Non-stop summer fun to be had at museum

The summer programme kicked off with the museum’s Cooking Together event where children got to pedal their way to a smoothie on a bike, decorate biscuits, learn about the science behind cooking, and enjoy some theatre with Story Chefs by Maison Foo. 

Visitors can look forward to the museum’s next event where they will get to dive into the Ancient World. An archaeologist will be on hand to share their knowledge of shields through the ages, and there will be plenty of Viking themed activities to discover on 7 August. From basket weaving to pottery, braid weaving to silver smithing, there’s so much to try! That’s not even mentioning the immersive Viking day with Hrútar lið on Saturday 9 August where visitors will be able to join in with crafts, watch battles and see what it was like to be a Viking. 

Visitors are encouraged to approach and speak to the Vikings, and the warriors may even let you try out a sword or spear or feel just how heavy their mail and helmets are. 

Then on 14 to 16 August, the museum will be encouraging Imagination in Motion. With puppetry workshops that will help visitors bring their own curious creatures to life, bubbles and games in the garden on 14 August, performances and space to play on 15 August, and a Bold as Brass show from Beeston Big Band on 16 August – there are plenty of ways to get lost in imagination.

The ‘Here to Help’ event will start on 21 August with a Mini First Aiders Workshop which will help little ones get confident with first aider skills. Then on 22 August, local services will be at the museum to inspire visitors and talk about what they do in the community.

Finally, to finish off August and signify the end of summer, there will be celebrations at the museum’s Garden Parties. On 28 August, the museum has organised a free party full of wonders with amazing aerial workshops, spectacular circus skills, colourful bubbles and a garden filled with fun. Then on 29 August, visitors are invited to mark 80 years since the end of World War Two at the War Time Variety Show with performances for all the family. Come along for lots of singing, dancing and music to commemorate this momentous occasion. 

Those that want to get creative to help celebrate this anniversary can join the museum’s summer resident artist for workshops. Participants will be invited to create their own part of a bunting which will be on display at the War Time Variety Show. The workshops will take place on 15, 16, 21, 22 and 28 August – booking is not required and taking part is free.

And of course, the teddy bear picnics will be at the museum every Wednesday until 27 August. Picnickers are encouraged to bring their favourite soft toys and snacks. Visitors can also collect stamps from their summer adventure in their teddy bear passport.

Erewash Borough Council’s Deputy Leader Becca Everett, who is the Lead Member for Community Engagement, said: “All of these exciting events make the museum a great place to stave off those “I’m bored!” comments this summer!

“We have continued to invest in Erewash Museum so that it can be a hub not just for heritage, but for culture and events that are fun for the whole family as well. The recent renovations have given us more space and flexibility to encourage this, further enabling our summer programme to be so incredible. 

“We’re also looking forward to bringing the community together to celebrate 80 years since the end of World War II. We can’t wait to see the banner that our residents design together, and we hope to see lots of you at the War Time Variety Show!”

Erewash Museum welcomes some 20,000 people a year. It is normally open from 11am to 4pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays – and is free to visit. During school holidays it also opens on Wednesdays. Refreshments are available at its Dalby House Café.