Something spooky is coming to Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum.
The 200-year-old Dorchester court will be host to ghoulish goings on and hair-raising family-friendly activities across the week of Halloween, October 20 -28.
Ghost, spooks and skeletons will be on trial across the week, and cobwebs aplenty will decorate the walls. There will even be slime oozing in the cells below the courtroom and ‘little monsters’ in fancy dress will get free entry.
On Tuesday and Thursday, there will be spooky story-telling in the underground cells, with slime-making sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The café will be full of seasonal autumnal recipes and Halloween treats, so make sure you pop in.
Anna Bright, Director of Shire Hall, said it was important for youngsters to learn about local history, while still having fun. She said: “Dorset has an amazing history and Shire Hall played an important role in that. It’s important that children learn about the history of their area and become invested in both its past and future.
“At Shire Hall we are a living museum – it’s an interactive experience that works on all levels. For the grown-ups we have more in-depth case studies and for the children, they can learn about children similar ages to themselves who went through the courts. It’s about educating all ages about justice and injustice and inspiring the next generation of social justice campaigners.”
During November and December there will be a host of activities on in the build up to Shire Hall’s first Christmas. This Christmas the museum will be decorated as it would have been in Victorian times and there will be special events and workshops each weekend from November 24 including carol singing, wreath making and for the youngsters, Judge Santa will be visiting Shire Hall every weekend in December, deciding who has been naughty and nice.
The café and Grand Jury Room will also be available for hire for Christmas parties with prices starting at just £10 per head for wine and canapes or a Christmas afternoon tea from just £12.50.
For more about these and other great events visit shirehalldorset.org
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