Last updated 19:44, Thursday, 24 July 2008

MORE than 4,500 people visited the Wave centre in Maryport at an open weekend, organisers said.

Karen Thompson, manager of the new centre near the harbour, was delighted with the response.

She said: “We thought we were opening a great facility but were not sure what others would think. We have been overwhelmed by the comments.”

A total of 4,595 people went through the building when it opened to the public for the first time on Saturday.

The weekend also saw the first two concerts in the Wave’s theatre; on Saturday night, were the Dearham Band and Sunday night a tribute night to rock n roll, Rockin’ on Heaven’s Door, was a sell-out.

“We had 220 people in the theatre and a waiting list for tickets. We had to disappoint people,” Ms Thompson said.

As well as having their first chance to see the Wave and its exhibition hall, visitors on Saturday morning were entertained by DJ Robbie Dee and the CFM roadshow. There were coach rides by the Dearham Heavy Horse Centre and stalls by local crafts people. An admission fee was charged for the exhibition and theatre area.

Roseanne McSharry, seven, and sister Rachel, 12, both of Maryport, said they loved the talking portraits in the Victorian parlour.

Twelve-year-old Matthew and Keiran Poole, nine, of Briarydale, Maryport, loved the games while mum Sharon was a fan of the talking books.

Vera Thompson, of Maryport, said the Wave was something Maryport needed and could be proud of.

Carol Congdon, of High Street, said all the displays were clever. Her husband, Leslie, was equally impressed but said he felt a large wall depicting a maritime mural could have been removed to extend the stage area in the theatre a little.

Andrew Butler, 13, of Grasslot, and Kieran Thompson, from the town centre, both agreed that the exhibitions were excellent.

The Wave is now open from 10am to 5pm seven days a week. The cafe is open and a bistro will open in August.