Events in July 2009

Saturday 4th July: Marston Collection and It's a Gas!
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. Vehicles in action.
Saturday 11th July: 1920s Night with Jazz This is a pre-book only event and tickets can be booked on 0121 520 8054.
An evening of jazz music in and around the Museum's canalside village. Performers will be hitting the right note as they swing into town as part of the Birmingham International Jazz Festival. Gates open at 6.00pm and close at 10.00pm. This is a pre-book only event and tickets can be booked on 0121 520 8054.
Sunday 12th July: Sunday School Anniversary – 11.00 am and 2.30pm **
Friends of the Museum throw open the doors to the 1837 Darby Hand Chapel and invite visitors to join them as they re-enact a traditional Sunday School Anniversary Service. Children in traditional costume head a procession along the village street to the Chapel where they will lead the congregation in hymns. Services take place at 11am and 2.30pm; the afternoon service will, in keeping with tradition, be presided over by a woman. (Limited seat availability)**Tickets for all chapel events are available in advance by contacting Alan Carter on 01902 670402 (Limited availability).
Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th July: Newcomen Engine billows to life
Every 3rd weekend 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.
Saturday 18th July – Sunday 6th September: School Holiday Activities
Youngsters are spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment over the school holidays. Visitors can re-live their youth and show their children and grandchildren how it's done as they hop, skip and jump back in time to the Museum's period village. 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, including writing with old fashioned pen and ink and paper crafts take place in the old-fashioned school-room.
Sunday 26th July: Festival of Black Country Vehicles
This annual gathering of cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles built in the Black Country sees over one hundred vehicles parade around the Museum site. Well-known marques may include AJS, Bean, Star, Sunbeam and Jensen. The Black Country was a major centre for vehicle manufacturing with cycles, motorcycles, cars, lorries and buses all built in the region.

Special Events

Please note that although details are correct at the time of publishing, we would encourage you to check details before travelling to avoid disappointment.

Booking Office:

0121 520 8054

The Museum reserves the right to vary the programme of activities and special events.