Special Events
See what’s on when you’d like to visit or scroll through events below for inspiration!
Whitehaven Weekender - FREE Florence Stall Drop In
Whitehaven Weekender is a brand-new two-day festival landing on the harbourside on the 29th & 30th August 2026, bringing music, creativity and community together for one big bank holiday weekend featuring headliners the Vengaboys.
The festival is created in partnership by Rosehill Theatre, Northern Equality and Diversity and Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, combining the spirit of Harbour Fest and Pride by the Harbourside for the very first time.
Join Florence at Whitehaven Weekender where we will have a gazebo set up with our pottery wheel and games for the kids!
Please note that because we will be at the event, the site will be closed August 29th and 30th.
Journaling for Wellbeing with Natalie Burns- £45
In this session participants will write and draw in a provided notebook/journal. It is well researched that journaling is good for mental health. Natalie will take participants through tried and tested activities that are both fun and useful for relaxing and processing emotions.
No previous experience is necessary and all materials are provided.
Natalie is well known in West Cumbria for her beautiful ink and watercolour pieces featuring historical buildings in our local towns. See more of her work on her Facebook page and at www.natalieburns.co.uk
This session is suitable for beginners aged 18yrs+ with good mobility in their hands. Children must be accompanied by adults. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Experimental Cyanotype (including tea ceremony and plant taro) with Nanette Madan- £35
Explore the art of experimental cyanotype!
Experimental cyanotype is a creative twist on the traditional photographic sun-print process. Instead of flat, uniform Prussian blue silhouettes, it uses wet techniques, kitchen ingredients, and unconventional surfaces to create unique textures, blooms, and color shifts.
Create dynamic and vibrant sun prints using a wet cyanotype technique. Get inspiration from the Florence Arts Centre garden and use some of the herbs in a tea ceremony with plant tarot.
No previous experience is necessary and all materials are provided.
Nanette is a Resident Artist for Florence Arts Centre and Rosehill Theatre. Recently, Nanette was lead artist for a project with “Everyone Here”, co-creating an immersive indoor sensory garden at The Rum Story across tour community groups in West Cumbria. Nature is always at the forefront of her work.
This session is suitable for beginners aged 16yrs+ with good mobility in their hands. Children must be accompanied by adults. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
No previous experience is necessary and all materials are provided.
Nanette is a Resident Artist for Florence Arts Centre and Rosehill Theatre. Recently, Nanette was lead artist for a project with “Everyone Here”, co-creating an immersive indoor sensory garden at The Rum Story across tour community groups in West Cumbria. Nature is always at the forefront of her work.
This session is suitable for beginners aged 16yrs+ with good mobility in their hands. Children must be accompanied by adults. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Expressive Ink and Watercolour Card Designs with Rachel Metcalfe- £18
Come along and have fun experimenting with watercolour and ink to produce a series of cards.
Learn to create stunning watercolour and ink greeting cards in this hands-on, beginner-friendly course. You will learn basic watercolour techniques like colour blending using wet-in-wet washes, and layering. Then, discover how to bring your designs to life using ink and watercolour detail. By the end of the session, you will possess a series of personalised, hand-painted cards. If interested, then join local artist, Rachel Metcalfe, at Florence Mine Arts Centre. You will be provided with demonstrations on a range of techniques and be shown how to build up your cards. All materials will be provided and no experience is needed – just a willingness to come and have a go!
Rachel is a West Cumbrian artist who explores a place through the experience of walking.
Inspired by the natural world, her work is an art collaboration and dialogue between nature and her journey through a place – a push and pull relationship. Rachel constantly seeks new perspectives: peeling back the layers of a place to discover something new. Her current projects involve walking and exploring the varied landscapes of West Cumbria.
She records her walking journeys through sketches made on location. Rachel then translates her sketchbook work into paintings or textiles using a range of media.
Website: www.rachelmetcalfe.co.uk
Instagram: @rachelmetcalfe_allthingsart
Suitable for those aged 18+ with reasonable mobility in their hands. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have a wheelchair accessible toilet.
Scraper Board from Scratch with Clare Parker- £35
Discover the striking art of scraperboard in this relaxed,beginner-friendly workshop. Clare will guide you through simple mark-making, shading and design techniques using scraperboards and tools. Create your own bold black-and-white artwork to take home, while building confidence, creativity and practical skills in this accessible introduction.
Explore the dramatic effects of scraperboard art in this hands-on workshop for beginners. Clare will introduce the scraperboard surface and tools, then guide participants through simple mark-making techniques including lines, textures, highlights, shading and contrast. You will learn how to plan a small design, transfer or sketch your image, and carefully scratch away the dark surface to reveal bright marks underneath. The session will include time to experiment, practise techniques and develop your own finished black-and-white artwork. All materials are provided, including scraperboards, tools, paper, pencils, tracing paper and chalk. Participants will take home their completed scraperboard piece, along with new confidence and practical skills to continue exploring this striking technique.
Clare’s artistic practice centres around cultivating creativity and making art an accessible, joyful experience for all. She is passionate about simplifying the creative process and encouraging individuals to discover their own artistic voice. Clare believes in sharing creative ideas openly and fostering an atmosphere where exploration and play are valued as much as finished outcomes. Her approach is rooted in empathy, curiosity and genuine enthusiasm for connecting with people, striving to spread joy, build confidence and spark inspiration. Through her collaborating projects and community engagement, Clare works to break down barriers to participation and aims to show how people can find a sense of belonging and self-expression through art.
Suitable for those aged 18+ with reasonable mobility in their hands. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have a wheelchair accessible toilet.
Start a Sketchbook with Clare Parker- £25
In this workshop Clare will share her expertise in creating a captivating design sketchbook, perfect as reference for future projects, discovering a relaxing hobby or just for the joy of taking your doodling to the next level.
Start a design sketchbook using pigment pens and paint. Learn to plan a design, choose a striking colour palette and bring your ideas to life on the page. In this workshop Clare will help you work through an introductory design, including how to choose and use colour and share tips that set you up to work in your sketchbook regularly. At the end of the one hour workshop you will have your own sketchbook to take away and the confidence to carry on filling the pages with style!
No previous experience is necessary and all materials are provided.
Clare Parker is a full-time professional artist working from her studio based in Low Mill, West Cumbria, who enjoys working with a variety of media. Her work is inspired by all the beauty that surrounds her and a gratitude for life.
Clare’s artistic practice centres around cultivating creativity and making art an accessible, joyful experience for all. She is passionate about simplifying the creative process and encouraging individuals to discover their own artistic voice.
Clare believes in sharing creative ideas openly and fostering an atmosphere where exploration and play are valued as much as finished outcomes.
Her approach is rooted in empathy, curiosity and genuine enthusiasm for connecting with people, striving to spread joy, build confidence and spark inspiration.
Through her collaborating projects and community engagement, Clare works to break down barriers to participation and aims to show how people can find a sense of belonging and self-expression through art.
This session is suitable for beginners aged 16yrs+ with good mobility in their hands. Children must be accompanied by adults. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Collage with Hanji Paper with Nanette Madan- £18
Create abstract collages with Hanji paper using a Korean paper felting technique called Joomchi.
Hanji is traditional handmade paper from Korea made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree and root mucilage from hibiscus manihot. It’s known for its incredible strength, breathability, and longevity, it can last for over a thousand years.
Joomchi is a 500 year old traditional Korean art form that uses water, hands, and pressure to felt multiple layers of hanji paper together into a single, durable, and textured sheet.
No previous experience is necessary and all materials are provided.
Nanette is a Resident Artist for Florence Arts Centre and Rosehill Theatre. Recently, Nanette was lead artist for a project with “Everyone Here”, co-creating an immersive indoor sensory garden at The Rum Story across tour community groups in West Cumbria. Nature is always at the forefront of her work.
This session is suitable for beginners aged 16yrs+ with good mobility in their hands. Children must be accompanied by adults. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Vibrant Watercolour Landscapes with Rachel Metcalfe - £35
Come along and have fun experimenting with watercolour to produce an atmospheric landscape.
Do you want to discover the expressive potential of watercolour? If so, then join local artist, Rachel Metcalfe, at Florence Mine Arts Centre for this fantastic opportunity. You will be provided with demonstrations on a range of techniques and be shown how to build up an atmospheric landscape. All materials will be provided and no experience is needed – just a willingness to come and have a go!
Rachel is a West Cumbrian artist who explores a place through the experience of walking.
Inspired by the natural world, her work is an art collaboration and dialogue between nature and her journey through a place – a push and pull relationship. Rachel constantly seeks new perspectives: peeling back the layers of a place to discover something new. Her current projects involve walking and exploring the varied landscapes of West Cumbria.
She records her walking journeys through sketches made on location. Rachel then translates her sketchbook work into paintings or textiles using a range of media.
Website: www.rachelmetcalfe.co.uk
Instagram: @rachelmetcalfe_allthingsart
Suitable for those aged 18+ with reasonable mobility in their hands. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have a wheelchair accessible toilet.
Every Brilliant Thing @ Florence Arts Centre – Arts Out West: £6 - £12
Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe Touring Cumbria | Friday 25 September – Florence Arts Centre, Egremont
7:00pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Book here: https://thekirkgate.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873688197/events/129691899
Tickets range in price from £6 - £12 per person
Mums in hospital. She finds it hard to be happy. So, you start to make a list of everything that’s brilliant about the world. Ice cream Water fights Staying up past your bedtime And as you grow, so does the list…
Every Brilliant Thing is an honest, uplifting and very funny play about resilience, love and the lengths we go to for the people who matter most. Told by a single performer and brought to life with the help of the audience, this is a theatrical experience like no other.
Whilst the story remains the same, participants will experience their own unique version of the show based on what they put into it.
Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have an Access toilet.
Flo Unplugged - FREE Acoustic Session
Join us for a get-together celebrating live music, poetry, recitations, and song.
Flo Unplugged is a relaxed, welcoming space to share creativity and enjoy great performances together.
For this summer session, we're planning on being outside, weather permitting. If it does the rain, the show will still go on... just back inside the performance space.
Entry is free, with donations warmly welcomed. No booking required - just turn up and enjoy the evening.
If you’d like to perform, please get in touch in advance so we can plan the running order. The setup will be simple and unplugged, with two microphones only.
florence@florenceartscentre.com or phone 01946 824946
Jam in the Kitchen - Free
An informal, intimate, and often impromptu gathering of musicians playing music together for the pure joy of it 🎵
Join us at Florence Arts Centre for an afternoon of relaxed, creative collaboration—whether you’re bringing an instrument, your voice, or just coming along to listen and soak up the vibe.
⏰ 2pm – 5pm
Expect a welcoming, low-pressure space where ideas flow, styles blend, and anything can happen. No setlist, no expectations—just good music and good company.
All abilities welcome.
✨ Come jam, connect, and make some noise.
Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have an Access toilet.
Bag Printing Workshop - £35
Join artist Steph Sykes on 17th July for a relaxed and creative bag printing workshop where you’ll design, carve, ink, and hand-print your very own cotton tote bag to take home.
Perfect for beginners, this friendly introduction to printmaking will guide you through each step of the process with expert support from Steph. Experiment with simple carving and printing techniques to create a unique design that’s completely your own.
All materials are provided, including your cotton tote bag, inks, carving tools, and printing materials. You’ll also be welcomed with refreshments, including hot drinks and biscuits, to enjoy while you create.
With small group sizes and a warm, friendly atmosphere, this workshop is a great opportunity to try something new, get creative, and leave with a handmade tote bag you’ll be proud to use.
This session is suitable for beginners aged 12yrs+ with good mobility in their hands. Children must be accompanied by adults. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Creative Writing ‘Mudlarking’ with Annie Wilson - £15
CREATIVE WRITING with Annie Wilson
Book with Annie by emailing at annecumbria@btinternet.com
Monthly Creative Writing in 2026 at Florence with Annie Wilson. Wednesdays 1 - 3 pm on June 24 - using as our stimulus the theme of Mudlarking. You will create three or four pieces of writing. No experience necessary but all is valued. £15 cash on the day per workshop or special offer when paid in advance. Enquiries to Annie on annecumbria@btinternet.com
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.
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.
Basics of Throwing - 4 Week Course
Discover the magic of the potter’s wheel in our 4-week beginners throwing course. This intimate course is the perfect introduction to wheel throwing, held on our brand new pottery wheels in a relaxed and welcoming studio setting.
Across four weekly 2-hour sessions, you’ll learn the essential techniques of throwing, including centring clay, shaping forms, and developing confidence on the wheel. Guided by experienced and inspiring potter Cath Ball, you’ll receive hands-on tuition and plenty of individual support as your skills grow week by week.
Ideal for complete beginners, this course offers a creative, mindful escape and a chance to learn a timeless craft at a comfortable pace.
Course Dates:
05/07/2026
12/07/2026
19/07/2026
25/07/2026
An optional £10.00pp is payable for firing of items at the end of the course.
Basics of Throwing - 4 Week Course
Discover the magic of the potter’s wheel in our 4-week beginners throwing course. This intimate course is the perfect introduction to wheel throwing, held on our brand new pottery wheels in a relaxed and welcoming studio setting.
Across four weekly 2-hour sessions, you’ll learn the essential techniques of throwing, including centring clay, shaping forms, and developing confidence on the wheel. Guided by experienced and inspiring potter Cath Ball, you’ll receive hands-on tuition and plenty of individual support as your skills grow week by week.
Ideal for complete beginners, this course offers a creative, mindful escape and a chance to learn a timeless craft at a comfortable pace.
Course Dates:
05/07/2026
12/07/2026
19/07/2026
25/07/2026
An optional £10.00pp is payable for firing of items at the end of the course.
Flo's Summer Fair!
Join us for a vibrant day of creativity, community and summer celebration at the Florence Arts Centre!
Flo’s Summer Fair brings together the very best of local makers, artists and producers. Expect a carefully curated mix of high-quality artisan stalls, showcasing handmade crafts, natural products and unique local goods.
What’s on:
Art & craft stalls from talented local makers
Food & beverages, with locally sourced options
Family fun & games for all ages
Heritage tours of the Florence Mine
Paintmaking demonstrations – discover how to create pastels using natural pigments
Wildlife garden & trail to explore
This is a fantastic opportunity to support local creativity, meet makers, and discover something truly special.
🎟️ Free entry (donations to Florence Arts Centre are warmly welcomed)
♿ Accessibility & Facilities
Wheelchair accessible site
Accessible toilets available
Limited car parking on site
Café open throughout the day
🛍️ Stallholders Wanted!
We are currently welcoming applications from stallholders, especially those offering handmade, locally produced or nature-inspired products.
General stallholders:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqDg06Ey5iIT2yVF30yfi-ZBAhx0TXz-vY50JAoSFJliBfYA/viewform?usp=header
Catering stallholders:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbCjftTGVeo0fKGgWVDvupQZHDKAu3aXlVTc4LIiM1mWRerg/viewform?usp=header
Creative Writing ‘Mudlarking’ with Annie Wilson - £15
CREATIVE WRITING with Annie Wilson
Book with Annie by emailing at annecumbria@btinternet.com
Monthly Creative Writing in 2026 at Florence with Annie Wilson. Wednesdays 1 - 3 pm on June 24 - using as our stimulus the theme of Mudlarking. You will create three or four pieces of writing. No experience necessary but all is valued. £15 cash on the day per workshop or special offer when paid in advance. Enquiries to Annie on annecumbria@btinternet.com
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.
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.
Jam in the Kitchen - Free
An informal, intimate, and often impromptu gathering of musicians playing music together for the pure joy of it 🎵
Join us at Florence Arts Centre for an afternoon of relaxed, creative collaboration—whether you’re bringing an instrument, your voice, or just coming along to listen and soak up the vibe.
⏰ 2pm – 5pm
Expect a welcoming, low-pressure space where ideas flow, styles blend, and anything can happen. No setlist, no expectations—just good music and good company.
All abilities welcome.
✨ Come jam, connect, and make some noise.
Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have an Access toilet.
Have a Go at Pottery Throwing - Extended Version!
EXTENDED VERSION - 2 HOUR SESSION!
Ever wanted to try the potter’s wheel? This 2 hour introduction session is the perfect chance to get hands-on and have a go at pottery throwing using our brand new wheels. Guided by an experienced tutor Cath Ball, you’ll learn the basics of centring clay and shaping simple forms, with plenty of time to experiment and enjoy the process.
No previous experience is needed – just curiosity and a willingness to get a little messy! Whether you’re ticking it off your bucket list or simply trying something new, this session offers a fun and creative introduction to working on the wheel.
Please note an optional £10.00pp is payable on the day to fire items. Collection in 4-6 weeks.
This session is suitable for beginners with good mobility in their hands. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Have a Go at Pottery Throwing
Ever wanted to try the potter’s wheel? This relaxed one-hour introduction is the perfect chance to get hands-on and have a go at pottery throwing using our brand new wheels. Guided by an experienced tutor Cath Ball, you’ll learn the basics of centring clay and shaping simple forms, with plenty of time to experiment and enjoy the process.
No previous experience is needed – just curiosity and a willingness to get a little messy! Whether you’re ticking it off your bucket list or simply trying something new, this session offers a fun and creative introduction to working on the wheel.
Please note an optional £10.00pp is payable on the day to fire items. Collection in 4-6 weeks.
This session is suitable for beginners with good mobility in their hands. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Have a Go at Pottery Throwing
Ever wanted to try the potter’s wheel? This relaxed one-hour introduction is the perfect chance to get hands-on and have a go at pottery throwing using our brand new wheels. Guided by an experienced tutor Cath Ball, you’ll learn the basics of centring clay and shaping simple forms, with plenty of time to experiment and enjoy the process.
No previous experience is needed – just curiosity and a willingness to get a little messy! Whether you’re ticking it off your bucket list or simply trying something new, this session offers a fun and creative introduction to working on the wheel.
Please note an optional £10.00pp is payable on the day to fire items. Collection in 4-6 weeks.
This session is suitable for beginners with good mobility in their hands. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
