ONE of Northwich's most popular attractions is in the running for a county-wide award recognising its wide-ranging offering.

Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse has been shortlisted for a Marketing Cheshire 'Small Visitor Attraction of the Year' award for 2019.

The annual awards recognise excellence and outstanding achievement by businesses and individuals working in Cheshire’s visitor economy – now worth over £3.5 billion.

With the re-opening four years ago of its nearby sister museum, the Lion Salt Works, Weaver Hall Museum has introduced new displays and programming and looked to attract different audiences.

It has redeveloped its interpretation of the history of the workhouse, making the most of its buildings and collections to engage new audiences through diverse and innovative public programming.

It has done this in tandem with a new and immersive schools’ learning programme dovetailed to match the national curriculum.

In 2017, the museum won a prestigious Sandford Award for excellence in education.

Northwich Guardian:

Museum staff regularly runs memory tours from care homes, and also welcome children from special educational needs schools, where experienced staff sessions have been specially adapted sessions to meet their needs.

The museum is also fully physically accessible, dementia and autism friendly.

In partnership with Cheshire Silver Rainbows, a LGBTQ charity, the museum is also part of a bold attempt to change public perceptions of the museum, attract new audiences and get visitors to push the boundaries of their normal museum experience.

READ >>> 'Everyone knew Nafe and everyone loved him'

Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “This great news recognises all the hard work and creativity that is brought to the museum by its staff and volunteers.

"This is a small museum that can be rightly said to be punching above its weight, providing an excellent visitor experience and an innovative public events programme.

"At Weaver Hall, living history and community engagement come together to provide a rich and rewarding experience for people of all ages.

READ >>> New-look Matalan shows off refurbished store

"I hope people who have not been to this outstanding museum will make time to visit.”

The winners of the Marketing Cheshire awards will be announced on Thursday, October 3 at The Mere Golf Resort & Spa in Knutsford, which last year attracted more than 300 guests.