More details have now been released of the first ever Weekend of Christmas to be held at Sewerby Hall and Gardens.
Taking place over the first weekend in December (Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 December), there will be separate programmes of exciting events on each day.
Saturday’s programme will include husky sled rides between 10.30 am and 3pm; a new Rusticus Christmas adventure (11.30am; 1pm; and 2.30pm); children’s Christmas Activities in the house itself from 11.30 am to 3.30pm; carol concerts by the Costal Voices Choir at 11.30am and 1.30pm; face painting and donkey rides from 11.30am to 3.30pm; and a Christmas Photobooth between 11am and 4.30pm.
Sunday will see the Rusticus Christmas Adventure (11.30am; 1pm; and 2.30pm); children’s Christmas activities in the house from 11.30am to 3.30pm; A Morning with solo soprano Emmie Beckitt between 11.30am and 12.30pm; Carol Concert with the Driffield Salvation Army Brass Quartet at 1.30pm; face painting and donkey rides from 11.30am to 3.30pm; and a Christmas Photobooth from 11am to 4.30pm.
On both days, there will also be a hot roast chestnut seller on site and traditional fare available from the Clock Tower Café.
Councillor Richard Burton, portfolio holder for leisure, tourism and culture, said:
“The Weekend of Christmas is going to be a superb way to start your December, and your festive celebrations! I know this will be a popular event, with something for everybody, featuring everything relating from the traditional to the modern, from the history of our Christmas to the excitement of husky sled rides.”
The house itself will be decorated in all its festive glory and will also feature a new exhibition, The Making of Christmas, exploring how the Victorians adopted some ancient customs and grafted on some of their own to create what is now our idea of the perfect Christmas.
Curator Janice Smith explains :
“The idea of Christmas evokes scenes of jolly old Santa and perfectly wrapped presents; a cosy room with a log fire burning brightly; a scented fir tree laden with baubles and twinkling lights; Christmas dinner; crackers; Christmas cards from all your friends; a kiss under the mistletoe and so on, yet have you ever considered who put all these ideas together? This exhibition will give you the answers!”
The exhibition is in the West Wing Gallery, and will be open during the Weekend of Christmas from 11am – 4pm on both days.
Although most of the events over the Weekend are free, charges will apply for admission to the estate during the Weekend of Christmas : adults £5.60; children £3.80; and £18 for a family ticket.
For details of all the events taking place at Sewerby Hall and Gardens together with opening times and admission prices, visit www.sewerbyhall.co.uk or call (01262) 673769.
Do people with Sewerby Park passes have to pay for the Weekend of Xmas?
Yes, visitors can use their annual passes for free admission as normal.
Activities (donkey rides, chestnuts and photobooth etc.) have an additional charge.