Events in May 2008

Saturday 3rd May
Marston Collection and It's a Gas!
car It's a Gas! On the first Saturday of every month 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. 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.
Monday 5th May
May Day and Tug Boat Event
tug The May Day celebrations get off to a colourful start as Maypole dancing weaves its magic in the school yard. Colourful ribbons fly as professional dancers demonstrate the age-old tradition. Visitors are encouraged to join in and have a go, with the professionals passing on some top footwork tips and traditional music setting the beat! Tug Boat Event Visitors can enjoy messing about on the water as tug boats pull a train of joeys along the cut, making a rare sight as they manoeuvre their way along the canal arm. Traditional canal crafts and streets games will also be available.
Saturday 10th May
It's full steam ahead
mine It's full steam ahead on every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from the 1st March to December inclusive when the colliery steam winder and fan engine are in steam.
Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May
Organ Grinders Weekend
organ Organ grinders will be hitting the right note as barrel organs and fairground organs descend on the Museum for some old-fashioned musical entertainment.
Sunday 11th May
Pleasant Sunday Afternoon
chapel 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'. The service begins at 2.30pm.
Saturday 17th May
A Night at the Museum
night As part of the European “Nuit des Musees” celebrations, enjoy a traditional evening's entertainment when the Black Country Living Museum throws open it's doors after hours. The Museum's village is illuminated by gas and candlelight and visitors can chat to the many costume characters they meet there. Tuck into tasty fish and chip – cooked 1930s style and enjoy a pint of real ale in the bottle and Glass Inn. Special half price admission.
Sunday 18th May
Veteran Bicycle Day
bike Bicycles from the late Victorian period through to the 1930s will be in action around the Museum. Among the many exhibitors will be examples of the once thriving Black Country bicycle making industries.
Sunday 18th May
Austin 10 Rally
Austin Motoring enthusiasts are in for a treat as pre-war Austin 10 motor cars tour the Museum's 26-acre site.
Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June
Half Term Activities
street Half term week coincides with the Museum's 30th birthday and, to celebrate, events and activities will take place throughout the week. Four street parties, one to represent each of the Black Country boroughs - Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton, will be held at the Black Country Living Museum to celebrate the Museum's 30th birthday. A party atmosphere will ensure a half term to remember. Street games including hoops, hopscotch, whip and top, skittles and a variety of parlour games will ensure the young and the young at heart are absorbed for hours!
Saturday 24th May
It's full steam ahead
mine It's full steam ahead on every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from the 1st March to December inclusive when the colliery steam winder and fan engine are in steam.
Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1st June
Summer Living History Weekend
lh Time travel is on the agenda at the Black Country Living Museum. The Friends of the Museum spend the weekend living in 1920s conditions. Visitors can witness their attempts to cook, clean, eat, sleep, entertain and take part in summer seasonal activities without the modern luxuries that we take for granted today such as central heating and hot and cold running water.

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