There will be plenty of double, double toil and trouble at Mary Arden’s Farm this October half-term when families are once again invited to gather round the cauldron and unearth the eerie and enchanting rituals of All Hallows’ Eve.
Back by popular demand, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT) is welcoming visitors across the UK to the Wilmcote-based Tudor farm and childhood home of William Shakespeare’s mother, Mary Arden, for three days of spooktacular Halloween fun.
As Folio at 400 celebrations continue during Halloween Fun at the Farm, visitors will learn about the eerie superstitions of Tudor and medieval England – delving into the traditions once used to keep spirits at bay and comparing them to modern Halloween festivities.
‘‘In the Tudor and medieval times, Halloween was known as ‘’All Hallows' Eve," and fell on the night before All Saints' Day in the Christian calendar, which was observed on 1 November. However, it’s believed that many Halloween traditions evolve from an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain. The festival marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the colder months, making it a time of transition and reflection for many.
‘’During this time, most people, including Shakespeare and his loved ones may have believed that the boundary between the spirit and the living world became blurred, allowing supernatural species, such as fairies to roam freely. To keep these spirits at bay, people engaged in rituals and practices. Traditions included the lighting of bonfires and carving lanterns out of turnips or other root vegetables to ward off evil spirits and protect the home.
‘’It is clear that many of these traditions have influenced Shakespeare’s most iconic plays such as The Tempest and of course Macbeth.’’
Commented Sarah Fisher, primary and informal learning partnerships officer at the SBT.
As the cauldron bubbles in the farmhouse, there will be plenty of fun interactive activities – from carving the scariest of pumpkins to crafting charms designed to ward off spirits. Broomsticks at the ready, as there will also be an immersive reimagining of one of Shakespeare’s spookiest tales, Macbeth.
‘’There are more treats then tricks this Halloween as our much-loved spooky celebrations return to Mary Arden’s Farm. Halloween Fun at the Farm offers all families a unique chance to learn about the spooky traditions and superstitions that Shakespeare and his loved ones may have believed and comparing them to what we believe today through the range of hands-on activities.’’
Said Rachael Boyd, director of visitor experience and business development for the SBT.
Halloween Fun at the Farm is happening on 31 October, 2 and 4 November 2023 with two sessions each day: 9.30am - 12pm or 1pm - 3.30pm.
Pre-booking is essential with tickets costing £17 for children and £8.50 for an accompanying adult – to include all activities and a pumpkin to take home. The interactive events are suitable for children aged 4+ with under 3s admitted for free.
For full details and to book tickets, please check www.shakespeare.org.uk/whatson