THERE will be plenty of double, double toil and trouble at Mary Arden’s Farm this October half-term.
Families are invited to gather round the cauldron to discover the weird and wonderful traditions of All Hallows’ Eve for three spooktacular days.
The Tudor working farm and childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother, in Wilmcote, will immerse those brave enough in the superstitions of Tudor and medieval England – delving into the traditions once used to keep spirits at bay and comparing them to today’s Halloween festivities.
With the cauldron bubbling in the farmhouse, there will be plenty of hands-on activities – from carving the scariest of pumpkins to crafting charms designed to deter sprites or making salt dough soul cakes.
Families can also take part in an interactive retelling of one of Shakespeare’s most spooky tales, Macbeth – witches and all.
Rachael Boyd, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s (SBT) director of visitor experience and business development, said: “After a brilliant summer welcoming families to Mary Arden’s Farm, we’re really excited about our plans for Halloween when we’ll be getting everyone into the spirit as we conjure the Tudor superstition and spook that Shakespeare would have known and blend it with today’s pumpkin carving and other traditions.”
The Halloween fun is happening on October 25, 27 and 29 with two sessions each day – 9.30am to 12pm or 1pm to 3.30pm.
Pre-booking is essential with tickets costing £15 for children and £7.50 for an accompanying adult – to include all activities and a pumpkin to take home. The interactive events are suitable for children aged 4+ with under 3s admitted for free.
For full details and to book tickets visit www.shakespeare.org.uk/whatson
