Events

Join Mima Cornish from HedgeRose Healing for meditation in the beautiful surroundings of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens in Runcorn on select Saturday and Sunday mornings.

The sessions vary each week and take the opportunity to access the many different places and atmospheres at Norton Priory, both inside and out, to truly enjoy the present moment. All meditations will be guided, and any mindful activities will be gentle and relaxing, promoting a natural sense of peace. Suitable for all levels from beginners to experienced. Please bring a blanket.

Dates January to March 2025:

(Alongside Mars at Norton Priory): 

31st January : 11am - 12pm 

23rd February : 9am - 10am

2nd March : 11am - 12pm

Luke Jerram’s mesmerising installation Mars is coming to Norton Priory Museum and Gardens in Runcorn, Cheshire for 6 weeks from 28th January 2025 to 9th March 2025.

Following the incredible success of ‘Museum of the Moon’ in October 2021 and ‘Gaia’ in January 2024, Mars will complete the trilogy of Luke Jerram’s out-of-this world installations in Norton Priory’s impressive atrium.  Visitors will be able to view the installation from a variety of different angles, including from the mezzanine level, makes for a more intimate and personal viewing experience. 

Mars is a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram, measuring 6 metres in diameter and featuring detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface.

During the 6-week installation, opening times will allow after dark viewings of the artwork at the museum.  The museum will be open between noon and 7:00pm for the duration of Mars’ time at Norton Priory. 

During the February 2025 half term (15th-23rd February), opening times will be expanded to cover 10:00am – 7:00pm.  To book these tickets, please visit the Art Tickets website. Please note: 5-7pm on Thursday 20th February will be our "Relaxed Mars" autism friendly evening. More details here.

A carefully curated events programme will accompany Mars, including concerts, readings, storytelling, talks, meditation and mindful sessions, and a special Martian theme for February half-term activities.  

It's a perfect opportunity to step outside the everyday and experience the red planet in a truly unique setting.  Explore the magic of Mars at the museum, with free child entry for standard museum visits (charges for children will apply for special events).

Image: Mars photo by Luke Jerram

Luke Jerram’s mesmerising installation Mars is coming to Norton Priory Museum and Gardens in Runcorn, Cheshire for 6 weeks from 28th January 2025 to 9th March 2025.

Following the incredible success of ‘Museum of the Moon’ in October 2021 and ‘Gaia’ in January 2024, Mars will complete the trilogy of Luke Jerram’s out-of-this world installations in Norton Priory’s impressive atrium.  Mars is a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram, measuring 6 metres in diameter and featuring detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface.

During the 6-week installation, opening times will allow after dark viewings of the artwork at the museum.  These special ‘Night at the Museum’ tickets, allow visits between 5:00pm and 7:00pm on selected evenings.

A carefully curated events programme will accompany Mars, including concerts, readings, storytelling, talks, meditation and mindful sessions, and a special Martian theme for February half-term activities.

It's a perfect opportunity to step outside the everyday and experience the red planet in a truly unique setting.  Explore the magic of Mars at the museum, with free child entry for standard museum visits (charges for children will apply for special events).

Image: Mars photo by Luke Jerram

Join Mima Cornish of Hedgerose Healing in the atrium of Norton Priory for special meditation sessions with the backdrop of Luke Jerram's Mars.

The sessions vary each week and take the opportunity to truly enjoy the present moment. All meditations will be guided, and any mindful activities will be gentle and relaxing, promoting a natural sense of peace. Suitable for all levels from beginners to experienced. Please bring a blanket.

Meditation dates:

• Sunday 23rd February, 9am-10am

• Sunday 2nd March, 11am-12pm

Help create a special Space Garden for Mars inspired by the CBBC programme The Clangers. Visitors of all ages will be able to take part in some drop-in workshops to help add to the Mars space garden. Add your kind thought to our Kindness Tree, make large scale space flowers, create planet style pom poms to hang in the space garden or take home. Help Tiny Clanger create paper notes inspired by the Clangers Music Tree to hang on the large tree cut outs or create a smaller version to take home.

You will also be able to follow the Clangers trail as Tiny Clanger investigates interesting objects around the museum.

• Sun 2 Feb – create large scale space flowers and pebble paper shapes

• Sun 9th Feb – create planet style pom-poms

• Sun 23rd Feb – create paper notes to hang on the Music Tree

This event is part of Discover Sundays 2025 so will be included with general admission to Norton Priory Museum and Gardens and children go free at Norton Priory! With every adult general admission ticket, up to 3 children can visit our site for free! Additional children will need an admission ticket.

Join us to ‘Explore the Solar System’ alongside Luke Jerram's  ‘Mars’ at Norton Priory.

We welcome Dr Steve Barrett, from the Department of Physics at the University of Liverpool, to deliver three fascinating talks on this special evening:

I: Robots on Mars. 

Rovers have been exploring the surface of Mars for over 25 years. The latest generation of rovers is looking for signs of past life and is collecting rock, soil and atmosphere samples for return to Earth.

II: Spacecraft

We have visited every major body in the solar system by sending spacecraft across billions of miles. These unmanned probes have mapped dozens of planets and moons and sent back incredible images.

III: Telescopes

Since Galileo first turned his telescope on the night sky, we have been using telescopes with ever larger apertures to observe and study all types of object in the solar system.

All three talks will be included in the ticket price for the evening.  Each talk lasts around 25 minutes.  Ticket prices are as follows: Adults £10.00, Children £5.00, Members £1 discount off both ticket types. 

Hedges can be a haven for wildlife, providing shelter, protection, nesting sites and sources of food. Many popular species of our wildlife love hedges, including hedgehogs, small mammals, bats, small song birds and invertebrates.

We are running a hands-on hedge laying course. Learn this ancient craft by laying the hedge around our pear orchard, providing you with the skills to lay your own hedges.

Ignacio Lopez:

Juan Solo’s Excellent Adventures in Space!

(Family-friendly sci-fi stand-up show)

Join Live At The Apollo’s Ignacio Lopez (Juan Solo) on a daring journey through the galaxy, in his rust bucket of a ship, the Millennial Falcon!

Juan's tasked with transporting 100 humans to the Galactic Holiday Empire’s latest resort! The empire has been very clear that No Children Are Allowed. Children discovered onboard will be vaporised and, worst of all, Juan won’t get paid!

Every passenger will receive full training, safety protocol, entertainment from our resident comedians and probably won’t be vaporised. Expect sarcasm, stand-up comedy and silliness in this chaotic, interactive adventure show!

★★★★★ “CHARMING, CHARISMATIC, HILARIOUS. WILL HAVE YOU LEAVING WITH A SMILE ON YOUR FACE” - Deadline News

★★★★ “SARCASTIC, WITTY, ANIMATED, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, HILARIOUS” -Entertainment Now

★★★★ “FINELY CRAFTED SILLINESS. HIGHLY RELATABLE. HILARIOUS. GO TO THIS IF YOU WANT TO GIVE YOUR KIDS A PRETTY FIRST RATE INTRODUCTION TO STAND-UP COMEDY” - ThreeWeeks

Suitable for ages 5+

Tickets are £12 for Adults (£10 per person for members of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens.), £10 for Children under 14, £40 for a Family Ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children or 1 Adult + 3 Children)

Running time: Approximately 1 hour with no interval. The performance starts at 5:30pm, doors open at 5:15pm to allow patrons to take their unreserved seating.

Car parking is free and a range of alcohlic and non-alcoholic refreshments will be available to purchase from the onsite café.

This event has been selected by Norton Priory's artistic directors as part of the Mars programming. Luke Jerram's stunning 6m 'Mars' installation will form the backdrop for this hilarious show.

Spain’s Best Export™ Ignacio Lopez is on a mission to destroy himself, and build a better version; Leaner. Smarter. Funnier. Join the star of Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, Comedy Central, QI, House of Games and more, for a riotously funny exploration of vices, intrusive thoughts, and self improvement.

Expect an armada of playful, wicked humour from the exotic outsider comedian, as he tries to identify his faults and how to improve; Is it worth going to the gym? Can you be addicted to technology? Do you know what happens if you give spiders drugs? Ignacio uses his razor-sharp wit, and effortless charm to tackle these questions and a bunch of other irrelevant horsesh*t.

★★★★★ “CHARMING, CHARISMATIC, HILARIOUS. WILL HAVE YOU LEAVING WITH A SMILE ON YOUR FACE” - Deadline News

★★★★½ “A COMEDIC GENIUS AT WORK. IF YOU ENJOY SHARP WIT MIXED WITH A DOSE OF THE RIDICULOUS, ’SEÑOR SELF DESTRUCT’ IS A MUST SEE” - One4Review

★★★★ “SARCASTIC, WITTY, ANIMATED, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, HILARIOUS” -Entertainment Now

★★★★ “AFFABLE, SEAMLESSLY DELIVERED, GREAT GAGS” - Mumble Comedy

★★★★ “UNIQUE & HILARIOUS” - BUZZ Magazine

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Suitable for ages 12+

Tickets are £18 for Adults (£16 per person for members of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens.)

Running time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes with a 20 minute interval. The performance starts at 8:00pm, doors open at 7:30pm to allow patrons to take their unreserved seating.

Car parking is free and non-alcoholic refreshments will be available to purchase before the show and during the interval.

This event has been selected by Norton Priory's artistic directors as part of the Mars programming. Luke Jerram's stunning 6m 'Mars' installation will form the backdrop for this hilarious show.

Popular storyteller Rogan Mills leads these two captivating story sessions, bringing an exciting mix of space themed tales to Norton Priory. 

Visitors will be able to view Luke Jerram’s ‘Mars’ as the spectacular backdrop to this event, while Rogan’s stories transport you to far and distant galaxies, to visit strange planets and meet alien life. 

This event is aimed at families and children of all ages.

A unique yoga session, performed in the atrium of the museum visitor centre with Mars providing a memorable backdrop. The red glow will create a quite calm, whilst Sylvie leads you in a beautifully relaxing and uplifting session. Her calm and easy-going approach will give you a nurturing yoga experience that is truly out of this world!

Attendees should wear warm, comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat. A few yoga mats will be available on the night if needed.

Journey into our universe with members of Liverpool Astronomical Society, to observe our nearest planetary neighbours. 

There will be space themed creative activities, telescopes to observe the Sun and other planets, and short talks about the solar system during the course of the day.  

From 5 till 7pm, as part of 'Nights at the museum with Mars', gather outside on the Medieval ruins with Liverpool Astronomy Society members to observe the night sky in a 'join in stargazing' experience, and hope to see Mars rising in the south (clear skies dependent!).  General admission tickets from 10am till 7pm are valid for this event.  

Evening admission tickets are available for those wishing to attend 'Nights at the museum with Mars' only on this day from 5pm till 7pm.  Purchase via Art Tickets Here.     

Journey into our universe with members of Liverpool Astronomical Society, to observe our nearest planetary neighbours. 

There will be space based creative activities, telescopes to observe the Sun and other planets and short talks about the solar system during the course of the day.  

From 5 till 7pm, as part of 'Nights at the museum with Mars', gather outside on the Medieval ruins with Liverpool Astronomy Society members to observe the night sky in a 'join in stargazing' experience, and hope to see Mars rising in the south (clear skies dependent!). 

Evening admission tickets are available for those wishing to attend 'Nights at the museum with Mars' only on this day from 5pm till 7pm.  General admission tickets from 10am till 7pm are also valid for this event.  Purchase via Art Tickets here. 

A space themed family fun day with out of this world activities as part of Discover Sundays.

Join us at Norton Priory for a space themed family fun day. There will be a galaxy of hands-on interactive activities from alien slime making to an amazing planetarium experience. A stellar blend of art and science.

A small selection of stalls will be available to purchase space related goodies.

Come along and learn about space, have fun, and view Luke Jerram’s MARS art installation.

This event is part of Discover Sundays 2025 so will be included with general admission to Norton Priory Museum and Gardens and children go free at Norton Priory! With every adult general admission ticket, up to 3 children can visit our site for free! Additional children will need an admission ticket.

The Liverpool String Quartet performs Shostakovich under the gaze of Mars.

We are delighted to welcome back Norton Priory’s Ensemble in Residence – The Liverpool String Quartet. Under the gaze of Luke Jerram’s ‘Mars’ it seems fit that they are performing one of the great String Quartets – Shostakovich’s String Quartet No 3 the ‘War Quartet’. The programme will include other pieces suited to the spectacular setting.

At the premiere, given by the Beethoven Quartet in Moscow in December of 1946, it was presented as a programmatic “war quartet.” Its five movements contained the subtitles, “Calm unawareness of the future cataclysm,” “Rumblings of unrest and anticipation,” “The forces of war unleashed,” “Homage to the dead,” and “The eternal question: Why? And for what?” Immediately after the performance, Shostakovich withdrew the subtitles, without explanation. The programmatic titles imply music appropriate for a propagandistic newsreel. Strangely, they seem designed to conceal the Quartet’s true depth and drama.

Premium seating is available in the front 3 rows with the best views of the stage and 'Mars'. Tickets from £20 for Adults (£18 per person for members of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens.), £16 for Children under 16.

Running time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes with a 20 minute interval. The performance starts at 7:30pm, doors open at 7:00pm to allow patrons to take their unreserved seating.

Car parking is free and non-alcoholic refreshments will be available to purchase before the performance and during the interval.

This event has been selected by Norton Priory's artistic directors as part of the Mars programming. Luke Jerram's stunning 6m 'Mars' installation will form the backdrop for this stunning show.

Blast off into your creative space with our Mars and Space-Themed Crafts! Join us for a fun-filled session where families can explore the wonders of the Red Planet through hands-on crafts on Monday and Tuesday in February half term! 

These crafts are included with general admission and are a perfect chance for families to view Mars! Plus children go free! For every full-priced adult ticket, up to three children can visit for free (if more than 3 children are attending with one paying adult, the relevant number of Additional Child Tickets must be purchased).

Crafts include:

• Build a Mars Mobile: Create a hanging display of Mars and its moons, Phobos and Deimos.
• Create a DIY Telescope: Decorate a cardboard telescope with red cellophane to explore the surface of Mars!
• Construct a Rocket: Design and decorate your own rocket to take your mind on a journey through space with fins, flames, and a shiny silver cone.
• Design a Mars Paper Plate Collage: Craft a textured Mars masterpiece using all manner of materials on a paper plate.
• Space Art Station: Dock at our Space Art Station to enjoy themed colouring sheets and create your own space drawings.

Mars photo by Luke Jerram.

Opera singer Nicola Mills and pianist Maria King bring us some family favourite music for half term, performed in front of the memorable backdrop of Mars. Come and be entertained by a mix of classic and popular songs, alongside the opportunity to view Luke Jerram's stunning artwork.

Join Fladam Theatre (best known for their award nominated show ‘Green Fingers ‘and spooky hit ‘Hallowbean’) for an intergalactic musical adventure for the whole family. Packed with awesome aliens, rib-tickling robots, and interplanetary puns!

Norma’s piano playing is out of this world… and so is she! Norma dreams of going into space, like her hero Mae Jemison. But children can’t go into space, can they? Especially children who have a very important piano recital coming up. But what’s that odd looking gadget Grandpa’s been tinkering with in his inventing shed? The one with wings and rocket boosters. Is it a bird? Or a plane? No… it’s a piano?! But this isn’t any ordinary piano. This is a COSMIC piano! Maybe Norma’s dreams are about to come true? Join ‘Fladam Theatre’ (best known for their award nominated show ‘Green Fingers’ and spooky hit ‘Hallowbean’) for an intergalactic musical adventure for the whole family. Packed with awesome aliens, rib-tickling robots, and interplanetary puns!

Our artistic directors, A Place for Us Theatre, are delighted to host this spaced out show in front of Luke Jerram’s majestic Mars installation in the atrium at Norton Priory.

Recommended for ages 3+.

★★★★★

‘Fladam’ are the most amazing, hilarious musical comedy duo' (BBC Radio).

Come and join staff and students from the University of Liverpool in this interactive workshop.  Have a go at navigating a Lego space rover by remote control. See the effect of the time delay between the Earth, the Moon and Mars and experiment with automation rules based on ideas from artificial intelligence programming. Suitable for 7 to 14 year olds.

Ticket numbers are very limited for this event, so pre-booking is essential. 

Lego Rovers was developed by the Department of Computer Science at the University of Liverpool and funded by the University of Liverpool and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

Sessions run:

• 2.00pm to 3.30pm
• 4.00 to 5.30pm

Because we appreciate that busy and noisy environments can be challenging for some people, we are holding a relaxed viewing of Mars. We will be taking several measures to support autistic and neurodiverse visitors in enjoying Mars, including:

• The soundtrack that accompanies Mars will be reduced to quiet background music.

• A written guide has been produced to help visitors know what to expect, available below.

• Staff working on the day will be briefed on the event and given information based on advice provided by the National Autistic Society.

• Lighting will be at as consistent a level as possible throughout the building.

• A retreat space will be available for anyone who needs to take a break and sit down.

• Ticket and visitor numbers will be limited.

This event will be charged at the same admission rates as the Night at the Museum with Mars evenings (£4.50 for adults, up to 3 children free per adult).

You can get the guide to prepare for the evening here.

A visual guide for the event will be made available once the Mars  installation is in place

Adults £4.50 when pre-booking, £5 on the door. Up to 3 children free per paying adult, members free.

Join us on an intergalactic bath time voyage with this workshop from Lush cosmetics!

A member of staff from Lush will guide you through each step to make your own Intergalactic bath bomb! Coloured in gorgeous pink, yellow and cobalt blue, and filled with scents of peppermint and grapefruit, this is one of their bestsellers. Enjoy making your own at this special event at Norton Priory!

There are two sessions available, one open to children and families and one for ages 17 and up for anyone wanting a grown-up treat! Ticket prices also include general admission to Norton Priory Museum & Gardens on the day, including viewing of Luke Jerram’s Mars installation in the museum.

Session times:

• 12:00 – open to ages 5 and up

• 2.30 – ages 17 and up only!

Please note: “supervising adult” tickets are for adults accompanying a child and are charged at general admission prices and can be found under children's tickets on the booking screen. They will not make their own bath bomb. Maximum one supervising adult ticket per child.

Suitable for ages 5+ only.

This exciting evening talk is delivered by Professor Sanjeev Gupta, from Imperial College London.  Professor Gupta is a science team member on NASA's Perseverance rover and Curiosity rover missions.  His work in the last decade has focused on exploring the geology of Mars.

We send robots to Mars in general to search for evidence for extraterrestrial life, in particular ancient life. Sedimentary rocks are the ‘go to’ archives for this search. What was the Martian landscape like early in Mars’ history – deep time Mars - at a time when life is thought to have got going on Earth?  Were ancient environments on Mars suitable for life to have formed, flourished and its evidence preserved in the rock record? 

On February 18 2021, NASA’s Perseverance rover successfully landed at Jezero crater on Mars in a nail-biting landing sequence. The mission represents the most complex, capable rover ever sent to Mars. It is also the first step in a multi-stage campaign to return surface samples back to Earth in order to seek signs of ancient life on the red planet. 

In this talk professor Gupta will discuss the adventures of the rover in its geological exploration of Jezero crater. 

Tickets are priced at £12 adults (£11 members), and £6 children (£5 members).  

Life on Mars: In Concert

Blending live performances by established artists and talented performing arts young people from A Place For Us Theatre in a spectacular concert in front of the stunning Mars installation at Norton Priory. Celebrating human creativity, curiosity and the drive to explore the unknown, through music by some of the best known artists and musicians to create an unforgettable tribute to the Red Planet.

Featuring iconic space-themed anthems such as ‘Rocket Man’, ‘Starlight’ and of course, the epic ‘Life on Mars’ by David Bowie.

Standard tickets are £20 for Adults, £16 for Children under 16. Premium tickets (rows 1-3) are available at £25 for adults and £18 for children. Members tickets are available.

Running time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes with a 20 minute interval. The performance starts at 7:30pm, doors open at 7:00pm to allow patrons to take their unreserved seating.

Car parking is free and non-alcoholic refreshments will be available to purchase before the performance and during the interval.

This event has been selected by Norton Priory's artistic directors as part of the Mars programming. Luke Jerram's stunning 6m 'Mars' installation will form the backdrop for this spectacular show.

Popular storyteller Rogan Mills leads these two captivating story sessions, bringing an exciting mix of space themed tales to Norton Priory. 

Visitors will be able to view Luke Jerram’s ‘Mars’ as the spectacular backdrop to this event, while Rogan’s stories transport you to far and distant galaxies, to visit strange planets and meet alien life. 

This event is part of Discover Sundays 2025 so will be included with general admission to Norton Priory Museum and Gardens. Timings are from 12.30pm till 3.30pm. The tales are aimed at families and children of all ages. Children go free at Norton Priory! With every adult general admission ticket, up to 3 children can visit our site for free! Additional children will need an admission ticket.

Join us in the stunning atrium of Norton Priory for a truly unique experience that brings the cosmos to life. Dances of the Planets invites you into a journey inspired by the orbits and energies of our closest celestial neighbours, Mars and Venus.

Under the awe-inspiring installation of Luke Jerram’s Mars in the atrium, we’ll move through a cycle of circle dances and guided meditations. The first half will reflect strength and bold energy of Mars, and in the second half, we will connect with the harmonious peace of Venus.

Cindy and Adrian of Myrriadd dance are well known and well-loved dance teachers who offer a wide range of traditional dances from many cultures and modern choreographies. They combine clear teaching styles with a sense of humour, and have a special ability to create a more reflective vision of the energy of the movements. Many of you will have enjoyed their clear instructions and inclusive dances at Summer and Winter events at Norton Priory.

Mima Cornish is Norton Priory’s resident meditation leader, and mystic. She creates connections through art, mindfulness, nature and healing.

Don’t miss this extraordinary evening of connection, rhythm, and cosmic inspiration! Suitable for all abilities

 Please note this event is suitable for people 16 years old and above.

Mars photo (c) White Night Riga

The Band and Drums of Cheshire Constabulary will be hosting an out-of-this-world brass band concert under the Red Planet.

Join us for a delightful evening as we welcome the Band and Drums of Cheshire Constabulary back for a special space themed musical extravaganza. The talented band will be performing a lively selection of space themed music under the red glow of Mars.

A hands-on workshop to learn about grafting fruit trees from our expert. Graft a couple of small apple trees to take home using Norton Priory's heritage apple varieties.

In this lecture, Dr Marina Escolano-Poveda will explore how the Egyptians conceptualised the planets, particularly Mars.

The ancient Egyptians were fascinated with the heavens since the beginning of their history. They tracked the risings and settings of the stars, they reckoned time according to the cycles of the Sun and the Moon, and they identified the planets as entities that moved differently from other celestial bodies. In this lecture, we will explore how the Egyptians conceptualised the planets, and will focus in particular on the planet Mars in its different manifestations from the ceilings of tombs and temples of the New Kingdom to the astronomical tables and horoscopes of the Graeco-Roman period.

Dr Marina Escolano-Poveda is a Senior Lecturer in Classics/Ancient History and Egyptology at the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology of the University of Liverpool. Her research focuses on the literature, religion, philosophy, and society of Graeco-Roman Egypt. She currently works on the analysis of Graeco-Egyptian astronomical/astrological and early alchemical sources, as well as the Greek Hermetica from an Egyptological perspective.

Photo Ahmed Amin, copyright MoTA

Resonance of Mars: Sound Healing Gong Bath - Led by Anna Newman of Expansion Breath & Sound

This gong bath is designed to send you into a deeply relaxed state, where our dominant brain waves change to the slower frequencies of Alpha or Theta, which can induce an altered state of consciousness. You may find that you have a visual, physical or emotional journey during the sound bath and this is completely normal, as the lower brain frequencies create a dream like state. We regularly fluctuate between different brain frequencies throughout the day, which is important for our health and wellbeing, so this is a very normal but slightly more prolonged version of our relaxation mode.

You will need to bring a mat to lie on (chairs can be provided if lying down isn’t possible for you), a warm blanket and a pillow. Please wear loose comfortable clothing and bring a bottle of water with you. Please see below a list of things to be aware of before booking this Gong Bath Experience.

Anna is a hugely passionate sound therapist, professional musician and Transformational Breath® facilitator. Through her work as a classical musician and breathwork facilitator, where music is a crucial part of the journey, Anna has always been struck by the way people react to different styles and sounds of music, and has always used music herself to soothe, to galvanise, and to release emotions, which led her down the path of becoming a sound therapist.

Tickets are £20 for Adults (£18 per person for members of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens.),

Running time: Approximately 1 hour with no interval. The Gong Bath starts at 7:30pm, doors open at 7pm to allow you to get comfortable in the space before the session starts.

This event has been selected by Norton Priory's artistic directors as part of the Mars programming. Luke Jerram's stunning 6m Mars installation will form the backdrop for this relaxing event.

The gong bath may not be suitable for the following:

• Women in first trimester of pregnancy

• Anyone with a severe mental health diagnosis, such as Schizophrenia, Dis-associative disorder, psychosis etc.

• Children under the age of 14 (all children over 14 to be accompanied by a responsible adult)

The War of the Worlds By H.G. Wells

Read and Performed by Gav Cross with original Soundtrack by Chris Bastock

Don’t miss the World Premiere of this extraordinary reimagining of The War of the Worlds, where past and future collide in a gripping, atmospheric production that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Step into the heart of one of the most iconic science fiction stories ever written, as The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells is brought to life in a thrilling new abridged reading by Gav Cross. This 90-minute performed reading, in the style of a Victorian theatre experience, captures the terror and urgency of a world thrown into chaos by the might of a Martian invasion.

Accompanied by an original soundtrack by Chris Bastock, co-artistic director of A Place for Us, the production is underscored by a richly atmospheric soundscape that heightens the tension and drama at every turn. Bastock’s score, following his celebrated work on Macbeth at Shakespeare North and in the Woodland Theatre, amplifies the energy and suspense as humanity flees from the Martian invaders.

This production offers a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. Norton Priory, with its historic grounds, becomes an eerie and fitting stage for this science fiction tale, transporting audiences between the timeless elegance of Victorian storytelling and the terrifying unknown of a Martian invasion. The powerful visual and atmospheric drama of this setting promises an unforgettable evening of theatre.

Delivered as a rehearsed Victorian reading, Gav Cross’s performance pays homage to the storytelling traditions of the past, while immersing audiences in the high-stakes terror of Wells’ novel. With its focus on the suffering of innocents in the face of overwhelming technological might, this production captures themes of war, survival, and fear that remain just as relevant today as when the book was first published.

Gav Cross returns to Norton Priory following his sold-out performance of After Supper Ghost Stories. His distinctive Tony storytelling style, paired with Bastock’s dynamic soundtrack, guarantees a performance full of tension, energy, and immersive storytelling.

Premium seating is available in the front 3 rows with the best views of the stage and 'Mars'. Tickets from £20 for Adults (£18 per person for members of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens.), £16 for Children under 16. Suitable for age 12+ suggested

Running time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes with a 20 minute interval. The performance starts at 7:30pm, doors open at 7:00pm to allow patrons to take their unreserved seating.

Car parking is free and non-alcoholic refreshments will be available to purchase before the performance and during the interval. The Artistic Directors of A Place for Us Theatre are proud to be hosting this amazing production with Norton Priory Museum & Gardens.

Nicola Mills accompanied by Maria King bring the Mars art installation to a stunning close with some well-known music from Mozart to the Beatles.

From Mozart and Puccini to The Beatles and Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Nicola Mills brings ‘opera for the people’ amongst other well- known favourites. Accompanied by Maria King, Nicola make a welcome return to Norton Priory to give us a spectacular closing event to the Mars art installation.

Car parking is free and non-alcoholic refreshments will be available to purchase before the performance and during the interval.

Luke Jerram's stunning 6m 'Mars' installation will form the backdrop for this wonderful closing show.

Running time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes with a 20 minute interval. The performance starts at 8.00pm, doors open at 7:30pm to allow patrons to take their unreserved seating.

The Easter Bunny has been spotted hopping through Norton Priory Woodland. Where have they gone?

Join our family friendly storywalk in our beautiful springtime woodland and help the grumpy gardener hunt for the Easter Bunny.

Walk starting times:

• 11.30pm
• 12.30pm
• 2.00pm
• 3.00pm

Please meet in the atrium prior to your chosen time. This event takes place in Norton Priory woodland. Though we will be following the paths, we recommend suitable footwear and weather appropriate clothing.

Book in advance to secure your place, a limited number of tickets may be available on the day on a first come, first served basis. Bring up to 3 children age 0-16 on the bunny hunt for only £2 each with an adult paying general admission. Additional children will need to pay general admission plus £2 for the bunny hunt

Orchard Blossom Day is the annual celebration of fruit trees, orchards, blossom, and food. Celebrated at the end of April/start of May (when orchards look their best), it is a chance to celebrate orchards and the coming harvest.

Did you know? Norton Priory is home to the National Collection of tree quince, as well as dozens of varieties of apple, plus pears, plums, damsons, medlars, and many other varieties of fruit. We've also recently planted the new Oldfield Orchard, filled with local heritage varieties of apple from Cheshire and Lancashire. We have plenty to celebrate about Norton Priory's beautiful orchards!

Join us on Sunday 4th May for family-friendly crafts, tours of Norton Priory's orchards, themed trails, and a blossom-spotters guide!

Included with general admission: crafts such as blossom head band making from 12-3pm, themed trails and our blossom-spotters guide!

Bookable sessions: tours of Norton Priory'sn orchards with our Ranger, Paul Quigley, more details coming soon!

A day to celebrate both Norton Priory's honeybees and wild pollinators!

We love bees at Norton Priory! As well as keeping honeybees, we try to provide a habitat for a range of wild pollinators, including bumblebees and solitary bees.

Learn about the different bees at Norton Priory with activities in the museum and at the Walled Garden. Included with admission will be a range of bee-themed activities and crafts.

More details soon

Seek out new and unusual plants to make your garden stand out in 2025! With a range of specialist nurseries providing a myriad of beautiful plants, this event is one of the most popular in Norton Priory's annual calendar.

It's £1.00 per person to visit the Plant Hunters' Fair, or purchase the special 'Early Bird Ticket' priced at just £8.50 for each adult visitor (up to three 0-16 year olds are admitted with each 'Early Bird' adult). This Early Bird ticket includes access to the stunning 2.5 acre Georgian Walled Garden, the main museum building and medieval undercroft, and acres of woodland walks.

With free car parking and Norton Priory's onsite Brooke Cafe, it makes for the perfect day out.

The following specialist nurseries will be attending on the day (more to be added):

A Love Blossoms Garden accessories, stakes, planters, garden wall decorations and more

ChickenStreet Grasses and herbaceous perennials for naturalistic plantings

Dibleys The Houseplant Specialists: over 150 RHS Gold medals including 33 Chelsea Golds NEW

Eastoft Echeveria Tender Echeveria, Graptopetalum, Pachyphytum, Sedums & Interspecific hybrids Hardy Sedum, Delosperma and various alpine plants NEW

Freddie's Flowers Fresh Flowers Delivered As A One-Off Gift Or Regular Subscription NEW

Hoyland Plant Centre Agapanthus, Amarines, Nerines, Tulbaghia, Dierama , Arisaema and Scadoxus. National Collection Holders,RHS Medalists NEW

Kilned Earth Premium quality Cretan terracotta pots containing herbs and rare plants NEW

Mayfields Plants Wide range of bee and butterfly-friendly cottage garden perennials.

Meadowmakers Wildflower and native tree plants and plugs

Penmere Plants Hardy, half-hardy and species Fuchsia.

Pottertons Nursery Alpines, Dwarf Bulbs and Woodland Plants RHS Gold Medalists

Primrose Bank Wide range of perennial plants RHS Gold Medalists

Priorswood Clematis Clematis. RHS Medalists NEW

Stonyford Cottage Nursery Moist and shade loving plants, some Exotics and Alpines including Sempervivums.

The Gobbett Nursery Shrubs, perennials inc Iris, Cornus, Syringa in season RHS Medalists

Join us for an outside performance with a difference on the remains of medieval Norton Priory and learn the answers to some of the big questions in life. Who is the God of dog poo bags? How did the microwave get its ping? What ancient crime was Marmite the punishment for… And why was it inflicted upon us?

Senior academics of history, and rather silly men, Professor Doctor Lee Hithersay and Doctor Professor Robert Rhys Bond, forge three new myths from the unhinged minds of their audience - and a boatload of cardboard props!

Will it be Greek? Viking? Ancient Babylonian? They haven’t a clue! That’s all up to you. Help shape the stories and even become the hero yourself (if you want, no pressure) in this EPIC interactive experience!

The renowned Rubbish Shakespeare Company and Silly History Boys present a hilarious hour of high-octane adventure for children and childish adults. Featuring clowning, storytelling, physical comedy, live music and more. 

You’d be mad to myth it! 

The Story Forge is part of Norton Priory's Summer of Stories programming for 2025.

Norton Priory Museum and Gardens welcomes Illyria's sparkling production of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' as part of the 'Summer of Stories' programme.  This outdoor theatre production will be performed on the medieval remains of Norton Priory's cloister.

With her tongue firmly in her cheek, Jane Austen tells us “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Mrs Bennet certainly thinks so. So when Mr Bingley – single, young, handsome, and with £5,000 a year – moves into nearby Netherfield Park, she devotes all her energy to contriving for Jane, the eldest of her five daughters, to meet him during rural Hertfordshire’s whirlwind of social balls.

But even Mrs Bennet draws the line at Mr Bingley’s disdainful friend Mr Darcy despite his whopping £10,000 a year. Thank heavens Lizzy, her second daughter, finds him detestable too! Or does she…? Can she see beyond his pride – and could he overcome her prejudice – to consider a possible future together?

Following seven sell-out seasons of this sparkling adaptation, award-winning Illyria prepares to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in style. Bring a picnic and enjoy her at her vibrant, forthright, bitchy best! Running time: 140-minutes (approximately), including a 20-minute interval. Suitable for all ages.