Festival of 50s 2017

Hop aboard the fabulous 50s bus at the museum and be transported to the days of rock ‘n’ roll and teddy boys, Pathé News and petticoats from 6th to 9th July.

On all four days of the festival, visitors will be able to dance along to band Hop, Skiffle and Jump and see the change in fashion, looking at everyday dress and design throughout the decade.

There’ll be a 50s toy shop, bowls (sponsored by Co-operative Funeral Care), a telephone exchange and visitors can mark the 1953 Coronation by helping to decorate the Coronation float.

Durham Amateur Football Trust will be bringing along some fantastic football memorabilia and talking to visitors about amateur football in the 50s. Who will be crowned Beamish Champions 2017 in the football tournament on Sunday? There’s also the chance to spend time in a typical police station office with the North East Police History Society.

Sample the delights of macaroni cheese, oxtail soup and crisps, and delicious 50s milkshakes!

Visit our NHS baby clinic and find out about the important introduction of NHS immunisations during the 50s for conditions such as TB and polio.

Find out where young men were posted during National Service in the 50s, learn about their different roles and what was happening internationally. Share your own experiences in our military exhibit.
Take a look at news stories and memorable occasions from the decade, share your memories and tell us your 50s highlights.

Let the North East Film Archive take you on a journey through time revealing the stunning North East coastline captured on film during the 1950s in the Masonic Hall in The Town.

On Thursday and Friday, you can enjoy the more traditional dances from the decade at our fabulous 50s tea dance.

During the weekend, you can treat yourself to a fantastic hairdo (small charge applies) and come along in your 1950s finery and enter the Mr and Mrs Beamish contest or the Master and Miss Beamish competition for under 16s.

There will also be live music from The Troubleshooters on Saturday, The Baldy Holly Band will perform on Sunday, and the Beamish Choir will be singing hits from the 50s over the weekend.
Pop across to Wanda, our 50s caravan, to try on clothing from the times – don’t forget to pick up your props for a 50s holiday photograph (small charge applies).

The Festival of 50s is included in admission to Beamish and is free to Unlimited Pass holders, as with all daytime events.