Get ready to step back in time and discover the rich legacy of the East Midlands at Mansfield's Heritage Skills Fair on Saturday 6 September.
The free family-friendly event at Mansfield Museum runs from 10am to 3pm and promises an opportunity for all ages to experience traditional skills and enjoy live medieval music and dance.
There will be live demonstrations and hands-on activities with expert craftspeople, dedicated to preserving the skills that shaped our heritage.
Attendees can watch artisans at work and even try their hand at age-old techniques. The demonstrations will include:
- Traditional chair making with a foot-operated pole lathe by Michael Ashton.
- Historic pottery by Shaun Clark from Whiskerhills Pottery.
- Traditional leatherwork from Laurence White of Shedtime.
- Historic food preparation and spice mixes from Jan Reade of Forgotten Fare.
- Traditional willow weaving by Alison Walling from Lincolnshire Willow.
- Clay sculptures by Ian Martinson
- Woodturning by Patrick Whitton.
- Stained glass artistry by Mona Whitton.
- Wood whittling and furniture making by AS Crafts.
- Felt artistry by Robin Smith.
- Traditional lime mortar by Jason Mordan.
- Historic wallpaper and Lincrusta restoration by GB Decorating.
In addition to the craft demonstrations, the event will feature entertainment from de Mowbray's Musicke, who will perform music, songs, and dances from the late 15th century using a wide range of period instruments. They also teach and display historic dances.
For younger visitors, the fair offers a dedicated children's traditional crafting area with free activities including loom-weaving, card weaving, and making traditional toys. All materials are provided, and children can take their creations home.
This event is part of Mansfield's Townscape Heritage Project, which aims to enhance the town's historic centre and help people of all ages learn new skills. The project is made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and players of The National Lottery.
Cllr Stuart Richardson, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Growth, said: “This will be a fascinating free event for all the family which will both educational and entertaining.
“Some of the heritage skills that will be on show are real historical rarities and we are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase them in the heart of Mansfield. We expect a lot of visitors especially with the increased interest generally in the value of traditional crafts in older buildings such as the use of lime mortar.”
More information can be found at the project's website (link opens in new window).