Special Events
See what’s on when you’d like to visit or scroll through events below for inspiration!
Half Term Halloween Films - FREE Drop in
Spooky Fun Alert!
Join us next week for a frightfully fun time with Family Halloween Films!
On October 29th and 30th join us from 1:00pm - 3:00pm each day for crafts and a film!
FREE FOR ALL
Enjoy Halloween-themed movies
Treats for all ages
Mask making activities
Costumes welcome (and encouraged)!
Pumpkin Poll
Life at Flo - Drawing the Human Figure - £12
Come along to meet members of Flo's friendly local artist network and practice drawing from our life model. We'll welcome you with hot drinks and biscuits to help the inspiration flow!
The session will not be tutored so you will need to work independently and bring your own materials (including boards/easels if required). Come along from 6:15 to get settled in.
We do not want the fee to be a barrier to taking part. 3 FREE PLACES thanks to our sponsors! Please get in touch to request one: 01946824946 florence@florenceartscentre.com
Florence Festive Fayre - FREE ENTRY
Join us for a Fantastic Festive Fayre! Cumbrian artists and local entrepreneurs will take over Florence to sell their locally produced goods and wares. Enjoy mulled wine and mince pies whilst you find unique gifts for yourself or another!
Free Entry!
Saturday 8th November 11am - 3pm
Sunday 9th November 11am - 3pm
Winter Stories For Families with Children Ages 3-8 - £5 per family
Take some time to get away from phones and iPads and come together as families for some quality quiet time listening to traditional folk tales on a winter theme. Bring a blanket and snuggle up together for some cosy interactive winter stories!
Interactive stories will engage younger children with actions, sound effects and repetition.
Best suited for families for children ages 3 to 8.
Please contact us if you have any additional access needs. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have an Access toilet.
Florence Paintmakers - Demonstration of Paintmaking Practice - £6
Come and join us for a demonstration of our paintmaking practice. We use traditional methods to create high quality artist materials.
Join Nikki and Dave in the paintmaking studio at florence arts centre. The Arts centre is on the site of the former iron ore (haematite) mine. Learn more about how we process the iron ore to create our signature egremont red colour in this demonstration. There will be opportunity to have a go yourself and of course ask questions. Friendly and warm atmosphere - a lovely interesting way to spend an afternoon.
We will talk you through the method of processing rocks into earth pigments and the different techniques we use to create our watercolour paints and chalk pastels. There will be time for questions at the end. Please feel free to explore the site before/afterwards - we have a shop, galleries, a cosy cafe and wildlife garden.
Group Bookings Now Available: An Introduction to Pigment and PaintmakingAt Florence Arts Centre, we create paints, pastels, and inks using natural Cumbrian minerals. Would your group like to learn how?We are now welcoming group bookings (6–10 adults) for a one-hour hands-on workshop, led by one of our experienced paintmakers. The session offers an introduction to the traditional craft of pigment making, from raw mineral to finished art material with the opportunity to try your hand at pastel making.The session includes hot drinks, time for questions, and the chance to explore the wider Florence Arts Centre site.£12 per person | 1 hour
To enquire or book, email: paintmakers@florenceartscentre.comWe are happy to discuss tailoring the session to your group requirements.
Creative Writing ‘CREATURE’ with Annie Wilson - £15
CREATIVE WRITING with Annie Wilson
Book with Annie by emailing at annecumbria@btinternet.com
A change is in the air from the long days of our warm dry summer and evident on the morning grass. With the transitioning season comes a new series of four monthly Creative Writing workshops with Annie Wilson at Florence. You will create three or four pieces of writing at each one. A wide variety of stimuli in a structured but informal atmosphere will be used to inspire your words, on the theme of CREATURE.
Whether you write regularly or you haven’t since leaving school, you are very welcome. All experience will be valued. Sessions are fun and serious.
A great deal of research shows the benefit to our wellbeing of mindful, creative activity, such as writing in a group. You will certainly grow in confidence.
Each workshop stands alone though you may experience greater benefit from attending all 4.
Wednesdays, 1 – 3 pm. Dates: September 24th, October 22nd, November 26th, December 17th.
Annie’s original degree was in Drama Education. She has delivered a wide variety of Community Education courses through the WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) around Cumbria and beyond, with a special interest in mental health. Her freelance work has been facilitating Creative Writing in Community and Recovery settings. Her aim is for individuals to develop their writing practice in a secure group setting which gives pleasure and may lead to fulfilling independent writing. Annie lives in Cleator Moor.
Suitable for those aged 19+ years. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have an Access toilet.
Ring it in! - FREE
Enjoy the Christmas Season with us!
November 28th, 2025
4pm - 6pm
FREE
Join us at Florence for a lovely winter warmer event!
We’ll be dishing up hot chocolate and biscuits while you peruse our latest exhibition and shop. Feel free to take part and make yourself a beautiful tree decoration and sing some carols around the Christmas tree!
Hope to see you there!
Life at Flo - Drawing the Human Figure - £12
Come along to meet members of Flo's friendly local artist network and practice drawing from our life model. We'll welcome you with hot drinks and biscuits to help the inspiration flow!
The session will not be tutored so you will need to work independently and bring your own materials (including boards/easels if required). Come along from 6:15 to get settled in.
We do not want the fee to be a barrier to taking part. Please get in touch if you'd like to discuss before booking.
Making Balms - Esther Gigli, Beewell - £16.50
Perfect for gifting yourself—or a friend—this festive season!
Step into a cozy, hands‑on morning with Beewell by Esther and discover how to make your own luxurious, skin‑nourishing balms. Whether you’re looking for a heartfelt, handmade gift or simply wanting to treat yourself, this workshop is the perfect way to slow down, get creative, and bring home something natural and beautiful.
Under Esther’s guidance, you’ll:
Learn about natural ingredients like beeswax, butters, oils, essential oils, and herbal infusions
Understand the properties and benefits of each ingredient
Customise your balm’s scent, texture, and use — from lip balm to multi-purpose skin salve
Blend, melt, pour, and label your creation to take home
Package it beautifully — ready to gift (or keep!)
At the end of the session, you’ll walk away with not just your own handcrafted balm(s) but also the knowledge and confidence to make more at home.
Participants will learn:
The chemistry and physics behind working with beeswax, oils, butters, and essential oils in balm-making.
How to foster a deeper connection with nature for mutual benefit—honouring both personal well-being and the vitality of the plants used.
Please bring:
A small cooking pot suitable for boiling water on a hotplate.
An apron (optional, but useful!)
Your curiosity and creativity — all other materials will be provided.
When her husband Paul began beekeeping in Whitehaven, Esther began to experiment with using the beeswax to make balms and salves. The result became a small business called Beewell. Today, you can buy her products at her stall, in local outlets and online at www.beewellbyesther.co.uk
Suitable for those aged 18+ years. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have an Access toilet.
Donnelly & South’s Christmas Cracker - Arts Out West - £12
Donnelly & South’s Christmas Cracker!
Dec 6th, 1.30pm. Doors open at 1pm.
The most fun you can have without shinning down someone’s chimney! Christmas show with some crazy bits, a sackful of their singalong, wintry-wonderful songs. The best Christmas-Duo-Show this side of Morecambe & Bublé! A stocking-load of Keith’s hilarious seasonal anecdotes and jokes. The gift of a couple of scary solstice ghost stories. Pour on lashings of Lauren’s, silky-smooth, brandy-butter vocals. All wrapped up with fantastic festive guitars and yummy Yuletide fiddles.
Normal Ticket: £12.00
Family Ticket price: Up to 4; maximum 2 adults £25.00
Under 18/Student Ticket price: £6.00
Book Here: Donnelly & South's Christmas Cracker @ Florence Arts Centre, Egremont - Kirkgate Arts and Heritage
Creative Writing ‘CREATURE’ with Annie Wilson - £15
CREATIVE WRITING with Annie Wilson
Book with Annie by emailing at annecumbria@btinternet.com
A change is in the air from the long days of our warm dry summer and evident on the morning grass. With the transitioning season comes a new series of four monthly Creative Writing workshops with Annie Wilson at Florence. You will create three or four pieces of writing at each one. A wide variety of stimuli in a structured but informal atmosphere will be used to inspire your words, on the theme of CREATURE.
Whether you write regularly or you haven’t since leaving school, you are very welcome. All experience will be valued. Sessions are fun and serious.
A great deal of research shows the benefit to our wellbeing of mindful, creative activity, such as writing in a group. You will certainly grow in confidence.
Each workshop stands alone though you may experience greater benefit from attending all 4.
Wednesdays, 1 – 3 pm. Dates: September 24th, October 22nd, November 26th, December 17th.
Annie’s original degree was in Drama Education. She has delivered a wide variety of Community Education courses through the WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) around Cumbria and beyond, with a special interest in mental health. Her freelance work has been facilitating Creative Writing in Community and Recovery settings. Her aim is for individuals to develop their writing practice in a secure group setting which gives pleasure and may lead to fulfilling independent writing. Annie lives in Cleator Moor.
Suitable for those aged 19+ years. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have an Access toilet.
Winter Stories For Families with Children Ages 3-8 - £5 per family
Take some time to get away from phones and iPads and come together as families for some quality quiet time listening to traditional folk tales on a winter theme. Bring a blanket and snuggle up together for some cosy interactive winter stories!
Interactive stories will engage younger children with actions, sound effects and repetition. Feel free to dress in your Christmas best for this session!
Best suited for families for children ages 3 to 8.
Please contact us if you have any additional access needs. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have an Access toilet.
Florence Paintmakers - Demonstration of Paintmaking Practice - £6
Come and join us for a demonstration of our paintmaking practice. We use traditional methods to create high quality artist materials.
Join Nikki and Dave in the paintmaking studio at florence arts centre. The Arts centre is on the site of the former iron ore (haematite) mine. Learn more about how we process the iron ore to create our signature egremont red colour in this demonstration. There will be opportunity to have a go yourself and of course ask questions. Friendly and warm atmosphere - a lovely interesting way to spend an afternoon.
We will talk you through the method of processing rocks into earth pigments and the different techniques we use to create our watercolour paints and chalk pastels. There will be time for questions at the end. Please feel free to explore the site before/afterwards - we have a shop, galleries, a cosy cafe and wildlife garden.
Group Bookings Now Available: An Introduction to Pigment and PaintmakingAt Florence Arts Centre, we create paints, pastels, and inks using natural Cumbrian minerals. Would your group like to learn how?We are now welcoming group bookings (6–10 adults) for a one-hour hands-on workshop, led by one of our experienced paintmakers. The session offers an introduction to the traditional craft of pigment making, from raw mineral to finished art material with the opportunity to try your hand at pastel making.The session includes hot drinks, time for questions, and the chance to explore the wider Florence Arts Centre site.£12 per person | 1 hour
To enquire or book, email: paintmakers@florenceartscentre.comWe are happy to discuss tailoring the session to your group requirements.
Winter Stories For Families with Children Ages 3-8 - £5 per family
Take some time to get away from phones and iPads and come together as families for some quality quiet time listening to traditional folk tales on a winter theme. Bring a blanket and snuggle up together for some cosy interactive winter stories!
Interactive stories will engage younger children with actions, sound effects and repetition. Feel free to dress for Halloween for this session!
Best suited for families for children ages 3 to 8.
Please contact us if you have any additional access needs. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have an Access toilet.
WRESTLE Exhibition
WRESTLE – An exhibition and programme about Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling.
September 7th 2025 to November 2nd 2025
Friday 11am-4pm Saturday 11am -3pm Sunday 11am-3pm
The exhibition tells the story of Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling through:
· original artwork by Cumbrian artist Janet Moss
· contemporary photography by Cumbrian photographer Chris
Routledge
· archive photos, costumes and other heritage objects curated with
the help of Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling Association
· a community embroidery project co-created by Fabricate textile
artists.
Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling is a traditional form of “backhold” wrestling with origins going back to Viking times. It has strong cultural connections with farming and heavy industry: men would wrestle after work in their long-john underwear.
Wrestling was always a family affair. Distinctive velvet centre pieces are worn to protect wrestlers’ modesty and feature elaborate, nature-inspired embroidery work. These days, wrestling is a truly inclusive sport practised by men, women, girls and boys in communities across Cumbria. It is a highlight of country fairs and village sports across the county and beyond.
Janet says “I have always been fascinated by the wrestling at local Sports and Fairs. I began painting wrestlers to explore the extraordinary positions they get into as they wrestle. My abstracted paintings express the movement against the landscape setting of the outdoor ring.”
Chris comments: “Janet and I attended several indoor wrestling practice nights over the winter and were struck by how friendly and welcoming everyone was. Photographing the wrestlers with the specialised cameras and film that I use was a challenge, but I’m looking forward to seeing the results on the wall at the Florence.”
Janet and Chris will be making more work over the summer as they follow the various events, competitions and world championships in the north west right up to the Egremont Crab Fair in September.
The exhibition will run from September 7th 2025 to November 2nd 2025 and be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Related events will take place throughout this period including wrestling displays, taster sessions, family activities, meet the artists and creative activities. See www.florenceartscentre.com/events or @florencearts on Facebook for details.
Creative Writing ‘CREATURE’ with Annie Wilson - £15
CREATIVE WRITING with Annie Wilson
Book with Annie by emailing at annecumbria@btinternet.com
A change is in the air from the long days of our warm dry summer and evident on the morning grass. With the transitioning season comes a new series of four monthly Creative Writing workshops with Annie Wilson at Florence. You will create three or four pieces of writing at each one. A wide variety of stimuli in a structured but informal atmosphere will be used to inspire your words, on the theme of CREATURE.
Whether you write regularly or you haven’t since leaving school, you are very welcome. All experience will be valued. Sessions are fun and serious.
A great deal of research shows the benefit to our wellbeing of mindful, creative activity, such as writing in a group. You will certainly grow in confidence.
Each workshop stands alone though you may experience greater benefit from attending all 4.
Wednesdays, 1 – 3 pm. Dates: September 24th, October 22nd, November 26th, December 17th.
Annie’s original degree was in Drama Education. She has delivered a wide variety of Community Education courses through the WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) around Cumbria and beyond, with a special interest in mental health. Her freelance work has been facilitating Creative Writing in Community and Recovery settings. Her aim is for individuals to develop their writing practice in a secure group setting which gives pleasure and may lead to fulfilling independent writing. Annie lives in Cleator Moor.
Suitable for those aged 19+ years. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have an Access toilet.
WRESTLE Exhibition
WRESTLE – An exhibition and programme about Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling.
September 7th 2025 to November 2nd 2025
Friday 11am-4pm Saturday 11am -3pm Sunday 11am-3pm
The exhibition tells the story of Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling through:
· original artwork by Cumbrian artist Janet Moss
· contemporary photography by Cumbrian photographer Chris
Routledge
· archive photos, costumes and other heritage objects curated with
the help of Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling Association
· a community embroidery project co-created by Fabricate textile
artists.
Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling is a traditional form of “backhold” wrestling with origins going back to Viking times. It has strong cultural connections with farming and heavy industry: men would wrestle after work in their long-john underwear.
Wrestling was always a family affair. Distinctive velvet centre pieces are worn to protect wrestlers’ modesty and feature elaborate, nature-inspired embroidery work. These days, wrestling is a truly inclusive sport practised by men, women, girls and boys in communities across Cumbria. It is a highlight of country fairs and village sports across the county and beyond.
Janet says “I have always been fascinated by the wrestling at local Sports and Fairs. I began painting wrestlers to explore the extraordinary positions they get into as they wrestle. My abstracted paintings express the movement against the landscape setting of the outdoor ring.”
Chris comments: “Janet and I attended several indoor wrestling practice nights over the winter and were struck by how friendly and welcoming everyone was. Photographing the wrestlers with the specialised cameras and film that I use was a challenge, but I’m looking forward to seeing the results on the wall at the Florence.”
Janet and Chris will be making more work over the summer as they follow the various events, competitions and world championships in the north west right up to the Egremont Crab Fair in September.
The exhibition will run from September 7th 2025 to November 2nd 2025 and be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Related events will take place throughout this period including wrestling displays, taster sessions, family activities, meet the artists and creative activities. See www.florenceartscentre.com/events or @florencearts on Facebook for details.
Life at Flo - Drawing the Human Figure - £12
Come along to meet members of Flo's friendly local artist network and practice drawing from our life model. We'll welcome you with hot drinks and biscuits to help the inspiration flow!
The session will not be tutored so you will need to work independently and bring your own materials (including boards/easels if required). Come along from 6:15 to get settled in.
We do not want the fee to be a barrier to taking part. 3 FREE PLACES thanks to our sponsors! Please get in touch to request one 01946824946 florence@florenceartscentre.com
Building Bots with Nick and Sarah - £50
During the workshop you will take items that would usually end up in the bin, skip or landfill.
You will use hand tools, nuts, bolts and washers to you to build your unique little bot character.
Each character has their own identity and you will have the opportunity to name your bot and then take them home with you.
All parts and tools are supplied and no previous experience is required.
You will need reasonable hand mobility. Please contact us if you have any additional access needs. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We also have an Accessible toilet.
WRESTLE Exhibition
WRESTLE – An exhibition and programme about Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling.
September 7th 2025 to November 2nd 2025
Friday 11am-4pm Saturday 11am -3pm Sunday 11am-3pm
The exhibition tells the story of Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling through:
· original artwork by Cumbrian artist Janet Moss
· contemporary photography by Cumbrian photographer Chris
Routledge
· archive photos, costumes and other heritage objects curated with
the help of Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling Association
· a community embroidery project co-created by Fabricate textile
artists.
Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling is a traditional form of “backhold” wrestling with origins going back to Viking times. It has strong cultural connections with farming and heavy industry: men would wrestle after work in their long-john underwear.
Wrestling was always a family affair. Distinctive velvet centre pieces are worn to protect wrestlers’ modesty and feature elaborate, nature-inspired embroidery work. These days, wrestling is a truly inclusive sport practised by men, women, girls and boys in communities across Cumbria. It is a highlight of country fairs and village sports across the county and beyond.
Janet says “I have always been fascinated by the wrestling at local Sports and Fairs. I began painting wrestlers to explore the extraordinary positions they get into as they wrestle. My abstracted paintings express the movement against the landscape setting of the outdoor ring.”
Chris comments: “Janet and I attended several indoor wrestling practice nights over the winter and were struck by how friendly and welcoming everyone was. Photographing the wrestlers with the specialised cameras and film that I use was a challenge, but I’m looking forward to seeing the results on the wall at the Florence.”
Janet and Chris will be making more work over the summer as they follow the various events, competitions and world championships in the north west right up to the Egremont Crab Fair in September.
The exhibition will run from September 7th 2025 to November 2nd 2025 and be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Related events will take place throughout this period including wrestling displays, taster sessions, family activities, meet the artists and creative activities. See www.florenceartscentre.com/events or @florencearts on Facebook for details.
WRESTLE Exhibition
WRESTLE – An exhibition and programme about Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling.
September 7th 2025 to November 2nd 2025
Friday 11am-4pm Saturday 11am -3pm Sunday 11am-3pm
The exhibition tells the story of Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling through:
· original artwork by Cumbrian artist Janet Moss
· contemporary photography by Cumbrian photographer Chris
Routledge
· archive photos, costumes and other heritage objects curated with
the help of Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling Association
· a community embroidery project co-created by Fabricate textile
artists.
Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling is a traditional form of “backhold” wrestling with origins going back to Viking times. It has strong cultural connections with farming and heavy industry: men would wrestle after work in their long-john underwear.
Wrestling was always a family affair. Distinctive velvet centre pieces are worn to protect wrestlers’ modesty and feature elaborate, nature-inspired embroidery work. These days, wrestling is a truly inclusive sport practised by men, women, girls and boys in communities across Cumbria. It is a highlight of country fairs and village sports across the county and beyond.
Janet says “I have always been fascinated by the wrestling at local Sports and Fairs. I began painting wrestlers to explore the extraordinary positions they get into as they wrestle. My abstracted paintings express the movement against the landscape setting of the outdoor ring.”
Chris comments: “Janet and I attended several indoor wrestling practice nights over the winter and were struck by how friendly and welcoming everyone was. Photographing the wrestlers with the specialised cameras and film that I use was a challenge, but I’m looking forward to seeing the results on the wall at the Florence.”
Janet and Chris will be making more work over the summer as they follow the various events, competitions and world championships in the north west right up to the Egremont Crab Fair in September.
The exhibition will run from September 7th 2025 to November 2nd 2025 and be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Related events will take place throughout this period including wrestling displays, taster sessions, family activities, meet the artists and creative activities. See www.florenceartscentre.com/events or @florencearts on Facebook for details.
WRESTLE Exhibition and Meet the Artists
WRESTLE – An exhibition and programme about Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling.
WRESTLE Exhibition
WRESTLE – An exhibition and programme about Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling.
September 7th 2025 to November 2nd 2025
Friday 11am-4pm Saturday 11am -3pm Sunday 11am-3pm
The exhibition tells the story of Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling through:
· original artwork by Cumbrian artist Janet Moss
· contemporary photography by Cumbrian photographer Chris
Routledge
· archive photos, costumes and other heritage objects curated with
the help of Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling Association
· a community embroidery project co-created by Fabricate textile
artists.
Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling is a traditional form of “backhold” wrestling with origins going back to Viking times. It has strong cultural connections with farming and heavy industry: men would wrestle after work in their long-john underwear.
Wrestling was always a family affair. Distinctive velvet centre pieces are worn to protect wrestlers’ modesty and feature elaborate, nature-inspired embroidery work. These days, wrestling is a truly inclusive sport practised by men, women, girls and boys in communities across Cumbria. It is a highlight of country fairs and village sports across the county and beyond.
Janet says “I have always been fascinated by the wrestling at local Sports and Fairs. I began painting wrestlers to explore the extraordinary positions they get into as they wrestle. My abstracted paintings express the movement against the landscape setting of the outdoor ring.”
Chris comments: “Janet and I attended several indoor wrestling practice nights over the winter and were struck by how friendly and welcoming everyone was. Photographing the wrestlers with the specialised cameras and film that I use was a challenge, but I’m looking forward to seeing the results on the wall at the Florence.”
Janet and Chris will be making more work over the summer as they follow the various events, competitions and world championships in the north west right up to the Egremont Crab Fair in September.
The exhibition will run from September 7th 2025 to November 2nd 2025 and be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Related events will take place throughout this period including wrestling displays, taster sessions, family activities, meet the artists and creative activities. See www.florenceartscentre.com/events or @florencearts on Facebook for details.
Creative Writing ‘CREATURE’ with Annie Wilson - £15
CREATIVE WRITING with Annie Wilson
Book with Annie at annecumbria@btinternet.com
A change is in the air from the long days of our warm dry summer and evident on the morning grass. With the transitioning season comes a new series of four monthly Creative Writing workshops with Annie Wilson at Florence. You will create three or four pieces of writing at each one. A wide variety of stimuli in a structured but informal atmosphere will be used to inspire your words, on the theme of CREATURE.
Whether you write regularly or you haven’t since leaving school, you are very welcome. All experience will be valued. Sessions are fun and serious.
A great deal of research shows the benefit to our wellbeing of mindful, creative activity, such as writing in a group. You will certainly grow in confidence.
Each workshop stands alone though you may experience greater benefit from attending all 4.
Wednesdays, 1 – 3 pm. Dates: September 24th, October 22nd, November 26th, December 17th.
Annie’s original degree was in Drama Education. She has delivered a wide variety of Community Education courses through the WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) around Cumbria and beyond, with a special interest in mental health. Her freelance work has been facilitating Creative Writing in Community and Recovery settings. Her aim is for individuals to develop their writing practice in a secure group setting which gives pleasure and may lead to fulfilling independent writing. Annie lives in Cleator Moor.
Suitable for those aged 19+ years. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have an Access toilet.
Crab Fair WRESTLE Stall
WRESTLE – An exhibition and programme about Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling.
Join us at our WRESTLE themed stall at Crab Fair!
11am - 3pm
Please note that Florence Arts Centre will be closed on this day.
Our stall where we will have arts, crafts, games and more! Hope to see you there!
WRESTLE Exhibition
WRESTLE – An exhibition and programme about Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling.
September 7th 2025 to November 2nd 2025
Friday 11am-4pm Saturday 11am -3pm Sunday 11am-3pm
The exhibition tells the story of Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling through:
· original artwork by Cumbrian artist Janet Moss
· contemporary photography by Cumbrian photographer Chris
Routledge
· archive photos, costumes and other heritage objects curated with
the help of Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling Association
· a community embroidery project co-created by Fabricate textile
artists.
Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling is a traditional form of “backhold” wrestling with origins going back to Viking times. It has strong cultural connections with farming and heavy industry: men would wrestle after work in their long-john underwear.
Wrestling was always a family affair. Distinctive velvet centre pieces are worn to protect wrestlers’ modesty and feature elaborate, nature-inspired embroidery work. These days, wrestling is a truly inclusive sport practised by men, women, girls and boys in communities across Cumbria. It is a highlight of country fairs and village sports across the county and beyond.
Janet says “I have always been fascinated by the wrestling at local Sports and Fairs. I began painting wrestlers to explore the extraordinary positions they get into as they wrestle. My abstracted paintings express the movement against the landscape setting of the outdoor ring.”
Chris comments: “Janet and I attended several indoor wrestling practice nights over the winter and were struck by how friendly and welcoming everyone was. Photographing the wrestlers with the specialised cameras and film that I use was a challenge, but I’m looking forward to seeing the results on the wall at the Florence.”
Janet and Chris will be making more work over the summer as they follow the various events, competitions and world championships in the north west right up to the Egremont Crab Fair in September.
The exhibition will run from September 7th 2025 to November 2nd 2025 and be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Related events will take place throughout this period including wrestling displays, taster sessions, family activities, meet the artists and creative activities. See www.florenceartscentre.com/events or @florencearts on Facebook for details.
WRESTLE Exhibition
WRESTLE – An exhibition and programme about Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling.
September 7th 2025 to November 2nd 2025
Friday 11am-4pm Saturday 11am -3pm Sunday 11am-3pm
The exhibition tells the story of Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling through:
· original artwork by Cumbrian artist Janet Moss
· contemporary photography by Cumbrian photographer Chris
Routledge
· archive photos, costumes and other heritage objects curated with
the help of Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling Association
· a community embroidery project co-created by Fabricate textile
artists.
Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling is a traditional form of “backhold” wrestling with origins going back to Viking times. It has strong cultural connections with farming and heavy industry: men would wrestle after work in their long-john underwear.
Wrestling was always a family affair. Distinctive velvet centre pieces are worn to protect wrestlers’ modesty and feature elaborate, nature-inspired embroidery work. These days, wrestling is a truly inclusive sport practised by men, women, girls and boys in communities across Cumbria. It is a highlight of country fairs and village sports across the county and beyond.
Janet says “I have always been fascinated by the wrestling at local Sports and Fairs. I began painting wrestlers to explore the extraordinary positions they get into as they wrestle. My abstracted paintings express the movement against the landscape setting of the outdoor ring.”
Chris comments: “Janet and I attended several indoor wrestling practice nights over the winter and were struck by how friendly and welcoming everyone was. Photographing the wrestlers with the specialised cameras and film that I use was a challenge, but I’m looking forward to seeing the results on the wall at the Florence.”
Janet and Chris will be making more work over the summer as they follow the various events, competitions and world championships in the north west right up to the Egremont Crab Fair in September.
The exhibition will run from September 7th 2025 to November 2nd 2025 and be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Related events will take place throughout this period including wrestling displays, taster sessions, family activities, meet the artists and creative activities. See www.florenceartscentre.com/events or @florencearts on Facebook for details.
Florence Paintmakers - Demonstration of Paintmaking Practice - £6
Come and join us for a demonstration of our paintmaking practice. We use traditional methods to create high quality artist materials.
Join Nikki and Dave in the paintmaking studio at florence arts centre. The Arts centre is on the site of the former iron ore (haematite) mine. Learn more about how we process the iron ore to create our signature egremont red colour in this demonstration. There will be opportunity to have a go yourself and of course ask questions. Friendly and warm atmosphere - a lovely interesting way to spend an afternoon.
We will talk you through the method of processing rocks into earth pigments and the different techniques we use to create our watercolour paints and chalk pastels. There will be time for questions at the end. Please feel free to explore the site before/afterwards - we have a shop, galleries, a cosy cafe and wildlife garden.
Craft Cafe - FREE
No booking required, just show up with something to do! This is a free event for people who want to have a cuppa and a chat while doing something creative. Our regular craft cafe visitors will be able to share their skills if you’d like to learn something new such as knitting or crochet. 11am-1pm
We are also working on a project with Fabricate textile artists and painter Janet Moss to embroider motifs inspired by nature and the Cumbrian Arts & Crafts designer Annie Garnet - pick up a kit and join in!
