Last updated 19:46, Thursday, 17 July 2008

MARYPORT’S new £3.3 million The Wave Centre will officially open this weekend.

The entertainment, conferencing and heritage visitor centre, near the harbour, will be hosting open days tomorrow and Sunday.

The weekend will include craft stalls, free heavy horse rides, and a CFM radio roadshow.

Dearham Brass Band will entertain tomorrow evening and a rock ‘n’ roll tribute show, Rockin’ on Heaven’s Door, will feature on Sunday night.

As an introductory offer, people will be able to visit the venue’s interactive displays in the heritage exhibition hall for £2 per adult, £1 for a child or £5 for a family ticket.

The opening will also give people the chance to see the main hall, which will be used for theatre and music performances, cinema, conferences, award ceremonies, training events, weddings and parties.

Its cafe and bistro will be open Monday to Sunday and the gift shop will stock handcrafted gifts and artwork supplied by Made In Cumbria.

The Wave Centre is managed by Carlisle Leisure Ltd on behalf of Allerdale council.

Margaret Jackson, the council deputy leader, said: “Allerdale council is delighted to celebrate the launch of The Wave as a vessel for promoting tourism in Maryport, as well as serving communities throughout the district.”