A new, free exhibition at Experience Barnsley from Saturday, 14 June will celebrate all things Barnsley FC.
“It’s just like watching Brazil” crooned the fans from the terraces of Oakwell almost 20 years ago. Now a new, free exhibition at Experience Barnsley from Saturday, 14 June will celebrate all things Barnsley FC.
The chant was composed during the glorious 1996-97 season, when the team historically won promotion into the Premier League. The dulcet tones of fans could be heard across the entire borough, accompanied by the colourful and rhythmic Samba Band, as the song became the soundtrack for their beloved team.
During the 2001-02 season and in recognition of the tune, the club chose the colours of the five-time World Cup winners Brazil for the team to wear at their away games. It mattered not that BFC were now in the relegation zone, the voices just became stronger and the words more poignant.
It’s Just Like Watching Brazil will look at the international players that have graced the Oakwell turf, the cherished 1996/97 season plus the travels and travails of Barnsley FC fans as they follow their team and sometimes their country to places far and near. Visitors will be able to find out about the team’s world class players including the Republic of Ireland’s Mick McCarthy, England’s Tommy Taylor and the Chilean brothers George and Ted Robledo.
Expect to see rare film footage of Tommy Taylor at the height of his footballing career playing in the All-Stars team at his old stomping ground Oakwell in 1956; a precious pennant given by George Robledo from his days as a player with ‘Colo-Colo’, a top flight Chilean team, to his old School headmaster; a specially commissioned set of images by English photographer and producer of The Homes of Football – Stuart Roy Clarke; and learn about Barnsley lad George Raynor who went on to become the “greatest coach England never had”.
Featuring some Barnsley FC treasured items that have never been seen on public display before, the exhibition has something for every football fan to enjoy, not just fans of the Tykes.
It runs until Sunday, 14 September and will also be linked to an engagement programme of events and activities planned to celebrate the summer of football.
Part of Barnsley Council’s visitor sites and heritage attractions, Experience Barnsley Museum and Discovery Centre opened in June 2013 in Barnsley Town Hall. Housing the first ever museum dedicated to Barnsley’s local history, the facility incorporates object, archive and local studies collections, a learning centre, café, retail and a changing exhibition gallery. Experience Barnsley was delighted to open its door to its 100,000 visitor in March this year. The galleries and facilities provide something for all generations to enjoy and it’s free admission.
