It was the era of exploration and discovery and this July Milton Keynes Museum is turning back the clock and inviting everyone to experience Victorian life.
The glorious age of Music Hall was one of the ways that people would let their hair down and enjoy themselves.
Visitors to Milton Keynes Museum will be able to relive the tunes from the era as Rachel Duffield leads rousing choruses of songs including My Old Man (Said Follow the Van) and The Boy I Love is up in the Gallery, when she appears as West End star Marie Lloyd.
Marie will bring glamour to the event which will no doubt meet the approval of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, who will be visiting for tea. As one does.
Places are strictly limited, and must be booked in advance through www.mkmuseum.org.uk if you wish to join the Queen for polite conversation over the finest bone china.
Lessons in royal etiquette will be given beforehand to avoid any unsavoury moments in the company of royalty!
Beware the Ragged Victorians, who come straight from the pages of Oliver Twist. They will be re-enacting the other side of Victorian life on site all weekend.
Be careful, or they might pick a pocket or two!
Andy Jennings will be the master storyteller, spilling tales from the pages of Charles Dickens books, and the Palace of Curiosities will be full of fun and fascination in equal measure - expect the unexpected!
Tales of Victorian medicine, dentistry and quackery will be shared by the ever-popular Neil Storey. A world of snake oil and shenanigans awaits those brave enough....
Elsewhere on site you can help make liquorice treats, take home a souvenir from the onsite Victorian traders, and enjoy the sounds of the New Bradwell Band.
You can even discover secrets hidden in old military snaps with 'Who Do You Think You Are?' expert Graham Bandy - dig out your own family pictures from the era of people in uniform and he'll take a look at those for you.
Victorian fashion was fabulous, and historical costumier Izabela Pitcher will be on hand with a gorgeous display of clothes that were once all the rage.
Costumed visitors will be made welcome too, so why not throw on your best crinolines (ladies) and neckties (fellas) and come play at the museum?
And, speaking of playing, you must get stuck into the popular games from the period - try your luck at the coconut shy, with the skittles or at hoopla.
All the usual museum attractions will also be available, so roll-up, roll-up for as much exuberant entertainment as you can handle, this July 1 & 2!
Standard admission prices apply – which will also give you FREE entry for the following 12 months when Gift Aid is given; adults £9, child £6, retired & unwaged £7.
A family ticket (admitting two adults and up to four children) is £26.
More information about forthcoming events and expansion plans can be found on the website here
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