Shrewsbury Town Crier, greets guests at Queen Victoria's birthday party. © James Maskrey
Blists Hill Victorian Village will be stepping back in time this Bank Holiday weekend to celebrate the birthday of its beloved monarch Queen Victoria.
For the 81st birthday celebrations the village will be transformed with music and street entertainment. Shrewsbury’s Town Crier will be the master of ceremonies announcing the full programme, welcoming visitors and helping children to follow a trail in search of lost toys, with a lolly reward for those who complete the task.
There will also be a barrel organ and performances by the Kaleidoscope Theatre and Prince Albert Players, while the 80th Regiment of Foot, Staffordshire Volunteers will recount tales of the Boer War in a military camp on The Green with displays of arms and equipment.
A birthday guard of honour fit for a queen. © James Maskrey
Visitors to the New Inn can join in a lively sing-a-long with the pub’s music hall entertainers and, for a small charge, families can watch a traditional Punch and Judy show in the goods shed.
As festivities take place, local townsfolk will still be going about their daily lives in the authentic houses and shops, baking bread, counting coins at the bank and serving Victorian remedies in the chemist. Visitors will also be able to watch craftsmen at their work.
Open 10am to 5pm daily, Blists Hill is one of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums. For further information, contact the Ironbridge Tourist Information Centre on Tel: 01952 884 391 or visit www.ironbridge.org.uk.
