A hands-on heritage event is giving children the chance to try their hand at time-honoured trades.
The event, called Try a Trade, will take place at the Weald and Downland Living Museum on May 9 and 10, and is designed for young visitors to experience traditional crafts, historic skills and rural trades through immersive, interactive activities.
Clare de Bathe, museum director, said: “Our Try a Trade weekend perfectly captures what makes the Weald and Downland Living Museum so special, bringing history to life in a way that is interactive, engaging and accessible for all ages.
“By encouraging children to get hands-on with traditional crafts, we are creating meaningful connections to the past while inspiring curiosity, creativity and a deeper appreciation for our shared heritage.”
The event features a ‘do touch’ ethos, inviting children to learn through doing as they explore carpentry, sawing, wool carding, corn dolly making, lucet braiding and cordage creation.
A Trades and Crafts Recruitment Stand will offer entry to premium workshops for a small donation starting at £1.50.
These include pottery, baking, dairy work, milling, blacksmithing and hurdle fence making, all suitable for ages four and up (with some age restrictions).
Each child can take part in up to three of these activities.
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Hilary Cunningham, learning and programme manager, said: “Events like Try a Trade are all about inspiring the next generation to connect with our heritage in a meaningful and hands-on way.
“By giving children the chance to try traditional skills for themselves, we are not only creating a fun and memorable day out but also helping to keep these important crafts alive for the future.”
Participants will receive a Try a Trade certificate to take home.
For more information and to book tickets, visit wealddown.co.uk.
The Weald and Downland Living Museum, in Chichester, West Sussex, is an open-air museum dedicated to preserving the rural heritage of south-eastern England.
Visitors can also explore historic buildings and make use of the onsite café, gift shop and free parking.
Due to anticipated high demand, advance booking is recommended.