University of Cumbria Celebrates Proud Partnership with Dave Day and Exhibition
The University of Cumbria is proud to announce its sponsorship of Barrow BID’s Dave Day and its partnership with the Dock Museum’s Dave Myers’ exhibition.
Opening its doors to the public today, the exhibition will celebrate the life and legacy of the late Dave Myers, acclaimed TV personality and University of Cumbria Honorary Fellow.
Coinciding with Dave Day 2 (21–22 June), when thousands of bikers and fans will travel to Barrow in his memory, the exhibition runs from 20 June to 5 October 2025 in Myers’ beloved hometown of Barrow-in-Furness.
It has been developed in collaboration with Myers’ widow, Lilliana Myers, and the Dock Museum. Much of the exhibition will showcase never seen before items, donated by Lilliana, with his motorcycle kit being amongst the most prized items. In honour and to celebrate Dave Day 2, The Dock Museum is re-naming to the ‘The Dave Museum’ for the weekend.
The university is honoured to be contributing to the exhibition, which highlights Myers’ creative roots and professional journey from the arts into stardom. This exhibition includes educational displays and artefacts illustrating Myers’ early life, his lesser-known career as a make-up artist in film and television, and his connection to the region.
In November 2015, Myers was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the University of Cumbria, one of the university’s highest honours. An Honorary Fellowship is a special award given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society. Unlike a degree, it does not require formal study but serves as a meaningful recognition of a person’s influence, achievements, and values.
University of Cumbria is proud to be sponsoring the Dock Museum’s Amphitheatre for Dave Day weekend, where there will be shows to spark energy and imagination with Professor Pumpernickel’s explosive and fun shows for all the family to enjoy.
Karen Jones MBA, Business Manager for Institute of Education, Arts & Society, University of Cumbria, said: “Dave Myers was an inspiration, not just because of his talent and charisma, but because of his authentic connection to Cumbria. He showed that someone could rise to the top of their field while staying grounded in their community. We are proud to sponsor Dave Day and to play a part in honouring his incredible story. With our new Barrow campus opening this September, we look forward to welcoming students and helping raising aspirations across the Barrow area for now and for generations to come.”
For further information on the Dave Myer’s exhibition and Dave Day, head to: https://visitbarrow.org.uk/dave-day/
Construction work on the University of Cumbria’s Barrow campus is well advanced. It will open in September 2025. For further information about the campus and programmes available, head to: www.cumbria.ac.uk/student-life/locations/barrow-in-furness/
Notes to editors
On July 27, 2019, the Prime Minister announced that the Towns Fund would support an initial 101 places across England to develop Town Deal proposals, to drive economic regeneration and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth. See further details of the announcement: PM speech at Manchester Science and Industry Museum - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
A Town Deal is an agreement in principle between Government, the lead council and the Town Deal Board. It will set out a vision and strategy for the town, and what each party agrees to do to achieve this vision. See the 101 places being supported to develop Town Deals: list-of-100-places.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Each of the 101 towns selected to work towards a Town Deal also received accelerated funding last year for investment in capital projects that would have an immediate impact and help places “build back better” in the wake of Covid-19. View a list of accelerated funding by place: towns-fund-accelerated-funding-grants.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)