11am and 5pm on Saturday September 25, there will be live performances from talent – both from West Cumbria and further afield – and among the highlights will be six acoustic acts presented as part of the BBC Music Introducing in Cumbria showcase.
Visitors can enjoy taster sessions, live music, crafts and family entertainment.
Daniel Whitehouse, Rosehill’s creative and community development producer, said: “After a challenging time, we are delighted to be hosting a family fun day at Rosehill and to open our doors for free to the West Cumbria community.
“We are looking forward to the fantastic live performances and have created a line-up that reflects the creative talents across the region as well as bringing enjoyment and hopefully laughter for all the family.”
During the day, Janice Murray, of Morgan Murray Arts, will run a free craft station offering an opportunity for children and adults to create rosettes based on personal and unique designs.
The local DisChord Choir, who rehearse at Rosehill, will showcase West Cumbrian talent with a performance of favourite tunes, joined by young musicians from local music organisation Soundwave.
Keeping everyone on their toes will be Northern Soul dance duo Sal & Pops, who will give the whole family a chance to learn new moves, brush up on the basics or just watch and enjoy the groove while they demonstrate their fancy footwork and brand-new soul sounds.
There will also be storytelling and poetry performances, including Steve Wharton, who presents an extract from his show Cuckoo, Barf and Stink, an exclusive walkabout display from an up-and-coming magician, 23-year-old Lord Taran Harvey-Chadwick, and more.
Refreshments from local companies will be available to purchase and Messel’s Bar will be open for drinks and nibbles throughout the day.
There will also be a special film running on a loop in the Barn at Rosehill. Encountering Wordsworth is an inclusive large-scale music, poetry and multi-media project celebrating Wordsworth’s 250th birthday.
Featuring young Cumbrian performers, it is co-produced by Cumbria Music Hub and Orchestras Live in partnership with Wordsworth Grasmere and Cumbria Development Education Centre.
