Bright Lights, Dark Nights Exhibition at Gloucester Folk Museum

30th October 2010

Bright Lights, Dark Nights Exhibition

27th November 2010 - 29th January 2011

The next exhibition at Gloucester Folk Museum is going to look at the
different kinds of winter festivals and traditions that have been, and
are being celebrated in Gloucester; from Diwali, Christmas, Hanukah, and
Eid to lights in the window for travelers, first footing and other ways
to welcome the New Year.

The museum has got some objects in the collections that will help tell
these stories, but need many more to make this exhibition a success. As
well as loaning the museum objects they also need you, the local
community to explain customs and tell stories associated with your
traditions. They cannot tell Gloucester's Winter story without you.

As well as the main exhibition, staff are hoping to give over different
parts of the Folk Museum to different community groups that will then
decorate it in the style of their winter celebrations and traditions.
Craft activities and events will need your help and of course there will
be the launch night party which everyone would be invited to! If you
think you could help with any of this the Folk Museum would really love
to hear from you.

To contact the museum please call 01452 396868 or email
museum@gloucester.gov.uk

They cannot do this exhibition without your help! So please tell your
stories, loan your objects and help the Folk Museum shine out during
these Winter Dark Nights.

Details of events planned:

Exhibition

Bright Lights, Dark Nights
As the nights draw in and the days get shorter, many cultures and
religions hold their brightest and most cheerful festivals. Along with
a traditional Christmas, this year Gloucester Folk Museum will also be
celebrating Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, Eid-ul-Adha, Hogmonay, Diwali and
Chinese New Year. Local communities have been asked to share their
winter customs with us and create a season of bright lights and festive
cheer. The museum and garden will be decorated with hundreds of lights,
the history of why we all follow certain rituals at this time of year
will be explained and a host of events and activities are planned
throughout December and January. Highlights include Candle Lit Tours,
Lassington Oak performing a Mummers play on December 11th, family craft
activities each Saturday and St Nicholas' Wishing Tree.

Events & Activities

St Nicholas' Wishing Tree
Magical things can be found in the Folk Museum and our St Nicholas'
Wishing tree is no exception. We have found that Christmas wishes left
in its branches seemed to be answered by a very old St Nicholas who has
some rather Victorian views on what Christmas should be like.
27th November - 18th December. There will be a small charge for anyone
wishing to receive their reply from St Nicholas through the post.

Candle lit tours
Under the pale glow of candle light come and see what lurks in the
shadows of the exhibits of the Folk Museum. This beautifully atmospheric
tour will reveal the Folk Museum to you in a completely different light.

Thursdays 2nd, 9th & 16th December, Tours at 6pm and 7pm - Pre-booking
essential - telephone 01452 396868

Lassington Oak Mummers Play
Mummers Plays are an ancient Winter tradition with their origins in
pre-Christian rituals. Traditionally bands of villagers would perform
their Mummers plays in return for food or money, Mummers plays have
loose plots with plenty of scope for ad-libs and the introduction of
strange characters as suits the occasion. However, there is always a
battle between light (personified by St George or King George) and
darkness (personified by the Turkish Knight). The two fight and ... well
you'll have to come and watch the play to find out what happens!

We are truly pleased to welcome Lassington Oak to perform the Mummers
Play. Good cheer and much merriment are guaranteed, but please do
remember to wrap up warm, as in true traditional style the Mummers play
will be performed outside.
Saturday 11th December, 3pm

Family Craft Activities
Crafty Corner - Happy Hanukkah! Join us with crafts, games and other
activities as we prepare for the Jewish Festival of Lights.
27th November, 11am - 4pm

Crafty Corner - Al Hijira! Join us with crafts and other activities as
we prepare to welcome the Islamic New year
4th December, 11am - 4pm

Crafty Corner - Explore bright lights to illuminate the dark nights and
watch Lassington Oak perform their Mummers play at 3pm
11th December, 11am - 4pm

Crafty Corner - Merry Christmas! Join us as we make decorations and
cards for Christmas.
18th December, 11am - 4pm

Christmas crafts - Escape from those last minute Christmas shopping
crowds, sit and relax with a Christmas or Winter Solstice craft.
21st - 23rd December, 11am - 4pm

Hogmany crafts - prepare to welcome in 2011 with our Hogmany related
crafts
29th - 31st December, 10am - 4pm