Delve into the history of Braunstone this half term with a series of free heritage tours for families, as well as walking tours for adults and the celebratory Grand Ball.
Co-ordinated by Buzzing Roots, they recently completed their Finding Braunstone project, which saw them collaborate with Braunstone residents and the Braunstone History Group, to discover deep into the history of Braunstone, Braunstone Park and Winstanley House.
A group of young people undertook training to enable them to deliver tours in a unique way. They’ll be taking people back to when Braunstone Park was teeming with soldiers during the Second World War, listening to ghost stories in the Hall, and rewinding to when Winstanley was just a school house.
Taking place over half term, the Time Traveller tours are family-friendly walks and are perfect for children aged 5-10, so bring along your little ones and their friends or siblings for a fun day out!
Tickets for the family friendly tours are free of charge and are available to book HERE.
For the adults, there’s an opportunity to go a little deeper into the ghostly goings on of Winstanley House in the Heritage Tours taking place on weekends during October. These engaging and exciting tours have been designed by Chandni Mistry, after visiting the Records Office, Braunstone History Group at Stables Museum and collaborating with people sharing their memories.
The walks will end at Winstanley House Cafe where you are welcome to purchase yourself a hot drink and enjoy the atmosphere. You can secure your place on one of these walks HERE.
The Grand Ball
Following the success of the Finding Braunstone project, Buzzing Roots will also be presenting The Grand Ball at Winstanley House on Friday 10 November. Here guests will see the past come to life over the course of the evening. Guests will be welcomed to the beautiful grounds of Winstanley Hall, where they’ll be welcomed by James Beaumont Winstanley, played by Historian Jim Butler, inviting them in for an evening filled with captivating characters from history, seated alongside you at your table. As the guests settle in, the plot unfolds and you’ll be drawn into age-old secrets, revealing the mysteries of the Winstanleys.
Guests will enjoy a sumptuous three-course gourmet meal and the lively jazz band Tuxedo Swing will be on hand to keep the party going into the night.
This event will help raise funds for the next Finding Braunstone Festival and many other events at Braunstone Park.
Kiran Parmar, Owner of Winstanley House, commented, “I’m delighted and proud that Winstanley House is hosting the Buzzing Roots Grand Ball in November. Creating a vibrant community starts with our young people. Providing engaging and enriching activities in this area isn’t just an option; it’s an essential investment in our future. When we empower our young people with opportunities to learn, grow, and explore, we pave the way for a brighter, future for everyone in the community. Buzzing Roots does incredible work and I hope the event helps raise funds and awareness.”
Buzzing Roots CIC Director Liga Orlovska “At Buzzing Roots, we believe in the power of heritage as a bridge that not only links the past, present, and future but also connects generations within our community. Our collaborative efforts with the community in co-creating projects go beyond mere community engagement activity; they are a manifestation of mutual respect, empathy, and a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and social cohesion. By working hand-in-hand, we’re not just preserving stories and traditions; we’re equipping ourselves with collective wisdom and resilience to face the challenges of tomorrow.”
The Grand Ball will be held on Friday 10 November and tickets are priced at £52 per person, including a 3 course meal. Tickets are available to buy as individuals or as a table of 10. You can buy tickets from Eventbrite.
