Black Country Museum looks ahead to busy 2019
Staff at the Black Country Living Museum are looking forward to a busy 2019 – which will see them 'Forging Ahead' with their new ambitious project.
The attraction is looking forward to a busy year ahead which will see their £23m Forging Ahead project get off the ground.
The museum was recently given planning approval for its new 1940s to 1960s town, which will include 25 buildings and structures including Ambrose of Kingswinford Ice Cream Dairy, Stanton’s Music Shop in Dudley and Wolverhampton’s Elephant and Castle public house.
It will also include new learning spaces and a new visitor centre, which will take the museum's story up to the closure of the Baggeridge Coal Mine in 1968, which brought about the end of a unique era for the Black Country.
The museum has received support from numerous organisations for the ambitious project, including a pledge from the Heritage Lottery Fund of £9.8m.
WATCH: Fly through the 1940s-60s town
A spokesman for the Black Country Living Museum said: "The year 2019 sees us embark on phase one of our masterplan for the next 40 years through our transformational development project – BCLM: Forging Ahead.
"We will be creating a new historic town and industrial area set in the 1940s to 60s, dedicated learning facilities and a brand new visitor centre.
"As our plans gather momentum, we want you to be a part of it. From September 2019, you will be able to see the new areas taking shape as we forge ahead into the 1940s, 50s and 60s.
"There has never been a more exciting time to visit."
The Black Country Living Museum also has a jam-packed schedule of events for the year – including the return of its popular Peaky Blinders Nights and its 1940s Weekend in July.
Visitors to the museum during February half-term will be able to step back in time and discover the foods and recipes of the Black Country during its Bostin' Fittle event running between February 16 and February 24.
While there will be live demonstrations and fun for all ages as you discover the industrial might of the region on May 18 and 19.
And for one night only – the demonstrations will blaze into the evening with Red by Night on May 18. Visitors will see sparks fly, hear forges roar and watch steam unfurl as skilled craftsmen bring the Black Country's industrial might to life.
Be transported into the world of Tommy Shelby and his family as the popular Peaky Blinders Nights return on June 7 and 8, September 6 and 7, and September 13 and 14. The popular events are a guaranteed sell-out, with limited tickets available.
For more information about Forging Ahead and 2019 events, visit www.bclm.com.
