Slither To The Beacon Museum
This summer, The Beacon presents an opportunity to explore more about the lives of some of the earth’s most feared and misunderstood creatures.
In recent months an increasing number of Adders have been spotted our region. The Adder prefers woodland, grassland and coastal areas for its habitat and can often be found under a rock or on a log as the warmer months arrive. It comes as no surprise that the Adder has always thrived in Cumbria; what is surprising, is how little we know about the creatures we share our home with.
In an exciting exhibition at The Beacon Museum this summer, that is all about to change. In ‘Snakes: Slither Into A Secretive Life’, from 8 July to 6 September, the museum will welcome living animals for the first time. The exhibition will feature the exploration of taxidermy, scientific displays, interactive games and a variety of species of live snakes including, the Jungle Carpet Python, Rile Python, Western Hog Nose, Boa Constrictor and numerous Corn and Milk Snakes.
Business Development Manager at the museum, Alan Irwin said: “We’re really excited about it. This exhibition is something different that the museum has never done before, with living animals and lots of interactives.”
He added: “It’s going to be an interesting summer for the staff as well, we’ll not be sitting comfortably in our seats.”
In addition to the exhibition, handling sessions will be held once a week, offering people the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with these slithering creatures. For an additional cost, brave participants can attend one of three sessions during the day, where they will be able to touch and hold the snakes in an enclosed environment; while learning from the experts as they give fascinating talks about the creepy crawlies.
Alongside this, visitors will be invited to join the museum’s discovery trail; a real life game of snakes and ladders. The trail, which is included in the price of admission will involve negotiating the various “snakes” and “ladders”, to reach to the top of the museum.
It is set to be a busy summer for The Beacon, with the reopening of the the Beacon Portal. The new centre, which will be officially launched later in the summer, will incorporate some of the up and coming events, giving people the chance to get involved and use the space. It will also be the location of some interesting talks held over the summer months, with topics covering everything from history to lifestyle.
The museum will also host the Arts Award exhibition for the first time, over the weekend of 1 to 2 July. The event, which always draws a large crowd, will feature artwork by pupils of St Begh’s school in Whitehaven.
This year, The Beacon has been shortlisted for Cumbria Tourism’s Visitor Attraction of the Year award, making it to the final three of Cumbria’a top attractions. The awards ceremony will take place on 21 June.
Elizabeth Kwasnik, museum manager, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted as a finalist for these awards. Copeland should be proud of this museum and how it continues to move forward.
“This recognition adds to what visitors are already telling us. We hear frequently about how visitors love the new exhibitions and upgraded events. We get excited about innovating and change, so that we remain relevant both for locals and for tourists.”
For more information about up and coming events at The Beacon visit www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk or contact 01946 592302
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