Milestones Living History Museum, Basingstoke, will celebrate its 15th birthday with a special heritage weekend for visitors next week (Saturday 7 - Sunday 8 November, 11am – 4.45pm).
The museum, which was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in December 2000, is now operated by Hampshire Cultural Trust. It will open its doors to the people of Basingstoke for a celebration of rich Victorian and 1930’s heritage.
The event will see feature entertainment for those of all ages. Key highlights will include:
· Live demonstrations with Bursledon Brickworks and Victorian/Edwardian scrapbooks
· A working model railway
· Unique gift stalls in its 1930’s streets
· Charity stands from Hampshire Building Preservations Trust and Basingstoke Canal Society
· Entertainment from the Glenn Miller Tribute Band on Saturday 7 November, at 12pm and 2.30pm
· Performances from singing trio, Champagne at the Blitz, on Saturday 7 November at 12pm and 3pm
· Basingstoke Hospital Ladies Choir will take to the stage on Sunday 8 November at 2pm
· Dancing from Basingstoke Academy of Dance at 12.30pm on Saturday 7 November and Sunday 8 November
· Sherlock Holmes’ Victorian Irregular Martial Art Bartitsu on Saturday 7 November at 1pm and 2pm, and Sunday 8 November at 1pm and 2.45pm
· A real-life Edwardian pub, 1940’s gift shop and vintage penny arcade
The story of Milestones began in 1996 with the news that the Heritage Lottery Fund had approved an application to build a brand-new museum in the town. Following a £6m grant, the building kicked off in 1998, designed by Hampshire County Council architect, Colin Jackson. The majority of Milestones’ buildings were based on real ones such as Taskers and Thornycroft, culminating in an authentic network of Victorian and 1930’s streets, complete with shops, factories, houses, vehicles and artefacts, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience by-gone days for themselves.
Janet Owen, chief executive of Hampshire Cultural Trust, said:
“We are delighted to celebrate Milestones’ 15th birthday next weekend and urge everyone to come along and join us for what will be an exciting and informative programme of entertainment.
“Milestones is a world-class museum where visitors can experience what life was like in the past first-hand, with interactive stores and staff in its cobbled streets, providing an unforgettable experience.”
To find out more about Milestones visit www.hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk
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