Tag Archives: Ancient music

Buster Ancient Farm – Beltain Festival

We had great fun at Butser. Firstly, it was wonderful to be able to demonstrate spinning, weaving and natural dyeing in a newly built Neolithic Longhouse. We were kindly invited to the event by Ancient Music as part of our new partnership. Alongside them, we were also part of the Mumming group, performing the travelling play during the evening. Mumming has a long tradition and is related to Morris Dancing. Each character is always the same and the plot is similar every time it is played. Thanks for you lovely feedback. Many of the visitors also seemed to enjoy meeting Knobbin ‘Oss, who loved eating the garlands from ladies heads!

Not suprisingly, the event was very popular, thousands of people were there to watch the Wicker Man burn down to the sounds of Pentacle Drummers.

http://www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/beltain-festival-2015/

The two knights, St. George and Turkey Snipe, with Beelzebub and Little Johnny Jack behind. Photo courtesy of Emma Sumpster.

Partnership with Ancient Music

This year we are beginning a partnership with Kate and Corwen, who run Ancient Music.

They have worked at Stonehenge, the Ancient Technology Centre and Poole mueums among others. Their many years of experience in running workshops on music, drama and early prehistory fits well with our expertise.

Together, we are known as The History People.

(L-R) Romilly, Corwen, Kate and Rachel – Sunburnt after a long week at Salisbury Museum

The Salisbury Museum – Living History Fortnight (Newspaper article)

Another delightful week at Salisbury Museum. We have created a new partnerships with Ancient Music, so alongside them, we varied the activities from last year. The schools got to experience a wider range of anient crafts than ever before: Fire-lighting, spear-throwing, natural dyeing, natural paint-making, using quern stones to grind wheat, spinning wool, weaving and experiencing the fantastic Wessex Gallery of the museum. Over the week we worked with 5 classes, both primary schools and a group of college students with special educational needs.

An article about our work at the Stone Age living history week appeared in the Salisbury Journal.

Many thanks to Salisbury Museum for hosting us and ensuring the sessions ran so smoothly.

www.salisburymuseum.org.uk