The Barnes Institute has served the people of Whitburn for over a century.The building, originally a house for the Barnes family, was gifted to the community by a local benefactor, Eleanor Barnes as an act of generosity, aligning the town with a growing demand for public welfare and education in these industrial mining communities. Social facilities in this area were very limited beforehand.
It housed the village library, as well as hosting a range of community events from meetings, dances, concerts, and lectures.
During both World Wars, it became a staple in the community for moral boosting and community gatherings.
Today, staff report ghostly goings on - from doors opening and closing in an empty building, to footsteps and huge temperature drops, nobody has ever worked out who the ghost of The Barnes Institute is.
📍The Barnes Institute, East Street, Whitburn, Sunderland SR6 7BY
📅 Saturday 28th March 2026
🕗 20:00 - 02:00
🎟️ £30pp
🚘 Small carpark behind the venue (limited spaces), otherwise on street parking nearby
🛏️ Non-sleepover
☕️ Refreshments provided throughout the night
🖲️ You’ll have access to a range of paranormal equipment (as seen on TV) such as EMF meters, SLS cameras, REM pods, thermal imaging cameras,, Ovilus, Spirit boxes, ITC devices etc
🚨 Under 18s must be with a guardian at all times
Paranormal Investigation Event Cancellation & Conduct Policy
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Agreement to Terms
By making a booking for this event, participants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to all terms outlined in this policy, including deposits, cancellations, conduct, and liability conditions.
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1. Deposits & Payments
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your place on the investigation.
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 7 days before the event date.
Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit has been received.
This deposit covers venue coordination, safety arrangements, and preparation of investigation equipment.
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2. Participant Cancellations
More than 14 days before the event:
You may cancel your booking. The deposit is non-refundable, but any remaining amount paid will be refunded in full, or you may transfer your booking to another scheduled investigation.
7–14 days before the event:
You may cancel your booking and receive a 50% refund of the total event cost (deposit retained), or transfer your booking to another available event date.
Less than 7 days before the event:
No refunds will be issued. You may, however, transfer your booking to another participant by notifying us in writing.
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3. No-Show Policy
Participants who fail to attend without prior notice will forfeit all payments, including both the deposit and any balance paid.
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4. Organiser Cancellations
If the investigation must be canceled or rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances — such as unsafe weather, illness, venue restrictions, or low attendance — participants will receive:
A full refund, including the deposit, or
A credit toward a future investigation or event of equal value.
We are not responsible for personal travel, lodging, or incidental expenses.
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5. Conduct Policy
To preserve the integrity and safety of our investigations:
No alcohol or drugs are permitted at any time before or during the event.
Anyone found to be under the influence will be immediately dismissed without refund.
Participants must follow all safety instructions and respect the investigation site, equipment, and other attendees.
Disruptive, disrespectful, or unsafe behavior will not be tolerated.
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6. How to Cancel or Transfer
To cancel, transfer, or modify your booking, please contact:
[Your name / email / phone number]
Include your full name, event title, and date in your message.
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7. Exceptions
We understand that emergencies may arise. Requests for exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the event coordinator.
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8. Liability Reminder
Paranormal investigations may take place in historic, dimly lit, or outdoor environments. All participants must assume personal responsibility for their own safety and follow the guidance of the event team at all times.
Event Venue
The Barnes Institute Whitburn, East Street, Whitburn,City of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
