The charity responsible for the conservation and preservation of the Shakespeare family homes has announced a series of special, free-to-access community open days at Mary Arden’s Farm this summer, where everyone is invited to create new memories and re-explore this special property.
There promises to be fun down at the farm this summer, as the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust have announced the dates for a series of special community open days at Mary Arden’s Farm.
“We know that the Shakespeare family homes hold a special place at the heart of our communities and so I’m delighted that we are able to offer everyone the opportunity to join us at these community events to create new memories whilst enjoying a day at Mary Arden’s Farm this summer.
Special thanks go to the dedicated team of supporters of the Mary Arden’s Farm Action Group, Wilmcote Parish Council and our local MP, Manuela Perteghella, for their positive engagement and support. Working in partnership, we hope that these events are just the start of a community-led programme of events across the year at the farm.
We also remain incredibly proud of our learning offer, which is based at the property during term time, and we will continue to look at ways of ensuring we can offer as much access as we can for all audiences.”
Said Rachael North, CEO of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Taking place on Saturday 19 & 26 July and 16 & 23 August, visitors will be entitled to free entry to Mary Arden’s Farm to explore the property and see the heritage breed animals that call the property home. There will be opportunities to take part in guided tours of Palmer’s Farmhouse and have the chance to watch traditional crafting in action.
For those looking to get more hands-on, there will be creative stations organised by the Arts Rising Collective, who are based at the newly opened Brook Arts Hub in Shottery.
That’s not all, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s award-winning learning team will be offering, free, interactive taster sessions of some of the many activities they deliver at the property to thousands of school children across the country each year.
Free Fun for Everyone
Organisers are promising that there will be no need to pre-book, and with parking on site and opportunities to bring a picnic, visitors can make a day of it at the farm.
There will be opportunities to make a donation towards the ongoing conservation of the Shakespeare family homes, including Mary Arden’s Farm, on arrival at the property or online at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website.
“The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is committed to ensuring that these much-loved properties remain at the heart of the community. Our Residents Go Free offer has already proven a great success, with more local people exploring Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage along with Shakespeare’s New Place. We are now looking forward to welcoming as many people as possible to support our new community open days. By taking part, you are helping to preserve the Shakespeare family homes for future generations.”
Continued Ms North, who was recently appointed permanent CEO of the Trust.
The community open days at Mary Arden’s Farm take place on Saturday 19 & 26 July and 16 & 23 August and are free to attend. For more information and to donate, please visit www.shakespeare.org.uk/whats-on.