Little Moreton Hall Midsummer Festival

Music will be at the heart of a lively Midsummer Festival at Little Moreton Hall, the magnificent Tudor mansion near Congleton. On Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June the National Trust attraction will be filled with music and celebration to mark the arrival of the new season, in full Tudor style.

Instead of guitars and trumpets, however, instruments from a bygone era such as shawms, crumhorns and rauschpfeifen will amplify their unique sounds to add to the festival spirit, transporting visitors back in time. Piva, one of Britain’s most popular renaissance music groups, who have gained a reputation for their lively and entertaining performances, will set the musical tone and atmosphere at the two day event.

The festival will also feature hobby-horse racing and parades with puppets, including figures of St. George and the dragon. The historic Tudor hall will be dressed for the occasion and getting into the festival spirit with wreaths, flags, banners and paper flower decorations. It was traditional to decorate your house in Tudor times, particularly the front door, using garlands and wreaths which give a nod to both the sun and the cyclical nature of the seasons through their circular forms.

Rebecca Alexander, Visitor Operations Manager at Little Moreton Hall, said: ‘In Tudor times Midsummer was a real cause for celebration, it was time to give thanks for the sunshine, warmth and rain which nourished the crops. On Saturday and Sunday we’ll be recreating the celebrations which Little Moreton Hall would’ve been accustomed to. We want visitors to join us in making this a festival that is befitting of the Tudor era.’

Renaissance music group Piva will not only take part in the festival on 17 and 18 June but a special concert has also been planned. On Thursday 29 June the musical group with perform an intimate evening concert in our courtyard against the backdrop of this Tudor property.

As well as the opportunity to join in the music and dancing and the parades, visitors can also find out more about this wonderful, wonky old house and join one of their popular free tours to hear the fascinating story of the Moreton family. There’s also the chance to find out more about a unique project being hosted at Little Moreton Hall exploring the mysteries of sleep in Tudor times.

Little Moreton Hall is open Weds – Sun, 11am – 5pm.

The Midsummer Festival is on Sat 17 and Sun 18 June 2017: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall/features/midsummer-celebrations

Piva evening concert is on Thursday 29 June from 7.30pm. Tickets £15 & booking is essential.

For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/littlemoretonhall or call 01260 272018.

Main image: Ⓒ Alan Ingram National Trust