Still Time to Join in the Summer Fun at National Civil War Centre

As well as all the fun interactives, dressing up and play prompts that can be found around the museum, Playhem! offers a chance for all ages to let their imaginations run wild with big blue building blocks. So far, creations have ranged from slides to forts and even a tractor with plenty more chances for visitors to come in and make their mark before the holidays end.

Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It’s so important to make our museum environment friendly and welcoming for all ages, and free entry for residents ensures that local parents and grandparents don’t face a pay barrier to culture.”

The last day of Playhem! will also see another of their brilliant monthly Family Saturdays, themed around getting arty. Open Doors’ Creative Arts Officer Milly will help visitors explore the sounds of summer in the Centre’s newest art gallery while Artist in Residence Samantha will lead art activities in her studio and explain all about her amazing VR environments. There will also be a chance for children aged 5 and over to gain an Arts Award and everyone can have a go at firing a musket.

Open Doors brings together the Heritage and Culture offer at the District Council as a National Portfolio Organisation thanks to funding from Arts Council England. Throughout the summer, they have offered chances for young people to try graffiti, discover arts and for people aged 14 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to enjoy music. The last of these Open Sounds sessions currently scheduled will take place on Wednesday 30 August from 10am at Newark College.

The Open Doors team is also hosting a creative summer print making session with local artist Elaine Winter on Tuesday 29 August. Young people aged 11 to 18 can learn fascinating skills and techniques to create their own prints at Inspire at the Buttermarket from 1pm. Free places for this and the Open Sounds event can be booked online at www.palacenewark.com/opendoors.

The National Civil War Centre has even more reason for celebration this summer after being placed on a shortlist of just 5 for Best Small Museum in the national Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award. Throughout the holidays, undercover judges have been visiting and the winner will be announced at a ceremony in London in October.

And of course, the fun doesn’t end with the summer holidays as monthly Family Saturdays will continue, Mini Museum play sessions for toddlers will resume every Thursday morning in term time and Palace Players early years music and movement sessions with Open Doors will take place at Clipstone Library on 13, 20 and 27 September.

Stay up to date with the latest events by following the National Civil War Centre on Facebook and find out more at www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com.