Wannabe wizards are being invited to a Birmingham museum this weekend to learn the art of wizardry as part of a magical fairy tale-themed family fun event.
Selly Manor Museum in Bournville will be transformed into scenes from fairy-tales and children’s books at the Magical Lands and Enchanted Places event on Saturday (14th May).
Budding wizards will be able visit a ‘School of Wizardry’ to see potions being made and conjure up their very own wands before exploring the Museum to meet classic fairy-tale characters like Cinderella, Rapunzel and Peter Pan.
There will also be the chance to try sword fighting with real knights, the Warwick Warriors, meet owls and birds of prey and take part in crafts, games and storytelling sessions.
Held in partnership with the Busy Parents Network and sponsored by Oulsnam, the event will run from 10am-1pm and 1pm-4pm with children’s tickets costing just £4.
Daniel Callicott, Manager of Selly Manor Museum, said: “This year is very special for Selly Manor Museum as it is 100 years since we were saved from demolition and founded as a Museum by chocolate-maker George Cadbury.
“As such, we’ve got lots of exciting and fun events planned to celebrate this, including this fantastic event which will bring the Museum to life in a very magical way for children.
“Selly Manor has been a home to a host of colourful characters over its long and intriguing history, but this will be the first time we’ve welcomed Cinderella and Peter Pan and we can’t wait.”
Children are being encouraged to come dressed up as their favourite fairy-tale character, with prizes awarded for the best dressed.
The Museum is encouraging families to pre-book tickets from the Museum by calling 0121 472 0199 or online at https://busyparentsnetwork.yapsody.com/
Tickets cost £4 for adults, £4 for children (aged 3+) and £15 for a family (up to 2 adults + 3 children).
Dating back to 1474, Selly Manor was originally thought to be the manor house for Selly until research revealed it was a prosperous house that was home to a host of colourful characters.
In the 19th century, it was split into three small cottages and became known as The Rookery, housing 21 people in cramped and squalid conditions.
It slowly fell into disrepair until, busy expanding his chocolate factory and overseeing the build of Bournville, it was spotted by George Cadbury who had it carefully taken down piece by piece and moved to its current site.
By the time the work was complete in 1916, The Rookery had a new name – Selly Manor – and today, it continues to educate visitors on how people cooked, dressed and lived 500 years ago.
The Museum is managed by housing association and charity Bournville Village Trust.
For more information about the Museum, visit the website www.sellymanormuseum.org.uk