Half Term Fun at York Museums Trust – May 2016
From model aircraft and military parades to inspiring stories and creative costumes, there’s plenty to explore, inspire and engage this half term across our sites at York Museums Trust.
Yorkshire Museum
The armies of ancient Rome are marching on York this summer as part of the brand new Eboracum Roman Festival! Taking place 1 – 5 June 2016, there’s plenty to enjoy at the Yorkshire Museum and Gardens before and during the festival. Find highlights below or visit our website for details.
A Legionary’s Life
Saturday 28 May – Sunday 5 June 2016, 11am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm.
Take part in our recruitment process to be enlisted into the Roman Army. Learn about Lucius, Standard Bearer for Legion IX, and make your own Eagle of the IX standard before taking part in a sword and shield drill.
Roman Hands on Here!
Thursday 2 June – Sunday 5 June 2016, daily.
Enjoy the chance to learn more about civilian and military life in Eboracum (York) whilst handling Roman artefacts. Please note this activity is run by volunteers and may not be available every day.
Free with admission, no need to book.
Asterix and Obelix Take On Caesar
Friday 3 June 2016, 2pm.
As the reenactors turn York Museum Gardens into a Roman Camp for the weekend, why not relax and enjoy a family friendly film inside the Yorkshire Museum’s purpose built auditorium?
£2.50, museum admission applies. Please purchase tickets on arrival.
An Audience with Caroline Lawrence
Friday 3 June 2016, 3.30pm – 4.30pm.
A bookable event for all Caroline Lawrence enthusiasts. Meet the best-selling author behind The Roman Mysteries
and the new Roman Quests series and hear about her inspirations and challenges when writing about Roman life.
This event is free with admission but places should be booked online here.
Storytelling & Book Signing with Caroline Lawrence
Saturday 4 June 2016, 11am – 12pm.
Best-selling author Caroline Lawrence reads excerpts from the first book in her new series, Roman Quests: Escape from Rome. Caroline’s previous series, The Roman Mysteries, sold over a million copies and inspired a BBC children’s show. Take part in our ‘Best Dressed Roman’ competition to win a signed book, a signed poster and a Family YMT Card.
This event is free with admission but places should be booked online here.
York Castle Museum
Come along to York Castle Museum this half term and celebrate our new exhibition, Shaping the Body.
All activities included in museum admission unless otherwise stated and there’s no need to book ahead.
Frills to Functional
Saturday 28 May – Tuesday 31 May 2016, daily.
Discover the impact made by the First World War on Edwardian women’s fashions and clothing, with costumed demonstrations throughout the day on the museum’s catwalk.
Head to Toe! Muddle and Match Dress Up Book
Saturday 28 May – Sunday 5 June 2016, daily.
Follow the clues around the galleries to find the different outfits. Collect the costume cards to build up your own muddle and match dress up book. £2 for the activity book.
Colour and Khaki
Wednesday 1 June – Sunday 5 June 2016, daily.
A fascinating look at the changes to British military uniforms from the Crimean War to the First World War, with costumed demonstrations throughout the day on the museum’s catwalk.
Create at the Castle! Peg Dolls
Saturday 28 May – Sunday 5 June 2016, daily.
Make your own peg doll inspired by the Edwardian costume collections. This is a self-led family activity.
York Art Gallery
Tiger Moths & Memory
Saturday 28 May – Sunday 5 June 2016, 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm.
Make model aircraft and memory moths in drop-in workshops in the Studio to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. Add your ‘memory moths’ to the display in the Project Gallery. Included in admission, no need to book.
Art Fund Photography Competition
Until Friday 3 June 2016.
Celebrate the Art Fund Prize for Museum of the Year 2016 by entering their photography competition and sharing your best photo of York Art Gallery. World-renowned photographer Rankin will choose one winning photo of each finalist and a public vote will decide the overall winner.
To enter, upload your photo by 3 June 2016 at artfund.org/motyphoto or share on Twitter and Instagram using #motyphoto.
YMT Card – 3 Top Attractions Only £22 for a Whole Year!
Enjoy unlimited visits to all York Museums Trust attractions during the May half-term for £22 or less. You’ll get 12 months of unlimited entry from the date of purchase, plus up to four under-17s get in for free per card.
For more information, visit the membership section of our website.
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