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 2 January to 13 February 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.

  • Fri 2 January – Stick Man
  • Wed 7 and Fri 9 January – The Scarecrow’s Wedding
  • Wed 14 and Fri 16 January – The Tiger Who Came to Tea
  • Wed 21 and Fri 23 January – The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch
  • Wed 28 and Fri 30 January – Oh No, George!
  • Fri 6 February – The Very Busy Spider
  • Wed 11 and Fri 13 February – Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

PER CHILD £4.50

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Thursdays 22 January to 12 February 2026: 11.00am

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.

PER CHILD £6.00

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Sat 7 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 Whispers Exhibition.

PER PERSON £15.50

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Sun 15 February 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 Whispers Exhibition.

PER PERSON £15.50

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below:

Sun 15 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 Whispers Exhibition.

PER PERSON £15.50

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Whispers Exhibition.

PER PERSON £15.50

Bookings should be made in advance using the link below: