The Story’s opening weekend promises a rich array of interactive experiences, educational activities, and special events, making it a memorable start to Our Story. On Friday we will celebrate opening day, and on Saturday we will continue our festivities with fun activities and events.
Sunday is our BIG celebration day, with Father’s Day providing the perfect opportunity for families to come and have a memorable time with us. Read on to find out all about our opening weekend…
Opening Day
Friday 14 June
The official opening day kicks off at 9:00 with a bugler heralding the doors’ opening to the first visitors. Throughout the day, from 9:30 to 17:00, visitors can enjoy a rolling programme of mini-introductions to the interactive exhibition displays and the ‘Search and Discover’ research space. Additionally, the Learning Studio will play host to a variety of family activities, and you can find out about ‘The Forgotten Battle’ in our temporary exhibition on the Battle of Kohima. The café will serve hot and cold food and drinks from 10:00 to 16:00.
Opening Weekend
Saturday 15 June
On Saturday, the big weekend continues the celebrations with doors opening at 10:00. Activities include meet-and-greet sessions with the Time Bandits, mini-introductions to exhibits, interactive displays, and drop-in sessions, along with the Kohima exhibition and family activities. The café will serve refreshments throughout the day and events will conclude at 17:00.
Sunday 16 June – Father’s Day
Sunday is Father’s Day, and features a lineup of exhibitions, activities and special events from 10:00 to 17:00. A highlight for families will be Teddy Bear registration, which will run from 10:00 to 15:00. There will also be multiple appearances from a Bubbleologist, the Band and Bugles of the Durham Army Cadet Force and the Citizen Songwriters throughout the day. You may also bump into some DLI soldiers and a couple from Georgian times… For those looking for a venue to celebrate a special day, the ceremony rooms will be showcased between 10:00 and 15:00.
Acts will perform on multiple occasions throughout the day, timings dependent on the weather.
Time Travellers
On Sunday, Professor Weft and Miss Warp, our two intrepid Victorian time travellers will be on site at various points to show you their box of cosmic secrets. Originally from 1888 they will be astounded to hear from you what the latest inventions of today are. Hear the sound of the universe, learn how long a piece of cosmic string is and even what the winning lottery numbers are going to be!
Edmund and Hillary
Major ‘Eddy’ Edward Edmund and Lance Corporal Henry ‘Stinker’ Hilary have one objective: to explore the new world and expand the empire!
These two gentlemen explorers will survey your event and try to work out why they are so darn lost.