Blists Hill Victorian Town is taking part in the Cultural Olympiad’s Open Weekend* by putting on a variety of ’Amusements and Distractions’ on the Village Green. The day’s events will showcase a range of traditional theatrical performance styles and give a taste of what a Victorian audience might have enjoyed back in the 1800s.

Throughout the day visitors will be treated to a fantastic fun selection of different styles of street theatre. Youngsters can join in the shouting as they watch a traditional Punch and Judy show; everyone will be amazed by Yendor, the Magician, as he performs his Victorian conjuring tricks and all will be touched by moving mime performances from the much acclaimed Kaleidoscope Theatre Company. The Prince Albert Players, a small company of strolling players, will also perform scenes from a variety of plays.

In line with this year’s Open Weekend theme of ‘accept a challenge’, visitors are being invited to make and wear their own Victorian costume when they visit Blists Hill on 24th July.

*The Cultural Olympiad Open Weekend is a nationwide weekend of activities to celebrate the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad – a four year programme of national and regionally events and initiatives that began in 2008 and which place culture and creativity at the heart of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.