Events

Did you know that Norton Priory has very special fruit trees? In the Walled Garden artists from Blue Room have hidden 16 apple artworks. Can you find them all?

Pick up a free trail sheet from our tickets and information desk and head out to the Walled Garden to begin your quest.

A word to the wise… the mischievous Orchard Fairy has swapped some true heritage apples for magical varieties. Can you spot which apples are real and which have been dreamt up by Blue Room artists?

Created with support from Halton Borough Council for Halton 50.

Children must be supervised at all times.
We encourage parents and guardians to join in.
Suitable for ages 4+

This activity is included with general admission. Please note that the trail is outdoors and suitable footwear and clothing should be worn.
The Walled Garden is a 5-10 min walk from the Museum and will involve moving across uneven ground.

Under the Apple Tree is a project exploring nature, sculpture and storytelling. With support from the Henry Moore Foundation it was first developed by artist Alfred Beesley, in collaboration with fellow artists and facilitators from Blue Room, the Bluecoat’s inclusive arts project with learning disabled and neurodivergent adults.

In Spring 2023, Beesley spent time exploring the historic orchard at Norton Priory making sketches, taking photographs and capturing the texture of tree bark. He developed a collection of sculptures inspired by the life cycle of apple trees and developed a technique for creating apple sculptures using paper and yarn. While working in the studio, Beesley would often describe how he would like audiences to interact with his art, sharing magical scenarios that recall fairytales and folklore. The Blue Room team saw a perfect opportunity to share his work as part of the Bluecoat’s popular programme of creative activities for children and families. In Spring 2024, the project was shared at a special creative workshop with immersive storytelling.

Drop-in creative workshop: 10.30 - 3.30pm, Discovery Space
Storytelling trail: 11.30am & 1.30pm, meet in the atrium

Join artists from Blue Room at Norton Priory in their ‘indoor orchard’. Explore handmade artworks, see a nature inspired animation and listen to an atmospheric soundscape of birdsong. You can get creative and have a go at making your own paper and yarn apple sculpture.

You might spot a snoozing fellow in the indoor orchard, that’s the Green Man who is having a slumber in between leading quests out to the Walled Garden to find the hidden apple artworks. Can you spot them all and find out which are the true heritage apples? Which have been swapped by the Orchard Fairy for magical varieties dreamt up by Blue Room artists?

Created with support from Halton Borough Council for Halton 50.

Children must be supervised at all times.
We encourage parents and guardians to join in.
Suitable for ages 4+

This activity is included with general admission. Please note that the trail is outdoors and suitable footwear and clothing should be worn.
The Walled Garden is a 5-10 min walk from the Museum and will involve moving across uneven ground.

Under the Apple Tree is a project exploring nature, sculpture and storytelling. With support from the Henry Moore Foundation it was first developed by artist Alfred Beesley, in collaboration with fellow artists and facilitators from Blue Room, the Bluecoat’s inclusive arts project with learning disabled and neurodivergent adults.

In Spring 2023, the Beesley spent time exploring the historic orchard at Norton Priory making sketches, taking photographs and capturing the texture of tree bark. He developed a collection of sculptures inspired by the life cycle of apple trees and developed a technique for creating apple sculptures using paper and yarn. While working in the studio, Beesley would often describe how he would like audiences to interact with his art, sharing magical scenarios that recall fairytales and folklore. The Blue Room team saw a perfect opportunity to share his work as part of the Bluecoat’s popular programme of creative activities for children and families. In Spring 2024, the project was shared at a special creative workshop with immersive storytelling.

In the town of ‘Ghoooul’ (not to be confused with ‘Goole’ in Yorkshire), Dr Frankenheinz is rustling up something special for the annual Halloween cooking competition… the HALLOWBEAN!! The Dr hopes his tomatoey terror will dazzle ‘SCARY’ Berry - the most frightful food critic of them all. The only problem is his eeny beany isn’t very scary. In fact, she’s downright lovable! Uh oh. Will Halloween have to be cancelled? Or can the Hallowbean find her scare in time?

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

Coming this October, HALLOWBEAN is the brand new musical comedy from Fladam Theatre and Ben Tansey, best known for their BBC Popcorn New Writing Award nominated show ‘Green Fingers’. Following sell out performances in London, Edinburgh and at Glastonbury Festival, the gang are back with more puns, puppetry and spooktastic, singalong, silliness for all the family! (Recommended age: 3 to 11)

Tickets are £10 for Adult with a special price of £8 for members; £7 for Children (under 12); Family Tickets (2 Adults + 2 Children OR 1 Adult + 3 Children) £29

Tickets available from the Art Tickets Website

Running time: Approximately 55 minutes with no interval.

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

The performance takes place inside with the stunning and atmospheric medievil Undercroft as the backdrop. The performances start at 11:00am & 1:30pm, doors open 15 minutes before the performance to allow patrons to take their unreserved seating.

There are some spooky goings on at the Brooke Family mansion this Halloween – come and help members of the household to investigate…

Set within the hauntingly beautiful grounds, this family-friendly event invites visitors of all ages to enjoy Halloween fun in an historic setting. Venture into the eerie woodlands, encounter ghostly figures, and hear tales of the supernatural as you explore in Norton Priory's atmospheric surroundings.

With a mix of spooky storytelling, thrilling activities, and ghoulish games, "A Brooke Family Halloween" promises a memorable and eerie evening. This is a timed event, and includes a storywalk, creative kitchen experiments, animal encounters with Naomi of Animal Teach, and Victorian parlour games.

Suitable for ages 5+, tickets must be pre-booked.

Part of Discover Sundays

Norton Priory heralds in the festive season with the annual Christmas Fair. Come and stock up on early presents at the many local stalls selling Christmas gifts, food, crafts and more.

Enjoy musical entertainment and festive food and drink while you browse and soak up the seasonal atmosphere.

Tickets for this event include general admission, are only £5.00 for the day and can be purchased online in advance on Art Tickets.  Children go free! Up to three children are permitted free entry with any full paying adult.  

He may be very busy...
Checking lists...preparing gifts...checking lists again...feeding up the reindeer...polishing his boots!

But he is never too busy to visit and pop up with his favourite Elves at Norton Priory...

In Person!

With a sack full of silly stories and a chance to check which list you could be on, Father Christmas welcomes you to a Winter Warmer of family friendly giggles, noise and nonsense!

A 60 minute show that includes a chance for every family to meet, greet and chat with Father Christmas, with the help of our Elf!

Audience Quotes:
'Entertaining for children and grown ups alike'

'My face hurt from laughing'

'Thankyou so much for this priceless Christmas memory'

'Absolutely brilliant, fun for children and adults. It was just magical.'

Date: Friday 6th Dec
Show Times; 3pm, 5pm & 7pm

Join us for a heart warming evening as the Liverpool String Quartet brings Howard Blake's enchanting score to life. Narrated by the jolly Father Christmas himself, experience the magic of The Snowman like never before. Let the beautiful melodies transport you to a winter wonderland filled with wonder and joy.

Join the Liverpool String Quartet for a magical performance of Howard Blake’s beloved “The Snowman” at Norton Priory in Runcorn. This enchanting arrangement, crafted especially for the LSQ, promises to bring the magical story of The Snowman to life with this unique event.

This festive experience is perfect for families and music lovers alike, blending captivating storytelling with classical charm set against the backdrop of the Christmas tree and decorations in the stunning Atrium of Norton Priory. Don’t miss this opportunity to create lasting holiday memories with Father Christmas & the Liverpool String Quartet and the enchanting world of The Snowman.

The performances start at 5pm, 6:30pm & 8pm

doors open 15 minutes prior to the performances to allow patrons to take their unreserved seating.

Tickets are £20 for Premium Seating (front 3 rows) and £15 for Standard Unreserved Seating (rows 4 onwards) with a £2 reduction for members of Norton Priory Museum & Gardens

Running time: Approximately 45 minutes. Please note that this is not a screening of the Raymond Briggs animated film.

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

'A Christmas Carol'.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Victorian porch inside the atrium, this immersive production brings Dickens' iconic tale to life in a uniquely atmospheric setting.

Join us for an unforgettable family theatrical experience as Scrooge, the spirits, and the heartwarming characters of Victorian London come alive in this enchanting version of the classic story. This is a perfect way to embrace the festive spirit with a blend of history, drama and Christmas cheer.
Limited tickets available now.

Suitable for ages 7+

Tickets are £12 for Adults, £10 per person for members of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, £8 for Children (age 7-12), £35 for a Family. 

Running time: Approximately 1 hour with no intervall.

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

The performance takes place with the stunning Victorian Porch in the Atrium as its backdrop. The performances start at 6:00pm & 7:45pm, doors open 15 minutes before the perfomance to allow patrons to take their unreserved seating.