Today was my first ever visit to Beamish Museum. All of my family have been several times and so I was feeling a liitle guilty but delighted to have been invited to take part in the Georgian Fair. The organisers wanted an authentic Punch and Judy Show and decided that mine fitted the bill. On arrival I had to report to the costume department to collect my custom made outfit. I’d sent in my sizes a few weeks before and they had made a costume specially for me. I tried it on and when I looked in the mirror it reminded me of David Essex, a pop star from the seventies. I gave the ladies a quick rendition of ” Gonna make you a star ” and contemplated applying for Britain’s Got talent but was advised not to bother. Some people just don’t recognise a good thing when they see it.

I was given a map and set off in my car to find the location of the Fair. Beamish is a huge place and the locations are spread out over a wide area. It was a lovely, warm sunny day and I could really appreciate the beauty of the place. Woodland, pastures, rolling countryside and winding pathways.

I arrived to find people busily setting up stalls and preparing for the arrival of the general public at 10am. I was given my pitch and quickly set up my Punch and Judy Show and then took my car back to the Resource Centre car park. I noticed that great attention was being paid to detail and everyone seemed very keen and interested in what they were doing.

Once the gates were open to the public Beamish came alive and there were large numbers of visitors arriving to join in the fun. There was a great atmosphere and everyone form the very young to the elderly were enjoying themselves. I did six shows and had a large appreciative audience everytime. Children and adults joined in enthusiastically.

The Museum closed at 5pm and it was time to pack up and go home. What a good day it had been. I would certainly recommend Beamish as somewhere to go for a great day out.

Punch and Judy at the Georgian Fair

Beamish is a beautiful place

Authentic costumes ( Ron centre )

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