www.glastonburyabbey.com All events in this guide are Glastonbury Abbey fundraising events, raising funds for the conservation and future care of Glastonbury Abbey for public benefit. Tickets on sale NOW Calendar of Events 2019 Registered Charity No: 1129263 Night at the Abbey Medieval Fayre Glastonbury nge Launch Party Choirs Wildlife Tours Badger Walks Afternoon Tea Outdoor Theatre Summer Open Evening Exhibitions Membership Talks Family Activities & Holiday Workshops Outdoor Film Festival and much more... Glastonbury Abbey, The Abbey Gatehouse, Magdalene Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9EL, UK www.glastonburyabbey.com For more information call +44 (0) 1458 832267 facebook.com/ GlastonburyAbbeySomerset @glastonburyabbe
16 7 12-22 20-21 5 5 14 18 24 25 26 31 2 12 22 6 7 10 13-14 28 3 11 17 23-25 31 1 14-15 Dates at a glance... MARCH Songs and Readings by the Rose Garden* ~ Patrick Duff APRIL Now Here s A Funny Story* ~ Funny Story Productions Easter Trail Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre MAY Glastonbury Dragons May Fayre My Dog s Got No Nose* ~ Kick in the Head Theatre Productions Glastonbury Abbey Theatre Season Launch with Strode College Gregorian Chant Workshop Summer Open Evening Glastonbury nge Launch Party Ali Baba & the 40 Thieves ~ Illyria Theatre Company Churchill Singers Summer Concert JUNE A Midsummer Night s Dream ~ The Lord Chamberlain s Men As You Like It ~ Rain or Shine Theatre Co. Maria Stuarda ~ OperaUpClose JULY Romeo & Juliet ~ Groundlings Theatre Company Much Ado About Nothing ~ Groundlings Theatre Company Love s Labour s Lost ~ Castle Theatre Company Pilgrimage Weekend Frankenstein ~ Illyria Theatre Company AUGUST Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza Glastonbury Abbey Fun Dog Show The Sword in the Stone ~ IK Productions Glastonbury Abbey Outdoor Film Festival Night at the Abbey Three Men in a Boat* ~ Kick in the Head Theatre Productions NOVEMBER Frost Fayre Victorian Shopping Evening DECEMBER Churchill Singers Christmas Concert Christmas at the abbey *performances at Abbey House 20 & 21 5 Tue 14 18 Events April Medieval Fayre Glastonbury Abbey is pleased to host once again a Medieval Fayre. Fun for the whole family including jousting, jesters, battles, Medieval Market, archery and much more. 10am 5pm. Advance Tickets: 12 Adult, 7 Child, 10 Concession, 6 Member, 32 Family May Glastonbury Dragons May Fayre The annual Glastonbury Dragons May Fayre returns to the Abbot s Kitchen field with free entry via Magdalene Street. Stalls, light entertainment and Morris Dancing with the dragon procession returning to the field around 3.pm. 10.am 5pm. Free entry via Magdalene Street gate. Glastonbury Abbey Theatre Season Launch ~ Strode College We launch our 2019 theatre season with a production written for the abbey by Strode College. Glastonbury Abbey members are invited to the launch for free! Doors 6.pm, Performance 7pm. Advance Tickets: 10 Adult, 5 Child, 7 Concession. Abbey Members free on presentation of valid pass. Gregorian Chant Workshop Open to anyone; women and men, non-singers, beginners together with experienced singers. Simple recitation in English leads to some of the rich heritage of Latin chant. Each session ends in a short sung meditation based on the traditional Benedictine monastic hour services.the day works towards an informal performance of a sequence in chant with readings and Compline. An entertaining, informative and enjoyable day led by John Rowlands-Pritchard. 10am 5pm. Places strictly limited. Tickets 18.50 Adult, 10 Members. 24 25 26 31 2 For more information call +44 (0) 1458 832267 or visit www.glastonburyabbey.com Summer Open Evening To celebrate the coming Summer and extended opening hours we invite you to explore the abbey free of charge from 6pm whilst also enjoying live music, markets and refreshments. Winner of the NOEA Best New Event in 2018. 6pm 9.pm. Tickets are free subject to capacity. Glastonbury nge Launch Party Now in it s 8th year and third year of hosting the launch at the abbey, Glastonbury nge kicks off its 10 day event with a party featuring the music of Tankus the Henge, Port Erin, Noel & Webb and Breakbeat Bandits. 5pm 10pm. 10 early bird until 31 March, 15 Adult, 20 on the gate. Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves ~ Illyria Theatre Company Now in its 28th year, Illyria theatre brings an action packed and laugh filled adaptation of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves to Glastonbury Abbey. This is a spectacular production for all ages. Doors 6.pm, Performance 7pm. Advance Tickets: 14 Adult, 8 Child, 12 Members, 37 Family (2+2). For gate prices see website - subject Churchill Singers Summer Concert The Churchill Singers host touring choir from Germany Im Takt and both choirs will present a varied programme with a performance in the Lady Chapel. 2pm. June A Midsummer Night s Dream ~ The Lord Chamberlain s Men The UK s premier all male theatre company return to the glorious surroundings of the abbey with their 15th birthday production of A Midsummer Night s Dream. Exclusive pre-theatre supper with the director, available at Abbey House. Doors 6.pm, Performance 7pm. Advance Tickets: 16.50 Adult, 10 Child. to availability. Information correct at time of going to print Pre-theatre suppers available in Abbey House, find details at www.glastonburyabbey.com Spiritual re-occurring events Eucharist Every Tuesday 10.am St Patrick s Chapel Healing Meditation Every Thursday 12 noon in the Lady Chapel Join a 20-minute led meditation dedicated to healing ourselves and others. Latecomers will not be admitted once the session has begun. Everyone is welcome. Times subject to variation. Please check the website before visiting. Tankus the Henge at nge Launch Party
Wed 12 22 6 As You Like It ~ Rain or Shine Theatre Company Known as Shakespeare s perfect pastoral play. For Summer 2019, Rain or Shine are delighted to present As You Like It - All the world s a stage... Doors 6.pm, Performance 7pm. Advance Tickets: 14 Adult, 6 Child, 12 Concession, 10 Member, 34 Family. For gate prices see website - subject Maria Stuarda ~ OperaUpClose Olivier Award-winning OperaUpClose presents their new English version of Donizetti s Maria Stuarda. Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I go head-to-head in this historical tragedy, culminating in a fictitious meeting between the rival queens, which sizzles with vocal fireworks. Doors 6.pm, Performance 7pm. Advance Tickets: 20 Adult, 10 Child, 17 Member, 45 Family (2+2), 12 Adult under 26. July Romeo & Juliet ~ Groundlings Theatre Company Groundlings make their first visit to Glastonbury Abbey in 2019 presenting two classic Shakespeare productions on consecutive nights. Doors 6.pm, Performance 7pm. Advance Tickets: 12 Adult, 10 Child/ Concession/Members. For gate prices see website - subject 7 Wed 10 13 & 14 28 Much Ado About Nothing ~ Groundlings Theatre Company The second Shakespeare classic from Groundlings is one of the bard s greatest comedies. Doors 6.pm, Performance 7pm. Advance Tickets: 12 Adult, 10 Child/ Concession/Members. Love s Labour s Lost ~ Castle Theatre Company Castle Theatre Company is proud to present Love s Labour s Lost, one of Shakespeare s lesser known, but most charming comedies. With forbidden love, some bad poetry, and a few Russian disguises thrown in for good measure, this promises to be a delightful evening of classic comedy. Doors 6.pm, Performance 7pm. Advance 14 Adult, 8 Child, 12 Concession, 10 Members, 36 Family (2+2). For gate prices see website - subject Pilgrimage Weekend We are delighted to welcome the Glastonbury Pilgrimage Association Annual Pilgrimage on urday 13 July and the Clifton Diocese Annual Pilgrimage on day 14 July. Frankenstein ~ Illyria Theatre Company This gripping tale is now a brand-new musical production created by Illyria. It features a fully orchestrated musical score, a cast of professional actor singers, 3 11 17 spectacular stage effects, puppetry and flashes of the wickedly dark humour for which Illyria is justly celebrated. Doors 6.pm, Performance 7pm. Advance Tickets: 15 Adult, 9 Child, 13 Members, 40 Family (2+2). August Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza Glastonbury Abbey welcomes back the Extravaganza in 2019. Please check the website for details in the coming months. Advance prices: 35 Adults and 20 for a child aged six to 16. Any remaining tickets will be available on the gate, priced at 40 adult and 25 for a child. Fun Dog Show The annual Glastonbury Abbey Fun Dog Show is entry by donation via the Magdalene street gate into the Abbot s Kitchen field. All proceeds to the abbey s fundraising appeal. Doors 1pm, Dog Show starts 2pm. Tickets: Entry by donation The Sword in the Stone ~ IK Productions The ever popular IK Productions brings a humorous show chronicling the myths and (mis)adventures of King Arthur. A great evening out for the whole family. 10 Adult, 8 Child/Concession. For gate prices see website - subject 23 to 25 For some events you can also book a picnic Visit the website for more details Glastonbury Abbey Outdoor Film Festival Join us for family fun as we present our first outdoor film festival. Three films in three nights across the bank holiday weekend. Doors 7pm, screening approx. 8.pm. Tickets: TBC Night at the Abbey Our annual night of live music on five stages, poetry on the Bardic stage and the ruins beautifully illuminated. 2019 offers performances from bands all over the UK as well as the finest local talent. Doors 5pm, Performances start 6pm. Advance Tickets: 7 Adult, 5 Child/ Concession, 3 Members, 19 Family (2+2). For gate prices see website - subject Photos from left to right: As You Like It ~ Rain or Shine Theatre Company Maria Stuarda ~ OperaUpClose Love s Labour s Lost - Castle Theatre Company Glastonbury Abbey Outdoor Film Festival Night at the Abbey Photograph for illustration purposes only Pre-theatre suppers available in Abbey House, find details at www.glastonburyabbey.com
1 14-15 November Frost Fayre Visit the abbey free of charge from midday to 3.pm during Glastonbury s very popular Frost Fayre. Victorian Shopping Evening Come and do your Christmas shopping in the abbey shop during our Victorian style evening with festive refreshments. Open from 5pm 7pm. December Churchill Singers Christmas Concert Join the Churchill Singers in the Abbot s Kitchen for some festive singing. 2pm. Christmas at the abbey Come and meet santa in his medieval grotto. More details to be announced in the Summer. Please check the website. Why not become a member and enjoy the abbey and all it has to offer 364 days of the year? Membership Plus offers two complimentary family tickets, free entry to a series of talks, invitations to exhibition openings, free Night at the Abbey ticket and discounted entry to some other events plus special offers in the shop and café - all for around 13p a day per adult. Glastonbury Abbey members also benefit from more than 100 saving on adult advance event tickets across our events season. Find out more at www.glastonburyabbey.com urday 16 March Songs and Readings by the Rose Garden ~ Patrick Duff Patrick weaves together readings from his autobiography with some of the haunting and beautiful songs he has written. Patrick Duff concerts are quiet and meditative and this is a unique chance for you to experience the deep stillness of one of his performances in the peace and tranquillity of Abbey House. Doors 7pm, Performance 7.pm. Advance Tickets: 15 Adult, 12 Member. For gate prices see website - subject Abbey House originated as a gentleman's residence and was built in the early 19th century for John Fry Reeves, a banker with antiquarian interests. Built in Tudor Gothic style, the siting and style of the house were determined by its setting in the grounds of the abbey. From its foundation it provided spectacular views straight down the length of the ruined abbey church and the Lady Chapel; these views remain today. When it was sold at the turn of the last century, it was advertised with some "interesting ruins in the garden" - we have come a long way since the abbey was described in those terms! day 7 April Now Here s a Funny Story Experienced music hall artists, Tommy Parsons and Airlie Scott take you on a musical journey from the very beginnings of music hall through to its 1890s heyday with the likes of Marie Lloyd and Champagne Charlie, onto wartime jingoism and the cross-dressing Vesta Tilley of the Great War. Not just drunken toffs, risqué sexuality, homelessness, decadence and war casualties across the Empire... but plenty of booze and sing along songs as well! Doors 5.pm, Performance 6pm. Advance Tickets: 15 Adult, 12 Member. day 5 May My Dog s Got No Nose Giles Shenton returns with a thought provoking and cleverly constructed, wonderful piece of theatre about a man preparing to fulfil his lifelong ambition to be a stand-up comedian, puts one in mind of Alan Bennett s Talking Heads. You join the man as he prepares backstage for his first ever stand-up comedy gig. Something he has waited over years for. Find out how he got to this point in his life but be warned the man and the performance are not quite what they seem! Doors 5.pm, Performance 6pm. Advance Tickets: 14 Adult, 10 Member. Photograph for illustration purposes only Abbey House Today Abbey House is an important part of the Glastonbury Abbey estate and events and functions are being planned for 2019 to help contribute to the conservation and upkeep of the House as well as the abbey itself. Details of some events and tickets can be found on these pages and more are being added regularly so do keep up to date at www.glastonburyabbey.com. The sitting room, drawing room, library and a small meeting room are all available to hire. To find out more please email abbeyhouse@glastonburyabbey.com urday 31 August Three Men in a Boat After the huge success of Old Herbaceous, Kick In The Head productions are back with a rip roaring barrel of fun, Three Men in a Boat, with Giles Shenton (Old Herbaceous himself!) playing the part of Jerome K Jerome. Join Jerome as he recounts the hilarious story of his boating holiday along the magnificent River Thames with his two companions and Montmorency the dog. Come and join in the fun as Giles Shenton expertly takes the helm and pilots you through the ridiculous tale of men behaving badly while messing about in boats! Doors 5.pm, Performance 6pm. Advance Tickets: 14 Adult, 10 Member. For gate prices see website - subject day 13 & urday 14 December Christmas meals at Abbey House Book online today at www.glastonburyabbeyshop.com
*normal admission applies for all dates Family Workshops Holiday Activities The Bug Hunt Every Wednesday in August 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th 2-4pm Tuesday 19 & Thursday 21 February Family drama workshop Fun for the whole family: Join Bill and Kay Wych, for a King Arthur themed interactive family drama workshop. Session 1-11am, Session 2-2pm.* Wednesday 20 February Make a fat ball for the birds At this time of year, our birds need as much help as possible. Come along and make something to feed the birds in your garden. day 22 February Paint a bug sun catcher The wildlife in our grounds includes many different insects. Paint a bug sun catcher and learn about the bugs we have here. Thursday 7 March World Book Day Dress as your favourite character then come and enjoy a relaxing story with us. 4pm 5pm.* Wednesday 10 April Make a tissue paper flower Spring is here and the flowers are blooming. Make a tissue paper flower to take home and keep. Follow the Easter trail around the abbey and collect the letters to claim your prize. Easter Egg Trail* 12 April to Mon 22 April 2 plus normal admission. available all day day 12 April Paint a glass tea light holder Stained glass windows told stories to people who could not read. Paint a glass tea light holder and tell a story with colour. Wednesday 17 April, Textile printing Look at our textile exhibition and then print a design on a piece of fabric to take home. day 19 April Bank Holiday Design a shield Make your own shield and become a knight. You could even bring it along to the Medieval Fayre. Monday 22 April Bank Holiday Make a fire-breathing dragon It is the day before St. George s Day, so make a fire-breathing dragon to scare away the knights. Monday 6 May Bank Holiday Textile painting Look at the textile exhibition, then have a go at painting your own design on a piece of fabric. Monday 27 May Bank Holiday Herb identification You may know what herbs look like, but what about by smell alone? Come along and see how many you can identify. day 31 May Make a felt picture Wool was very important in Saxon and Medieval times. Use felt to make a picture. Wednesday 12 June Make a bundle of herbs for pottage Discover what herbs people used to flavour their food. Make a small Bouquet Garni to take home and try. Wednesday 24 July Make a twig loom Make twigs into a loom, add wool and you are weaving. Take your loom home and keep practising. 26 July and Wed 14 August Roll a beeswax candle The monks used candles, and the finest of these were beeswax. Try your hand at making your own candle. Wednesday 31 July Make a simple book In the past, books were hand sewn. Make a simple book of your own. 2, 16 August and 1 November Calligraphy - have a go with quill & ink In an age before fountain pens and Biro s, everyone had to use a quill and ink to write. Come and have a go. Wednesday 7 and 21 August Illumination - paint using a quill brush & ink Make a brush from a quill and have a go at illuminating the initial letter of your name, using coloured ink. day 9 August Make a stained glass window using card Look at stained glass windows and see the light shining through the colours. Make your own window using card and coloured tissue. day 23 August Print a message - use letter blocks & ink to set your type The printing press made it easier to make multiple copies of books. Set your own message in a block, and then print it on paper. Wednesday October Make a bat with flapping wings There are bats at the abbey which come out at night. Make a bat that will happily flap around in daylight. urday 14 December Make a handprint reindeer Have a memento of your child s hand size by drawing round it to make a reindeer for the Christmas tree. 10.am 2.pm.* day 15 December Make a 3D Christmas tree A 3D Christmas tree can be made to stand or you could thread a loop to hang it up. A fun decoration to keep. 10.am 2.pm.* The Living History team will be hosting a variety of demonstrations throughout the summer. Please check the website throughout the year.
Exhibitions Monday 1 April day June Medieval Embroidery from Downside A small collection of fascinating ecclesiastical embroideries will be on loan from Downside Abbey. These 14th-16th century vestments, teeming with elaborate imagery and religious symbolism, are exquisitely embroidered with coloured silks and silver and gold threads. They provide a fine example of Opus Anglicanum or English work, which achieved great status and popularity across Europe. They are also an exciting addition to the magnificent Othery Cope and St John s Pall, already on show in the abbey museum. 9am 6pm; 9am 8pm in June. urday 6 July Mon September Printed Textiles by Kate Medlicott and Woodwork by Paul Rendell Kate Medlicott s fabrics, cushions and lampshades feature many beautiful designs inspired by medieval motifs. Her new Journeyman Fabric Collection is entirely based on the abbey s artefacts and architecture. Her designs are a celebration of medieval craftsmanship, characterized by bold colours and earthy hues, combined with contemporary patterns. In his simple and elegant furniture, Paul Rendell allows the natural beauty of the timber to speak for itself. He often combines fine woods with more naturalistic timbers. Many of his pieces reflect the abbey s architecture and have been made from the wood of past trees in the abbey grounds. 9am 8pm; 9am 6pm in September. Toddler Group Every Tuesday from 7 May to 3 September 10am at Glastonbury Abbey small marquee. Family Tours Thursday: May, 25 July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 August All tours 1.pm 2.pm Using simpler language and explanations than our usual tours. These are aimed at families with children. Children s History Club urday 21 September 10am Midday in the marquee at Glastonbury Abbey urday 28 September 10am - Midday at Abbey House urday 5 & 12 October 10am - Midday at Abbey House For ages 9 to 12 years. Each week will focus on a historical topic, with a craft or interactive drama. Free of charge. Please book a place in advance. day 26 April A Day of Creative Writing with Graeme Ryan Aimed at anyone who has the urge to write or has just started writing. Poet, playwright and experienced teacher, Graeme Ryan, joins us for a day of creative writing. 10am 4.pm at Abbey House. Cost: 25. urday 11 May Local and Community History Month - "History through postcards" Tea & Talk with Francis Thyer Learn more about a bygone era whilst enjoying a cup of tea with Francis Thyer. 10am 11.am at Abbey House. Cost: By Donation. urday 18 May Local and Community History Month - "Abbey House & the Austin Family" Tea & Talk with Allen Cotton Have a cup of tea and learn about the story of Abbey House and the Austin family who lived there. 10am 11.am at Abbey House. Cost By Donation. Adult Learning Monday 20 May Taster session in "Felt Art" with Jennie Loader Create your own piece of textile art and learn the fascinating process of wet feltmaking. 10am 12.pm at Glastonbury Abbey. Cost: 25 including materials. Wednesday 12 June Herbal Remedies in Medieval times Spend some time with the Living History team while they talk about the use of herbs to heal in medieval times. 6pm 7pm at Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Kitchen Garden. urday 22 June Corset Making Workshop with Tamara Spring 10 people maximum, booking essential. Please bring your own sewing machine. Light refreshments included. 10am 6pm at Abbey House. Cost: 60 including materials. Wednesday 24 July Archaeology Tour with Luke Loader Tour the archaeological highlights of Glastonbury Abbey with Luke Loader. 11am 12.pm at Glastonbury Abbey. urday 21 September Historical Dance Class Join us at Abbey House for a display of Tudor and Elizabethan dances and then join in and learn the steps as we recreate the popular social and court dances of the era. Session 1: 11.am 12.pm Session 2: 2.pm 3.pm at Abbey House. 5 per session, 8 for both sessions. Children 3 per session, 5 for both sessions. urday 12 October Book Binding Course with Nina Gronw-Lewis Somerset based artist, Nina Gronw-Lewis,has been making artists books alongside her sculptures for over 10 years and enjoys teaching book binding skills to small groups of children and adults. 10am 4pm at Glastonbury Abbey. Cost: including materials. Childrens Workshops Living History Tours Tea and Talk Wednesday 28 August Printing on Textiles Printing on textiles workshop aimed specifically at children, hosted by Kate Medlicott. 10am midday at Glastonbury Abbey. 6 per Child. When you come to visit Glastonbury Abbey, be sure to look out for some rather unusual characters around the ruins! We have a team of costumed Living History presenters working in the grounds*. Tours will take place throughout the year and are free with admission. Jan Feb Nov Dec 11am,12pm,1pm, 2pm Mar to Oct 10am-4pm, every hour *Normal admission applies and costumed guides are subject to availability 19 & 26 October, 2 & 9 November urday Morning Tea and Talk at Abbey House Come and listen to a selection of topics, with speakers from the Living History Team, whist enjoying tea and biscuits. 10am 11.am at Abbey House. Cost By Donation.
Membership Talks FREE to all abbey Members, 5 Non Members All talks start at 7pm, light refreshments included. Thursday 21 March - Abbey House Holy Bones and Precious Stones The World of the Medieval Pilgrim with Eric Cobb An illustrated, informative and entertaining talk. Tuesday 18 June - Abbey House Corsets and Codpieces with Tamara Spring A relaxing and light hearted romp through the history and literature of the corset and codpiece. Wednesday 25 Sept - Abbot s Kitchen Gospel evening As we approach the start of Black History Month join us for a vibrant interactive evening with Bristol s Renewal Community Gospel Choir. Following our most successful Badger Walk season ever in 2018 we invite you once again to join us most Thursdays in June, July and August for this popular wildlife activity. Advance booking essential as spaces are strictly limited. Starts at 7.pm. 10 Adult, 5 Children, 5 Members, Free to Glastonbury Abbey Membership Plus holders. New in 2019 Badger Walk Members Special Thursday May - 7.pm Badger Walks Due to the popularity of the Badger Walks in 2018 we are offering the first badger walk of the season for members only. Advance booking essential as spaces are strictly limited. 5 Members. Free to Membership Plus holders. Badger Walk Dates All dates below are on a Thursday May 6 June 13 June 20 June 4 July 11 July 18 July 25 July 8 August 15 August 22 August Wildlife Tours Explore the abbey's 36 acres of stunning grounds and discover what else calls it home. All Wildlife Tours are on a urday* *normal 11am 13 April 8 June 10 Aug 26 Oct admission 2pm 11 May 13 July 14 Sept applies Bug Hunt This family activity will be running on the following dates in August*: Wednesday 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th at 2pm-4pm