University News Last updated 13 December
As Christmas approaches, students and staff have been performing at candlelit tours of Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The performances of traditional Tudor music with recorders, crumhorns and bagpipes have been taking place in The Drum exhibition space within the 600-year-old building.
The first tour took place on Friday 29 November and the Christmas event will end tomorrow (Saturday 14 December).
Candlelit tours gather 20 visitors, who are taken through the historic house and shown the festivities and traditions that would have taken place during a Tudor Christmas. They are taken on the tour with LED candles and enjoy mince pies and mulled wine in an immersive experience of Tudor life.
Visitors from across the country have enjoyed this Christmas activity, giving the following feedback: “The music was delightful to listen to” and stating it was “a highlight of the visit”.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is an independent charity caring for Shakespeare heritage sites in Stratford-upon-Avon, and promoting the enjoyment and understanding of his works, life and times.
Head of Commercial at the Trust Louisa Stott said: "Once again, we are delighted to have had musicians from the Conservatoire join us at Shakespeare's Birthplace to play throughout our programme of Candlelit Christmas events. Visitors tell us what a wonderful experience they have, as they enjoy the authentic music played by the musicians, setting the scene for their journey through Tudor festive traditions."
Pictured: (l-r) BMus students Felicity Lennard and Riko Suzuki, Renaissance Tutor Emily Baines, MA Musicology student Dillon Connolly and PhD student Simon Pickard.