Christmas fun at the Brampton Museum – FREE

Residents, shoppers and visitors can enjoy a first glimpse of a new gallery and event spaces at a popular cultural venue in the run-up to Christmas.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s Brampton Museum is hosting a festive market and art display on Saturday, 18 December in collaboration with Castle Artisan Market, Bread in Common, Appetite and Andrea’s Art and Craft Addicts.

The one-off festive event is taking place ahead of the museum’s full reopening next year following an 18-month redevelopment, supported by National Lottery players, to transform learning and visitor experiences.

People can browse stalls selling unique, handmade gifts and food from a pop-up market, view paintings created by local artists during lockdown, buy stocking fillers from the museum’s shop, pick up family craft activities and enjoy refreshments in the new café area.

A “meet Santa” experience in the Victorian parlour has sold out but people can add their names to a reserve list.

Cllr Jill Waring, Cabinet member for leisure, culture and heritage, said: “I’m delighted that we can open up the new gallery and event spaces for such a lovely occasion at Christmas time. Even though Newcastle’s cultural gem is closed for a little while longer, this is a chance for visitors to get into the festive spirit while getting a real flavour of the exciting things that have been happening to attract more diverse audiences and offer more meaningful visits.”

The festive market and art display runs from 10am to 4.30pm. Admission is free. As part of the Covid measures in place, visitors are encouraged to pre-book a one-hour time slot online. More information is available here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/brampton-museum