Shropshire Tourist Information and Visitor Guide

The event is part of a programme of days out, exhibitions and festivals celebrating the 25th anniversary of Ironbridge Gorge being designated as one of the UK’s first World Heritage Sites in 1986.

Once a celebration for printers, St Bartholomew’s Day was traditionally held on 24th August at Smithfield in London between 1133 and 1855, and in other parts of the country until the 1880s. A master printer provided entertainment - or Wayzgoose - for his workers to mark the end of summer and the arrival of shorter days making it necessary to work by candlelight.

Blists Hill will celebrate the day with street actors on The Green from the Kaleidoscope Theatre Company, while the town’s own strolling Prince Albert Players will perform St George and the Dragon and master magician, Saxon Tylney, will amaze everyone with his tricks. Other fun activities will include china smashing, skittles and traditional games plus a chance to try printing using Victorian techniques.

Blists Hill is one of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, a Passport to all ten valid for twelve months and unlimited return visits, costs £22.50 per adult, £18.25 for the 60 plus, £14.75 for students and children and £61.50 for a family of two adults and three children aged up to 18 years in full time education; under 5s free. Individual museum entry tickets are also available.

The museums are open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm; activities and workshops vary day-to-day and some carry an extra charge in addition to the museum admission fee. For further information, contact the Ironbridge Tourist Information Centre on Tel: 01952 433 424 or visit www.ironbridge.org.uk.  The Gorge is easily reached via the M6 and M54 motorways exiting at Telford (M54 junction 4 or 6).