Events and Activities

Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre holds many different events, workshops and other activities 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!

Wednesdays and Fridays to 6 March 2026: 10.30 to 11.30am

BOOKS AND BABYCCINOS

Play, craft, rhymes and a different book each week topped off with a babyccino in a cosy indoor space.

We recommend this activity for 2 to 4 year olds who enjoy indoor play and stories.

  • Wed 11 and Fri 13 February – Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
  • Wed 25 and Fri 27 February – Bumpus Jumpus Dinosaurumpus
  • Wed 4 and Fri 6 March – Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy

PER CHILD £4.50

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Tue 17 February 2026: 10.00am, 11.30am, 1.00pm and 2.30pm

CREATE BUILD LEARN LEGO WORKSHOPS: DINOSAURS

Come and build your own dinosaur inspired creations with the ‘Create Build Learn’ team.

We ask that any child under 8 is accompanied by an adult for the duration of the workshop although please only book a place for the participating child.

PER CHILD £6.00

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Wed 18 February 2026: 10.00am to 3.00pm

DROP-IN CRAFTS: PAINT A DINOSAUR

Drop in and paint your own dinosaur.

No booking necessary. Just pop in and enjoy the fun!

PER CHILD £2.00

Thu 19 February 2026: 10.00am

ZUMBINI-SAUR

Let your little ones have fun getting active in this dinosaur-themed zumbini session with Charley.

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

PER CHILD £6.00

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Thu 19 February 2026: 11.00am

ZUMBA-SAUR

Fun for older children getting active in this dinosaur-themed zumba session with Charley.

Zumba combines music, dance and educational tools for children aged 5 to 10 years.

PER CHILD £6.00

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Fri 20 February 2026: 10.30am and 1.00pm

DINO DIG

Dig for fossils, paint your own fossil and identify footprints on our trail round the visitor centre.

Each session lasts for approximately one hour.

PER CHILD £5.00

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Sun 22 February 2026: 10.00am

MINI SUMMER MEADOW EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP

Learn how to layer tall grasses, delicate Queen Anne’s lace, and vibrant wildflowers using a mix of traditional stitches and dimensional techniques. Inspired by the textures and colours of a blooming summer meadow. We’ll explore how to incorporate materials like artificial moss for added texture, and how to translate organic forms into expressive thread work. All materials provided.

Suitable for people of all levels of experience. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Workshop led by Tony Phillips as part of our Textile Whispers Exhibition.

PER PERSON £15.50

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Sun 22 February 2026: 1.00pm

THREE FABRIC FLOWERS WORKSHOP

Create three decorative fabric flowers using prepared strips. Hand stitch the fabric with a running stitch, gather up and secure with a backing and a button. Finish off your creations by adding a stem, brooch pin, or a hair clip. All materials provided.

Suitable for people of all levels of experience. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Workshop led by Iris Rimes as part of our Textile Whispers Exhibition.

PER PERSON £15.50

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Sun 1 March 2026: 10.00am

CREATE A TEXTILE BROOCH WORKSHOP

Have fun making your own charming little textile brooch. With layers of fabrics and lace, some simple embroidery and the addition of some beads, buttons and charms, you can create a unique brooch to wear, gift or display. Instructions will be given if you wish to take your time with your embroidery and finish the piece at home.

Suitable for people of all levels of experience. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Workshop led by Susan Gam as part of our Textile Whispers Exhibition.

PER PERSON £15.50

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Sun 1 March 2026: 1.00pm

THREE FABRIC FLOWERS WORKSHOP

Create three decorative fabric flowers using prepared strips. Hand stitch the fabric with a running stitch, gather up and secure with a backing and a button. Finish off your creations by adding a stem, brooch pin, or a hair clip. All materials provided.

Suitable for people of all levels of experience. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Workshop led by Iris Rimes as part of our Textile Whispers Exhibition.

PER PERSON £15.50

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Sat 7 March 2026: 10.00am

MINI SUMMER MEADOW EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP

Learn how to layer tall grasses, delicate Queen Anne’s lace, and vibrant wildflowers using a mix of traditional stitches and dimensional techniques. Inspired by the textures and colours of a blooming summer meadow. We’ll explore how to incorporate materials like artificial moss for added texture, and how to translate organic forms into expressive thread work. All materials provided.

Suitable for people of all levels of experience. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Workshop led by Tony Phillips as part of our Textile Whispers Exhibition.

PER PERSON £15.50

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Sun 8 March 2026: 10.00am

BUTTERFLY ON A BOBBIN WORKSHOP

Enjoy the soothing rhythm of hand embroidery as you create a flower-inspired stitched doodle. Add a charming twist to your artwork by mounting it on a bobbin and complete the piece with a delicate organza butterfly motif. You may wish to finish the work at home, adding a final flourish of embroidery. All materials provided.

Suitable for people of all levels of experience. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Workshop led by Ruth Parkinson-Johns as part of our Textile Whispers Exhibition.

PER PERSON £15.50

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Sun 8 March 2026: 1.00pm

CREATE A TEXTILE BROOCH WORKSHOP

Have fun making your own charming little textile brooch. With layers of fabrics and lace, some simple embroidery and the addition of some beads, buttons and charms, you can create a unique brooch to wear, gift or display. Instructions will be given if you wish to take your time with your embroidery and finish the piece at home.

Suitable for people of all levels of experience. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Workshop led by Susan Gam as part of our Textile Whispers Exhibition.

PER PERSON £15.50

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below: