THE WHITAKER
MAY in Rossendale can bring anything from torrential rain to blazing sunshine.
The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery will be hoping for the latter forecast on each of the Bank Holiday Mondays this month, as it opens its doors from 9.30am until 5pm.
On Sunday, May 27, during the second Bank Holiday weekend, the Whitaker will present a relaxed, all-day barbecue and musical event from head chef David Dewhurst’s company, Foodypants.
There’ll be an outdoor grill serving delicious, meat-filled and vegetarian North African-inspired food for £10 per plate (£6 for kids), Northern Whisper is supplying an outdoor pump and there’ll be DJs playing chilled, summery tunes. Come rain or shine, the grill will run from noon until 7pm and the Whitaker bar will be serving until late.
The current exhibition, which runs until June 17, is by acclaimed Rossendale artist, Liam Spencer. Home and Away explores Rossendale through a series of paintings, ink drawings and digital art, alongside his work from overseas.
On Friday, May 18, at 7pm, following the success of the recent exhibition launch, you are invited to join Liam for An Evening with Liam Spencer. There’ll be a slideshow presentation and Liam will lead guests in an in-depth walk through the gallery, talking about his work and inspiration.
Tickets are free, limited in number and must be booked online.
Running alongside Liam’s exhibition is a display of prints from Prospect Printmakers in Waterfoot.
The prints are displayed on the first floor landing and are inspired by a theme of The Pennines.
Half-term arrives at the end of the month and the Whitaker is offering craft activities for early years and primary-aged children on Wednesday, May 30, Thursday, May 31 and Friday, June 1, from 12.30pm to 3pm.
Artist Kate Nash will take Liam’s Home and Away exhibition as inspiration for a range of craft activities, using recycled and recyclable materials.
These drop-in sessions cost £3 per child – don’t wear your best clothes as it could get messy.
On Thursday, May 17, the Whitaker’s monthly Film Night, a screening of the Oscar-winning Manchester By The Sea, is sold out, as is June’s offering, Buena Vista Social Club, but further screenings are planned for later in the year.
And on the last Tuesday of each month, the Whitaker hosts the Rossendale Parkinson’s Café from 11am until 1pm, offering people with the condition and their carers friendship, support and information.
The Whitaker is the perfect place for a bit of culture and to meet friends.
It is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 9.30am to 5pm and with new extended hours on Friday and Saturday (last orders 7pm), the building is fully accessible and set in stunning grounds, with free onsite parking and free wi-fi.
You can hire space in the Whitaker for events and functions including weddings, funerals, family occasions, business meetings and community groups. If you’re interested, please visit www.thewhitaker.org, email info@thewhitaker.org or phone 01706 260785.