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!

Wednesdays 4 June to 2 July: 10.30am

OUTDOOR EXPLORERS: SUNSHINE AND BUTTERFLIES

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:

Sat 5 July 2025: 7.00 to 10.30pm

80s NIGHT IN THE CLOISTERS

Join the 80s Alive duo as they perform well known hits with energy and passion in our covered Cloisters area. A fantastic night of live music which is always popular!

Drinks available from the bar. Please dress warmly if it is a cool evening.

ALL TICKETS £9.00

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Wed 9 and Fri 11 July 2025: 10.30 to 11.30am

TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC: MOVIE MAGIC

If you go down to the mill today, be sure of a big surprise! Our popular teddy bears’ picnic event is back and this time it’s movie themed!

Bring your teddy dressed for the film awards or as a screen star. Enjoy a craft, themed trail, songs and games with your cuddly friend and then adventurous teddies can brave our teddy zip wire! Share a picnic together afterwards.

CHILDREN £6.00

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Fri 11 July 2025: 5.00 to 9.00pm

PICNIC AND PIMMS

Join us for an early evening of live music with The Violettes, delicious Pimm’s, garden games and perfect picnic vibes in the beautiful grounds of Forge Mill. Bring a blanket and let the music play – an event for all ages!

A bar serving Pimm’s and other drinks will be available. Stone baked pizzas will be available from 5.00 to 8.00pm.

ADULTS £6.00, CHILDREN £3.00

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Sun 13 July 2025: 12.00 noon onwards

FUN DOG SHOW

Join us for a tail-wagging good time! A fun filled dog show for the whole family with rosettes awarded in each category:

  1. Best Youngster (under 18 months)
  2. Gorgeous Girls
  3. Handsome Chaps
  4. Golden Oldie (9 and over)
  5. Best Dressed (Dog and Owner)
  6. Dog Most like the Owner
  7. Waggiest Tail
  8. Young Handler (under 16)
  9. The dog the judge would most like to take home
  10. Forge Mill’s Got Talent
  11. Best In Show

Register your dogs from 12.00pm. Demonstrations from 12.15pm. Dog Show starts at 12.45pm.

Registrations are on the day and will cost £2.00 for each category.

Stalls and photography will also be available.

The event is supported by The Natural Canine and Rae Prince Photography.

ADMISSION FREE
Normal museum entry fees apply

Thu 24 July 2025: 10.00am, 11.30am, 1.00pm and 2.30pm

CREATE BUILD LEARN LEGO WORKSHOPS: SHIPWRECKS

Inspired by our Titanic: Honour and Glory exhibition, come and build your own shipwreck 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 £5.00

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Thu 7 August 2025: 10.00am, 11.30am, 1.00pm and 2.30pm

CREATE BUILD LEARN LEGO WORKSHOPS: SEA MONSTERS

Inspired by our Titanic: Honour and Glory exhibition, come and build your own sea monsters 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 £5.00

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Thu 28 August 2025: 10.00am, 11.30am, 1.00pm and 2.30pm

CREATE BUILD LEARN LEGO WORKSHOPS: SHIPWRECKS

Inspired by our Titanic: Honour and Glory exhibition, come and build your own shipwreck 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 £5.00

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