Events in May 2010

Saturday 1st, Sunday 2nd and Monday 3rd May

Tug Boat Event

Bigger and better than before the Museum’s tug boat event is the biggest in the country. Tug boats from near and far afield will make a rare sight as they manoeuvre their way along the canal arm. The Museum’s very own canal boat couple will be on hand to give visitors guided tours and traditional canal crafts and street games will also be available.

Saturday 1st May

Marston Collection

Historic vehicles from the Marston collection will take a spin of the Museum's circuit. Motoring marvels from the early 1900s up to the 1930s take centre stage and these rare gems are sure to be the torque of the town! The Marston group are often on site carrying out vital restoration work. Vehicles in action.

Saturday 1st May

It's a Gas!

Volunteers bring the gas engines to life in the Cinema Power House and the Trap Shop. Visitors can learn how they work and hear the belt driven machinery hum into life.

Sunday 2nd May

Trolley buses

Grab a ticket to ride each Sunday at the Black Country Living Museum where the Transport Group will be going off their trolley over the electric powered buses. Visitors can hop aboard the ‘Whispering Giants’ for an environmentally-friendly trip down memory lane.

Monday 3 May

May Day

The May Day celebrations get off to a flying start as Maypole dancing weaves its magic in Folkes’ Park. Professional dancers demonstrate the age-old tradition and visitors are encouraged to join in and have a go. English country dance lessons take place in the school with the professionals passing on top footwork tips and traditional music setting the beat! Children can enjoy some old-fashioned fun as Punch and Judy entertain the crowds.

Saturday 8th May

It's full steam ahead

Get all steamed up when steam power takes over the Museum and the colliery steam winder and fan engine turn the pressure on!

Sunday 9th May

Pleasant Sunday Afternoon **

Visitors are invited to enjoy 'A Pleasant Sunday Afternoon' service in the Museum's historic Darby Hand Chapel and become part of living history. The Methodist Chapel was built as Providence Church in 1837 at Darby Hand in Netherton, Dudley. The PSA is a special service originated by John Blackham of West Bromwich which became an international organisation. The Friends of the Museum recreate this important aspect of Black Country life when they re-enact the 'Pleasant Sunday Afternoon'. (Limited seat availability) The service begins at 2.30pm. **

Sunday 9 May

Veteran Bicycle Day

Saddle up for Veteran Bicycle Day when vintage bicycles pedal back the years at the Black Country Living Museum. Gems from the golden age of cycling may include the velocipedes (also known as the boneshaker because of its wooden cartwheels, iron tyres and boneshaking ride!), a penny farthing, a Hercules, a hudson, cross frames, loop frames and Victorian tricycles.

Sunday 9th May

Trolley buses

Grab a ticket to ride each Sunday at the Black Country Living Museum where the Transport Group will be going off their trolley over the electric powered buses. Visitors can hop aboard the ‘Whispering Giants’ for an environmentally-friendly trip down memory lane.

Saturday 15 May

A Night at the Museum

As part of the European “Nuit des Musees” the Black Country Living Museum will be hosting one of the biggest celebrations in Europe. Visitors can enjoy a traditional evening's entertainment for half the usual admission price when the museum throws open it's doors after hours. The Museum's village will be full of atmosphere and visitors can chat to the many costume characters they meet there. Tuck into tasty fish and chips – cooked 1930s style and enjoy a pint of real ale in the bottle and Glass Inn. All tickets half price. Pre-book only.

Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th May

Newcomen Engine billows to life

The Newcomen Engine billows to life from February to November inclusive. The only full sized working replica of the world's first steam engine can be seen in action. Due to the unpredictable nature of the Newcomen please check running details with the Museum prior to travelling to avoid disappointment.

Sunday 16th May

Austin 10 Car Rally

Motoring enthusiasts are in for a treat as pre-2nd world war Austin 10 motor cars tour the Museum's 26-acre site.

Sunday 16th May

Trolley buses

Grab a ticket to ride each Sunday at the Black Country Living Museum where the Transport Group will be going off their trolley over the electric powered buses. Visitors can hop aboard the ‘Whispering Giants’ for an environmentally-friendly trip down memory lane.

Saturday 22 May

It's full steam ahead

Get all steamed up when steam power takes over the Museum and the colliery steam winder and fan engine turn the pressure on!

Sunday 23 May

Trolley buses

Grab a ticket to ride each Sunday at the Black Country Living Museum where the Transport Group will be going off their trolley over the electric powered buses. Visitors can hop aboard the ‘Whispering Giants’ for an environmentally-friendly trip down memory lane.

Saturday 29 May – Sunday 6 June

Half Term Activities

Children of all ages can hop, skip and jump back in time to the Museum's period village where the young and the young at heart can roll hoops along the cobbled street, play hopscotch on the pavement and test their skill with whip and top and skittles. A variety of parlour games are played in Station Road cottages and craft-making projects take place in the old-fashioned school-room.

Sunday 30 May

Trolley buses

Grab a ticket to ride each Sunday at the Black Country Living Museum where the Transport Group will be going off their trolley over the electric powered buses. Visitors can hop aboard the ‘Whispering Giants’ for an environmentally-friendly trip down memory lane.