The first ever Weekend of Christmas is taking place this weekend (Saturday and Sunday 2 and 3 December) at Sewerby Hall and Gardens.
Most of the individual events included in the Weekend are free of charge – after payment of admission to Sewerby Hall and Gardens – although there is a small extra charge for the Photobooth and the donkey rides on both days.
Saturday’s varied programme of events will include the thrill of husky mushing at set times between 10.30 am and 3pm. Participants will meet the dogs, learn about the equipment, learn the mushing commands and all about mushing safety.
Riders must be at least 4ft high and weigh no more than 15 stone and be able to physically make an effort to help the dogs. Places for the husky mushing are limited and must be booked in advance by calling the Welcome Centre on 01262 673769.
The rest of Saturday’s exciting programme does not require advance booking, and will feature 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 Coastal 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.
Marie Gascoigne, facility manager at Sewerby Hall and Gardens, said : “Final preparations for this big new event are well under way, and we are looking forward to a festive weekend with a range of activities to suit everybody! I am confident that this will be a great start to the Christmas season!”
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.
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.
