Events, Talks and Workshops
As well as our standard museum admission , family activity and community programmes we also host a wide range of events, talks and workshops within the museum.
These range from free talks with our specialist curators, art and craft workshops with local professionals and family shows and activities during the school holidays.
We recommend pre-booking tickets for all events, talks and workshops even if they are free.
To find out more about our events programme , please visit our website Tullie What's On or email [email protected]
Events
On the first Tuesday of every month, we’ll be joined by speakers who will share their passion and knowledge on a weird and wonderful range of topics.
All Tuesday Talks are free, but spaces are limited so we recommend booking in advance.
Tuesday 1 October - Cumbrian Art from the Tullie Collection with Melanie Gardner
Discover some of the amazing artists from the local area represented in Tullie’s unrivalled art collection dating from the 1800s onwards.
Tuesday 5 November - CUFC Groundsman Dave Mitchell
Carlisle United Head Groundsman Dave Mitchell will give an insightful look into his 19 years of looking after the award-winning surface at Brunton Park.
From renovations and floods to promotions and pitch invasions, Dave will share the trials and tribulations of life very much on the pitch at the home of the Cumbrians.
It’s completely free to attend, but spaces are limited so we recommend booking in advance. The talk will be in the Lecture Theatre in Old Tullie House, access via the Abbey Street garden entrance.
Tuesday 3 December - The Rocks at the Edge of the Empire with Ian Jackson
For December’s free talk, we’re welcoming back geologist and author Ian Jackson (Cumbria Rocks) to coincide with the release of his new book The Rocks at the Edge of Empire.
Ian’s new book explores 50 extraordinary, rocky places that tell the story of the Romans and the landscape of the northern frontier of the empire. In the talk he will explore how the landscape the Romans encountered came to be, how rocks determined their defensive decisions, and how they exploited and traded the natural resources the area had to offer.
Talks start at 1pm
Book nowSaturday 2nd November - 5-8pm
Tickets include two-course meal in the new café and a hot chocolate on the rotunda, as well as admission to Backing the Blues: 120 Years of Carlisle United open until 6pm on the night.
Wrap up warm and celebrate one of our favourite nights of the year. No wellies are required, because you’ll be watching the Bitts Park Fireshow from our Lookout, seeing the fireworks rise up above the castle. Magic.
Before you head up to watch the fireworks, we’ll be serving some Bonfire classics: hotdogs, burgers, and winter-warmer desserts, with the addition of a hot chocolate served up on the rotunda to keep you toasty. You’ll also be able to purchase drinks from the bar between 5-8pm.
Food is included with your ticket, so choose from the following delicious options:
Main
- Cheeseburger/veggie burger, served with fried onions, sauces and skin on fries
- Hot dog/veggie dog, served with fried onions, sauces and skin on fries
Dessert
- Gingerbread and custard
- Sticky toffee pudding and ice cream
You can also enjoy a hot chocolate as you watch the fireworks on the rotunda!
Please pre-order your main meal and dessert upon booking and inform us of any allergies or dietary requirements.
Book now
Bar open between 6 - 8pm. Screening at 7pm.
Tickets £12 (£10 for Tullie pass holders and Members). Doors open 6pm, screening and music start at 7pm. Refreshments will be available on the night. Lucifer Rising runtime: 29 minutes.
Things will be taking an occult turn in the Lecture Theatre this October. We will be screening (maybe screaming is more apt?) Lucifer Rising, by experimental filmmaker Kenneth Anger (1927-2023).
The short film is more a montage of mysticism than straightforward narrative, in which Egyptian gods set about summoning the angel Lucifer to bring in a new Occult age. Which sounds terrifying and baffling in equal measure. Expect some familiar faces in the film with Marianne Faithfull, Jimmy Page and Chris Jagger (brother of Mick) all making an appearance.
Completed in 1972, the film wasn’t distributed until 1980 when its soundtrack was completed by Bobby Beausoleil, most famous for his involvement with the Manson Family murders. We won’t be using his music.
Instead, we will be joined by The Wasted Lakes, a local instrumental trio who will be performing a live, improvised score along with the film for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
The Wasted Lakes are Stephen Benson (Goatherder), Jonathan Sharp (The Heartwood Institute) and Joe Hiscoke (Holiday, Ponyland).
In late 2018, after a talk about our mutual love of experimental, kosmiche and improvisation we decided to live soundtrack a film. We convened at Warwick Bazaar (which then had a small cinema in an upstairs room) and decided to soundtrack the 1922 Swedish film ‘Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages’.
The performance sold out and we all enjoyed improvising live to the screen, wishing to do it again.
The Wasted Lakes evolved into the band Glücksfall, who still play today, but The Wasted Lakes have always wanted to return to live soundtrack.
Expect ambient, hauntronica, avant garde sounds.
Book now
Saturday 9th November - 4-6pm
Join us for an evening of fun and festive ceramic making here at Tullie.
During the workshop, you will get the chance to make a range of decorations using cutters, moulds and stamps to make the ideal Christmas gift or to display proudly in your home, with that all-important personal touch.
For the first hour, you will have time to create and refine your pieces, followed by a secondary hour of painting and decorating, all under the guidance of our experienced ceramics professional.
Once you have made your festive pieces, they will be left to dry, glazed, and baked in a kiln - ready to collect from Tullie after the event.
Your ticket includes the workshop, a mulled wine, or mulled apple and festive music to enjoy in the background, alongside all the materials needed to create your festive works.
Book nowWreath Making Workshop at Tullie House
Join us for a festive afternoon of creativity at our Wreath Making Workshop on
Sunday, 24th November, from 1-3 PM.
This event is perfect for those looking to get into the holiday spirit, while crafting a beautiful traditional Christmas door wreath.
Led by Abi from The Flower Hut, which has flourished since its establishment on a family farm in 2019, this workshop emphasises sustainable floristry methods using seasonal foliage sourced right from the farm. With expert guidance, you’ll learn how to create a stunning wreath that adds a personal touch to your holiday decor.
Your ticket for £40 includes all materials needed, plus a festive mulled wine or mulled apple and festive music to enhance the Christmas atmosphere. Embrace the joy of the season and take home a handcrafted wreath.
Book your tickets now to secure your spot.
Book now
Join Us for a Spooktacular Ghost Tour at Tullie House
Date: Tuesday, 29 October
Time Slots: 2:00-2:45, 3:00-3:45 (recommended 5+), 6:00-6:45, 7:00-7:45 (reccommended 14+)
Tickets: Adults - £12, Children - £8
Step into the shadowy corners of the 17th-century Old Tullie House and prepare to uncover its secrets. There has been a significant building on this site since the 1300s, as well as a Roman road running through the gardens. What spirits might linger here?
Have you ever wondered what lurks behind the scenes? Join professional storyteller Jo Mills as she leads you through the dimly-lit halls and hidden tunnels, where history and mystery intertwine.
With Jo as your guide, you’ll navigate through the unseen parts of Tullie, where shadows dance and the air thickens with anticipation. Feel the eerie atmosphere wrap around you as Jo conjures up a cauldron full of creepy and spine-tingling stories that will make your heart race and your imagination soar, from ghostly apparitions to strange happenings that defy explanation.
So, gather your loved ones, summon your courage, and prepare for a hauntingly good time at Tullie House this Halloween.
Tickets are limited—don’t miss your chance to explore the darker side of Tullie's history.
Book now
As well as our standard museum admission , family activity and community programmes we also host a wide range of events, talks and workshops within the museum.
These range from free talks with our specialist curators, art and craft workshops with local professionals and family shows and activities during the school holidays.
We recommend pre-booking tickets for all events, talks and workshops even if they are free.
To find out more about our events programme , please visit our website Tullie What's On or email [email protected]