Avoncroft Museum - England’s first open-air museum and opened in 1967
Avoncroft Museum is inviting visitors to enjoy two consecutive weekends celebrating England's rich heritage, with traditional harvest festivities followed by a 17th-century living history event.
Families can also take advantage of the Museum's popular Kids Go Free summer offer, with up to two children admitted free with every full-paying adult. Adult tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day. Avoncroft Museum members do not need to pre-book and can simply present a valid Membership Card for free entry.
The first weekend 1 and 2 August celebrates Lammas, the traditional first harvest festival, offering families the opportunity to discover centuries-old customs in the unique setting of the Museum's 19-acre open-air site.
Visitors can watch the Museum's historic windmill sail (weather permitting), enjoy bread making demonstrations in the Tollhouse and, on Sunday, see members of the Bromsgrove Court Leet process around the Museum to inspect Avoncroft's own produce, including beer, bread, honey, grain and flour. The celebrations conclude with a traditional Lammas Service at 2.30pm on Sunday in the Mission Church.
The following weekend, on 8 and 9 August, history comes to life as the Devereux Regiment of 17th Century Re-enactors transforms the Museum into a Civil War encampment filled with action, music and audience participation.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can experience musket and pike drills, sword displays, traditional dancing and live music, while also taking part in have-a-go pike drills, sword handling and dancing sessions with the re-enactors. On Sunday morning at 10.30am, Mr Stockham will lead a traditional service followed by a rousing rendition of Psalm 100 before the day's demonstrations begin.
Both weekends offer plenty for families to enjoy alongside the special events. Visitors, experience vintage fairground attractions, try corn dolly making, explore the National Telephone Kiosk Collection, discover more than 30 historic buildings and structures, and enjoy two adventure playgrounds, traditional lawn games and dressing-up activities. The Fairground Kids' Craft Tent will also be open on Saturdays, and the miniature railway will be open for rides on the first weekend.
Whether you're fascinated by traditional harvest customs, eager to experience living history, or simply looking for a memorable family day out, Avoncroft Museum offers two weekends packed with history, heritage and hands-on fun.
For opening times, admission prices and further information, visit the Avoncroft Museum website.
For details of when the Museum is open, go to its website - www.avoncroft.org.uk
