THERE’S plenty going on this month at Avoncroft Museum of Buildings.
Opened in 1967 as England’s first-ever open air museum and now a charity, it has maintained its position as a pre-eminent attraction, thanks to the great mix of events staged there.
This summer is no exception and the charity is even helping with the cost of living crisis by running its ‘Kids Go Free for Summer 2023’ offer running through to and including Saturday, August 26.
“We are keen to help families this summer and offer a chance to discover in your visit over 700 years of history in one museum,” said museum director Zoe Willems.
Open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and weekends and with a new theme and trail every fortnight, up to two children go free with each full adult ticket purchased.
Up to August 20 visitors can discover the very fabric of the museum with its Building and Construction theme; then from August 23-26 the theme is Home Life – Through the Ages.
Plus every day its open there’s two play parks, 19 acres of Worcestershire countryside, historic lawn games, a dress-up costume rail, and 30 historic buildings and structures to explore.
There are also extra activities (which may incur a small fee) which feature trails and have-a-go sessions at the weekends and selected other days.
For instance the miniature steam train will be running on Wednesdays in August at £1 a ride while the weekend celebration of Medieval Life and Times will be included in the daily admission ticket for the August Bank Holiday of Sunday and Monday, August 27-28.
Avoncroft Museum will play host to the Buckingham’s Retinue, one of the most authentic medieval re-enactment groups for the period 1450-1500.
They will bring to life the late medieval period, recreating domestic life the time now known as ‘The Wars of the Roses’, displaying an encampment, with its attendant activities.
There will also be music and dance, craft displays, surgeon’s talks and cookery demonstrations.
Leader of the group Mark Hewitt said: “We are really looking forward to our visit to Avoncroft Museum. The arms and armour of the medieval period will be displayed throughout the day, and the opportunity to get hands on with accurate reproduction weapons and armour too.
“This is brought alive with archery and cannon demonstrations.
“For those interested in more gentle activities there will be a display of medieval music and dance with an explanation of their status, background and how they reflect medieval life.
“The audience will be provided with the opportunity to participate with easy to learn and highly enjoyable medieval dances.”
