Events

Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre holds many different events throughout the year.

These can link in with National Days or initiatives, seasonal themes or exhibitions that are on display at the museum, or just fun-filled events for all the family to enjoy. With such a variety of events there is something for everybody!

Sat 12 to Sun 20 April 2025: 10.00am to 4.00pm

EASTER EGG TRAIL

Make a basket, find the eggs and exchange for a chocolate treat!

Complete an egg hunt within the museum grounds or explore a longer trail around the abbey ruins.

Last admission 3.30pm daily.

PER EGGSPLORER £2.50

Fri 18 April 2025: 10.00am to 4.00pm

EASTER MINI CRAFT FAIR

On Good Friday, why not come and browse a selection of craft stalls in our covered cloisters area.

ADMISSION FREE TO CRAFT FAIR AND SITE
Normal museum entry fee applies

Wednesdays 30 April to 21 May: 10.30am

OUTDOOR EXPLORERS: MAY DAYS!

Explore the outdoor world through free play in our Forest School area with your little one. Each session lasts around an hour, and starts and finishes around the fire circle.

We recommend this activity for 3 and 4 year olds, but younger ones are welcome also and there is no charge for younger accompanying siblings.

Please ensure legs are covered and sturdy footwear is worn along with warm clothing and waterproofs where necessary.

PER CHILD £4.00

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Thursdays 1 to 22 May 2025: 10.00am

ZUMBINI

Let your little ones have fun getting active in these new zumbini sessions with Charley!

Zumbini combines music, dance and educational tools for children aged 0 to 4 years.

Weather permitting, our summer zumbini sessions will be held outside.

PER CHILD £6.00

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Thu 8 to Sun 11 May 2025: 10.00am to 4.00pm

VE DAY 80: FORGE MILL NEEDS YOU!

We would love to bring the community together to decorate our site ready for celebrating VE Day 80.

Craft, crochet, sew, knit, make paperchains, whatever inspires you, all that we ask is you create something in red, white and blue. We would love groups to get involved as well as individuals to really show what Redditch can produce together.

Please bring your contributions to the museum by Monday 6 May in order for us to display them between 8 and 11 May.

Please note: the site will be free to access, as usual, on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 May, but there will be a small charge for our 1940s Weekend on 10 and 11 May.

Sat 10 and Sun 11 May 2025: 10.00am to 4.00pm

1940s WEEKEND

Travel back in time to the 1940s and get a taste of life in World War 2 Britain. Including:

  • Classic cars and military vehicles
  • Displays of civilian and army life
  • Redditch street party photograph display from Redditch Local History Museum
  • Model planes and boats
  • Live music with The Violettes on Saturday
  • Live music with Helen Pearson on Sunday
  • Music from Indigo Arts

Bring the whole family!

ADULTS £4.00, CHILDREN FREE
Includes entry into the museum

Sat 31 May 2025: 5.00 to 11.00pm

SILENT DISCO

Come and enjoy a Silent Disco in Redditch in the unique surroundings of our Cloisters area and grounds.

Dance the night away and enjoy making memories with family and friends. You can choose from three different channels – one of which is hosted by the DJ.

  • Family disco from 5.00 to 7.00pm
  • Adults only 7.30 to 11.00pm (music starts at 8.00pm)

We will be selling snacks and ice creams as well as a range of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.

FAMILY DISCO (5.00 to 7.00pm) £4.50 EACH
ADULTS ONLY DISCO (7.30 to 11.00pm) £8.00 EACH
JOINT DISCO (5.00 to 11.00pm) £10.00 EACH

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Sun 31 August 2025: 4.30pm for 5.00pm performance

OUTDOOR THEATRE: THE BIG BAD WOLF

Come on a musical journey of plotting and scheming with literature’s most notorious villain – the Big Bad Wolf. The Plandits are back on the road with this new show bursting with live music, silliness and laughs for the whole family.

Gates open at 4.30pm. The performance begins at 5.00pm. Please bring your own picnics, blankets and seats to enjoy this performance in the beautiful, natural surroundings of Forge Mill.

Ice creams and light refreshments will be available from our coffee bar.

ADULTS £13.00, CHILDREN £6.50

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Guided Tours of Forge Mill