Please note, the two social events are both fully booked.
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North will host two social evenings for AIM Conference delegates. The evening social events are always a highlight of AIM Conference; a chance to network, catch up and make new friends in a unique heritage setting.
Both evening social events are included within the all-in-one ticket, or can be purchased separately with other conference tickets. And delegates are encouraged to dress up to suit the era of the event – we look forward to seeing your best vintage outfits!
Tuesday 9 June, 6pm – 9pm
Experience an enchanting evening in Beamish’s stunning Georgian landscape.
Enjoy a drink and Georgian-inspired canapes at the new Drovers Tavern, while being entertained by traditional music. Explore the beautiful landscape including 1820s Pockerley Old Hall and gardens, pottery, and St Helen’s Church.
Coach travel back to central Durham from the social at Beamish on Tuesday evening will be provided, but attendees will have to make their own way there.
The coaches will leave Beamish at 21:10 to drop off at Ushaw main bus stop, Radisson Blu (for both Radisson Blu and Premier Inn), Marriot and Travelodge.
Wednesday 10 June, 7pm – 10pm
Hop aboard a vintage bus and take a trip back to the 1950s and Edwardian eras for this special evening.
Enjoy fantastic entertainment and discover the newest additions to the museum in The 1950s Town, including the cinema, toy shop and electrical store, and get a 1950s hairdo at the hairdresser’s*.
Explore the early 1900s Town, including the Co-op shops, elegant terraced houses, sweet shop and Sun Inn pub. Visit the Edwardian photography studio* for a special memento of your evening. Enjoy an evening meal served from the Tea Rooms overlooking The 1900s Town.
Coach travel to and from central Durham to the social at Beamish on Wednesday evening will be provided. If you’re getting the coach to Beamish, the coach pick up times are:
17:50 Ushaw main bus stop
18:05 Radisson Blu (for both Radisson and Premier Inn)
18:10 Marriot
18:15 Travelodge
And the coaches for travel back to the hotels will leave Beamish at 22:10.
*Additional charges apply for hairdressing and photography.
About Beamish
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North was awarded Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025, the world’s largest museum prize. The open air museum is the North East’s most visited attraction, welcoming nearly 839,000 visitors in 2024. The museum brings to life the social, industrial and rural history of North East England, in the 1820s, early 1900s, 1940s and 1950s, with its team of 530 staff and 370 volunteers, and designated collection of 2.5 million objects and photographs.
The museum is an anchor institution in the region, connecting closely with communities, including through innovative learning and health and wellbeing programmes.
The Remaking Beamish project, the museum’s biggest ever capital development, has seen the addition of a 1950s Town, 1950s Farm and expansion of the Georgian area, including tavern, pottery and holiday cottages.