Christmas at Gloucester Folk Museum

25th November 2010

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.  This exhibition is sponsored by www.articlesoffaith.co.uk 
 
For full details go to www.gloucester.gov.uk/museums and look for Bright  Lights, Dark Nights! Or call 01452 396868.
 
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 to book your space

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 shoppingcrowds, 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

 

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