This week has been the first week of the summer holidays. This is a really valuable time for parents to spend quality time with their children, but also a time of juggling work and childcare, and it feels like there’s a constant need to keep the kids entertained. Fortunately, there are a whole host of events taking place across the Borough for everyone – young and old alike – to enjoy!
Elsecar Heritage Centre is a fantastic community resource that really demonstrates our town’s industrial past. On Sunday 4 August, you can participate in a tour of the world’s oldest stream engine – a 1795 Newcomen Engine. Tours are free but limited to 15 places per tour. Please visit their website to find out more.
On 21 August there is the International Sculpture Walk taking place at Yorkshire Sculpture Park which promises to be a great day out for all the family and is fully wheelchair accessible. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the wide range of internationally-acclaimed works of art that we have right on our doorstep here in Barnsley, including pieces by Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth.
Pot House Hamlet at Silkstone is a firm favourite with my kids, and we always try to pay a visit during the summer holidays. This year there is the ‘Crafty Kids’ programme offering pottery paintings, teddy bear stuffing, outdoor construction areas and – for braver parents! – mud kitchens. In addition, Pot House Hamlet will be running a free Petting Farm, including pygmy goats, alpacas and rare breed sheep.
If you’re wanting to explore the beautiful countryside that our Region has to offer, then a visit to Cannon Hall Farm is always a treat. There is a fancy dress ‘Princess Party’ for younger kids on 21 September; and a Gin, Real Ale and Rum Festival on August 10 for the adults! In addition, the brilliant Kate Rusby’s ‘Underneath the Stars’ Festival is returning to Cannon Hall for its sixth year and is taking place between 2 and 4 August – featuring singing from the amazing Barnsley Youth Choir. Hot on the heels of their sensational 10th anniversary concerts, the Choir will also be performing at Horizon College on 10 August at 7pm ahead of the Choir’s ‘South African Experience’ tour.
As the Glass Works Project and Town Centre regeneration continues to take shape, there are lots of events going on in the heart of Barnsley. The new ‘Library @ The Lightbox’ has a whole host of exciting and innovative facilities for all the family to enjoy. The Cooper Gallery are running an exhibition on ‘Original Comic Book Art’ by Dean Ormston and Fiona Stephenson, featuring displays from the 1940s up to the present day. Just across the road at Experience Barnsley in the Town Hall there is the ‘Tin! Tin! Tin! Lifting the Lid on the Barnsley Canister Company’ exhibition which showcases the history of tin manufacturing in the town. And, of course, the Reds kick off their Championship campaign against Fulham at Oakwell on Saturday 3 August.
Whatever you do this summer, I hope that you’re able to find the time to have a break, relax and spend some time with the family. Enjoy!
This article was originally published on 26 July 2019 in the Barnsley Chronicle.