New ‘Hobbies’ at Historic Hall

Little Moreton Hall: 10 Jun-14 Jun & 17 Jun- 21 Jun 

 Hobby horses, puppets of St. George and the Dragon, flags, banners, paper flowers, wreaths and garlands will all play a part in a Midsummer festival at Little Moreton Hall.

During the two week lead-up to Midsummer, visitors to the spectacular Tudor hall, near Congleton, will be invited to help costumed Tudor gentlemen and gentlewomen create the various items which will be featured in the celebrations.

On the Midsummer weekend itself (Saturday and Sunday, 20 & 21 June) they will have the chance to take part in parades and dances, accompanied by music played by the popular renaissance music group Piva on ancient instruments such as the Crumhorn and the Curtal. Young visitors will also be able to make smaller hobby horses to take home.

Rachel Costigan, from Little Moreton Hall said;

‘During the two weeks, our gentlemen and gentlewomen will explain the importance of Midsummer in Tudor times. It was a real milestone in the year.  People had survived the hardships of winter, but summer brought its own perils. Midsummer rituals celebrated the arrival of long summer days, guarded against the coming dangers and was a little respite before the onset of the harvest season.

‘The Tudor Midsummer festival was a joyous occasion. We want visitors to experience that atmosphere, as well as having the opportunity to relax in the beautiful knot garden, explore the hall and hear the story of the Moreton family by joining one of our very popular guided tours.’

‘Preparing for Midsummer’ events will take place at Little Moreton Hall from Wed 10 June to Sun 14 June and from Wed 17 June to Friday 19 June. The  ‘Midsummer Celebration’ will be on Sat 20 June and Sun 21^st June.  

Little Moreton Hall is open Weds – Sun, 11am – 5pm. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/littlemoretonhall or call 01260 272018.

Image: A Tudor gentlewoman, Alison Nicholls, grooms a hobby horse at Little Moreton Hall. C Alan Ingram/National Trust