Beamish Weekend Celebrates Romany and Traveller Heritage
A celebration of Romany and Traveller culture at Beamish, captured in stunning photographs by Debbie Todd
The Beamish Museum, County Durham hosted a special Romany Gypsy and Traveller heritage weekend on 12–13 September 2026, bringing together community members, musicians, craftspeople and educators to share traditions, history and everyday culture with visitors.
A recreated Romany Gypsy atchin‑tan — a traditional stopping place — formed the heart of the event, with living wagons, cooking demonstrations and music. Children’s woven wagon‑wheel artwork lined the approach, celebrating the creativity inspired by Romany Gypsy and Traveller heritage.
Members of the Irish Traveller community created a 1950s‑style encampment and led informal singing sessions, while families joined in making traditional paper flowers. A display from Darlington Education Authority explored life on a modern permanent Gypsy site, whilst well‑known Romany advocate Billy Welch from Darlington and musician Bill Lloyd from Cumbria were among those meeting visitors and sharing their experiences.
Debbie Todd’s portraits capture the heart of the weekend — the people who brought the stories, skills and traditions to life.
The Beamish Museum is a renowned open‑air museum in County Durham, known for its immersive historic streets, homes and working communities. It brings North‑East England’s past to life through living history, demonstrations and hands‑on experiences.
TT News
(Photographs © Debbie Todd)
(Caption for lead photograph: Julie Gorman-Cliff, daughter of Bartley Gorman, is on the left, to her right is Sinead)