Let’s Get Together and celebrate the re-opening of Barnsley Civic’s Eldon Street entrance.
After closing our doors in 1998 our historic Eldon Street building remained hidden from the public, but now we’re going to swing open our front doors once more.
We have a full day of entertainment planned which the whole family will enjoy.
There’s no need to book just turn up, the fun starts at 11.00AM.
Check out the fun on Eldon Street and Victorian Arcade as The Un-Naturalists, a team of pseudo-scientific, hysterical historians reveal the unbelievable untruths of accurately false historical facts.
Originally a commission from Historic England and Barnsley Museums as part of of the ongoing Heritage Action Zone together with Markmark Productions.
WE Great Ladies are the Eldon Street Brides, Inspired by the stories of the Eldon Street shops including Benj Harral and Frank Bird, who sold wedding rings and suits to generations of Barnsley couples.
As they chatted to people, they added the stories they heard to their dresses, creating a living story-book of Eldon Street.
Prepare to be wowed by the manic idiot violinist Sid Bowfin.
Sid is the classical musician the world has been waiting for. He is unpredictable, unhinged, and unique.
It’s a show full of the music you love! And some you probably hate. But he doesn’t care – it’s his show and he knows best. Mozart, Vivaldi, Rossini, Pachelbel, Dexys Midnight Runners – he knew them all.
Plus, get ready for a battle for your attention and affections as a long-suffering Grandad and a stubborn Grandma provide a love story with a difference through their antics and arguments, and they’re living proof that you’re never to old to do anything.
There’s unicycles and juggling plus Victorian stilt-walkers too from 10.30AM to 12.30PM.
Bring a picnic, find a spot on the grass and enjoy the entertainment in Mandela Gardens from 11.00am to 3.00pm.
Loved by children and adults alike, bubble performers truly are the most magical entertainment. Expect big smiles, colourful photos and lots of bubble-popping fun!
Join them for colourful costumes, handsome headgear and banging tunes!
Maynard Flip Flap is sure to raise a grin as he attempts to flip an egg in the air and catch it on his head….amongst other things.
Witness the end of an era as The Great Fiasco, a duo who have been touring for far too long perform for the very last time. It’s a blend of cabaret, circus, street theatre and clowning celebrating early 70s entertainment full of physical jokes and tricks.
Plus, you have another chance to see the manic idiot violinist Sid Bowfin, and get ready as a large and surprisingly furry trunk unfolds into the Big Bad Wolf in a theatre show by Red Riding Hood and her Grandma, where they show the REAL story of their fight to escape in a modern retelling of this classic tale.
Get involved as ArtWorks, in collaboration with Johnsey, invite you to come and draw with them in response to the music with your eyes closed!
Explore the details on the giant cubes and make your mark in this huge public collaboration!
Mandela Gardens Timetable
11:00AM – Bubbles – Helter Skelter
12:00PM – Daft as a Brush – Maynard Flip Flap
12:30PM – Sid Bowfin
1:00PM – Seeing Red – Frolicked
1:30PM – Fiasco – MarkMark Productions
2:00PM – Maynard Flip Flap
2:30PM – Sid Bowfin
3:00PM – Seeing Red – Frolicked
As Barnsley Civic reopens its iconic doors on Eldon Street, we invite you to travel back in time and delve deep into the archives, exploring the rich heritage of this historic building and the people who have shaped it.
Since 1877, the building has undergone huge changes in both style and usage, playing host to a plethora of weird and wonderful exhibits, organisations, performers, artists, and shows over the years. Did you know that that a two-headed lamb once resided on the top floor? Or that a well-known Suffragette got her library books here?
Everyone has their own Civic story to tell, whether that be memories of coming to see the Panto or the wrestling, attending Barnsley Folk Club, or even dancing on the stage yourself… While you’re here, why not add your own story to our memory wall?!
Exhibition created by Helena Quinn and Barnsley Civic, in conjunction with Barnsley Archives, and the High Street Heritage Action Zone Project, Barnsley Council.
Explore a remarkable collection of work by the pioneering American artist Georgia O’Keeffe with Memories of Drawings.
Renowned for her distinctive blend of abstraction and figuration, Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) remains one of the most influential artists of the 20th Century.
Our second exhibition features the new works by our artist in residence.
Ailish Treanor, celebrated for her innovative sculptures, paintings, and installations, will unveil a new collection developed during her residency at Barnsley Civic.
Known for projects like the “Kissing Gate” sculpture for Barnsley Council’s Love Barnsley Festival, Ailish has been exploring new techniques, including Trompe-l’oeil, to create captivating visual illusions.
Her new body of works on paper, Ulterior Motifs has been made in response to Georgia O’Keeffe work. By studying the ways that the pioneering artist lived and worked, Ailish’s work will bring a new understanding to O’Keeffe.
The Gallery will be open from 11:00AM to 6:00PM.
Book your FREE tickets to the Barnsley Civic Show, part of our Eldon Street re-opening event on 14 September.
It’s an exhibition of the best of Barnsley Civic’s resident and guest companies with a mix of live music, theatre and dance. Including the award-winning Cross the Sky theatre company, Denada Dance Theatre and Civic Pride Singers and more.
It promises to be an inspiring show and the perfect way to wrap up our Eldon Street re-opening celebrations.
To book click here and to find out more about the show line up click here
Get involved with our workshops running throughout the day.
Creative Health and
Communities Workshop & Exhibition.
11.00AM to 3.30PM.
We believe that culture
and creativity is life-affirming and life-changing. Our role is to make these
opportunities available to all the people of Barnsley and for our communities
to guide us. Join us on the ground floor to see just a small amount of the
projects we run on-site or out in communities and have a go at collage making,
origami and colouring in.
Dance Workshop
1.00PM to 3.00PM.
Join DQ Dance Academy for an afternoon dance workshop in the Hanson Room. Learn a fun simple routine which you can make your own and show off your skills. No experience necessary.
Rag-Rug Workshop
11.00AM to 3.30PM
Get connected with the Art Works drop-in Rag-Rug workshop on the second floor.
It’s a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow artists, meet new people, and dive into the colourful world of rag-rugging. It’s suitable for all ages.
Circus Workshop
12.00PM to 3.00PM.
On our third floor try your hand at some classic circus skills including hula-hoop, scarf juggling, stilt walking and more with Helter Skelter’s Circus Workshops.
Lead by experienced and enthusiastic tutors from our company in residence Helter Skelter this have-a-go workshop will provide the perfect combination of fun, whilst learning some enjoyable new skills.
No need to book just come in and have a go.
Enjoy live music from a selection of students who are part of Barnsley Music Service will be presenting short performances on our Panorama open mic.
Grab a drink from Harvey’s Bar and relax.
To mark the reopening of our Eldon Street doors, we commissioned a unique illustration by artist Julia Bakay, which beautifully captures the spirit and energy of Barnsley Civic. This vibrant artwork is part of our opening marketing campaign and reflects everything we offer—from live theatre and gallery exhibitions to community engagement, supporting local artists, and celebrating young voices.
During our celebration on 14 September, you’ll be able to see a large format of the illustration on display. We’ll also have special colouring sheets and postcards featuring Julia’s design available for children to enjoy.
Explore more of Julia’s incredible work on her website.
