Festive spirit at Victorian Christmas
09/12/2015
Hull Museums’ Victorian Christmas brought the festive spirit to Hull’s Old Town once again this year. The event proved the most popular in recent years, with an impressive 16,000 attending.
The windy forecast meant some last minute alterations to the day’s arrangements, but stallholders, acts, staff and volunteers alike pulled together to make everything run like clockwork. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert hosted the day along with the Town Crier, with the Lord Mayor opening the celebrations as part of a morning ceremony which included horses and a carriage, bell ringing, a Christmas tree, snow (albeit brought in for the day) and a huge crowd.
Entertainment inside Streetlife included Punch and Judy, who was popular as ever, face painting, Priory Park Singers and Beverley Town Handbell Ringers, who all got into the spirit by dressing in Victorian attire, as well as Beverley Brass Band who brought a marvellous atmosphere to the day with their carol music.
Of course we mustn’t forget Santa and his elves, who had queues around the block once more. Craft activities included Victorian Christmas cards and tree decorations, as well as letters to Santa.
Outside activities included horse and carriage rides, a steam organ, music and entertainment from Quentin Bedworth, Shiznitz, Juggling Jim and some of our indoor acts who braved the cold! Plus, not forgetting the big draw, the synthetic ice rink which was set up on the Museum Gardens lawn for the day.
Members of the public were encouraged to dress up for the day, with free gifts from our very own Scrooge for those who got into the spirit, as well as a fancy dress competition with prizes kindly donated by Theatres and Halls and Leisure, both part of Hull Culture and Leisure.
Despite the forecasts, the weather held out until the end of the day when the heavens decided to open - although having said that it was very cold throughout! Especially for those in Victorian attire who might have forgotten to put on their long johns (naming no names).
The event was funded by Hull Museums and HullBID, and was managed in partnership with Heritage Learning and Trinity Open Market.
