Find something new as the season changes
AFTER the heat of the summer months, September brings a freshness as the new school year begins and we move towards the autumn and the shift to spending more time inside.
As children and young people head into a new school year, it’s often a time for many of us to try something new, to explore, to experience and to be stimulated, and to learn.
The Wilson re-opened in July bringing new-look spaces and refreshed galleries, the Wilson Kitchen arts café, new events and activities for all ages and the whole community.
There’s so much to explore and experience, to take in, to try and to savour.
The Wilson recently announced the popular Honeymoon Swing Band as its first resident band, bringing gypsy jazz and swing once a month. Catch them on Saturday, September 10 from 12.30pm.
The Wilson’s opening exhibition, National Museum Scotland’s national touring Body Beautiful: Diversity on the Catwalk is free to visit and closes in Cheltenham on October 2. The exhibition looks at how fashion is embracing body positivity and inclusivity with pieces on show by leading designers including Vivienne Westwood and John Paul Gaultier.
Complementing the exhibition and its theme, acclaimed burlesque performer Kitty Ribbons brings a unique workshop to The Wilson on September 24 that focuses on female confidence and empowerment through feminine styling. Kitty encourages women to realise their potential and boost their self-esteem. Places are limited for this special event, which can be booked now online at cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk
Cheltenham Untold is a new gallery dedicated to the people and places which have created and contributed to the evolution and development of Cheltenham, the events and characters that have formed its story, a fascinating collection for the community, and visitors, to explore.
Why not create your own story, develop and expand your own horizons, and learn something new this autumn. It could be seeing Cheltenham in a different light, through a camera lens on a photographic walk with artist and photographer Jussara Nazare, or learning a new skill with The Wilson’s metals and enamelling for jewellery course, which starts on September 9.
For younger visitors there’s a wealth of activities and events this autumn from the popular tots and tales story telling sessions to the monthly puppet making and storytelling with Bee’s Puppet Club, on the last Sunday of each month, open to under 12s.
Into The Night is another new children’s activity at The Wilson, on October 22 and 23, where young visitors can experience nocturnal taxidermy at night, exploring some of the taxidermy pieces from the museum’s collection in the dimly lit environment of the Foyle. Young explorers will be able to learn more about these special creatures, complete with drawing equipment, scientific notes activity sheets and torches - everything for an adventure.
Autumn brings with it the fun and spookiness of Halloween including the chance to experience a spooktacular Night at the Museum Halloween party on Saturday, October 29 with two witching hours of activities, crafts and games in The Wilson Kitchen cafe and the Foyle Learning Centre. Spooky costumes are encouraged.
For more information and to book on to the host of events, visit cheltenhammuseum.org.uk/