TV’s Vera Costume and Creator Ann Cleeves at Discovery Museum’s Event for International Women’s Day

The costume worn by TV’s Geordie detective Vera, played by actor Brenda Blethyn, will feature in the next after-hours event at Newcastle’s Discovery Museum alongside the character’s creator, author Ann Cleeves.

Discovery Nights: Wonder Women on Friday 6 March 6-9pm is inspired by International Woman’s Day and promises to be a celebration of women connected to the North East region, past and present, with an evening of various drop-in activities.

Tickets cost £10 and booking is essential. Activities will include a chance to sketch costumes including Vera’s, clothes worn by South Tyneside author Catherine Cookson and an early piece from global fashion icon Louise Trotter from Sunderland.

Kylea Little, Keeper of History at Discovery Museum said: “Vera’s costume has never been seen by the public before. To have it out on display for the first time alongside Ann Cleeves who created the character is particularly special to us, and, we hope, the people who come to the event. We’re very grateful to Ann for joining us. 

“The Discovery Nights events have been running for over a year now and have created a warm, thoughtful community, with people taking things at their own pace. Whether it’s to explore the galleries or mingle and meet friends with a drink, chill on a solo trip, or stroll about dipping in and out of activities we want people to relax and have fun.”

Ann Cleeves will give a short reading followed by a Q & A at the start of the evening. Ann is the author of 39 critically acclaimed novels, an international bestseller translated into over 20 languages worldwide. Her books have become international sensations, capturing the minds of millions worldwide.

There will also be live music tasters from Kirsty Hall, a chance to try proggy mat making with an expert from Woodhorn Museum, and a performance by all women drum group Bangshees.

Other drop-in activities over the course of the evening include expert ‘lightning talks’ on women such as trailblazing engineer Rachel Parsons and wartime wonder Dr Irene Ighodaro; Tyne & Wear Archives will have material on display charting the varied lives of women in the region from over the centuries and there will be historical handling objects out too.

People are invited to bring books for a book swap. There will be a bar in the museum café, with pizzas and nachos available to purchase too.

Find out more and book tickets at https://www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/discoverymuseum/whats-on/discovery-nights.