Hardwick Wintertide
What to expect
At this year’s Hardwick Wintertide, the theme is The Tale of Misrule and the Holly King.
Discover how the mischievous Lord of Misrule plays with tradition, preparing for his legendary party while the natural world runs riot inside the house. Will he reconcile with the Holly King and help un-muddle Hardwick before it’s too late?
Alongside the themed, festive fun, Hardwick Wintertide also offers workshops that let you get hands-on with Elizabethan-inspired crafts. Create willow and rag wreaths, try historic blackwork embroidery, or explore natural woad dyeing to make unique festive gifts.
You can also enjoy special performances, including the Eckington Singers and Storyfolk storytelling, which add some narrative magic to your visit.
Late-night openings invite you to enjoy mulled wine in the gardens while the hall glows with festive light.
Wintertide workshops and events
Willow & Rag Wreath Making- Saturday 29th November
Learn how to make a festive wreath for Christmas.
You’ll be guided through the process of weaving the willow into the wreath base to then embellish with fabrics to fluff out to achieve the desired fullness of the wreath.
This is a great workshop which can be repeated at home to get though those endless fabric scraps or breathe new life into your old clothes.
Blackwork Embroidery – Saturday 6th December
Connect with craft enthusiasts throughout history to create embroideries using a historic technique that can be seen in Hardwick’s 16th century textile collection.
The workshop will start by looking at the blackwork in the embroidery corridor with an introduction to blackwork history and will be followed by the workshop where participants can choose from the patterns provided.
Wintertide Late Nights: Eckington Singers – Saturday 6th December
Visit Hardwick Wintertide for a late night visit around Hardwick Hall. Make your visit extra magical and plan your day around the Eckington Singers. This local choir will be singing carols in the Stableyard.
Woad Dyeing Shibori Silk Scarves – Saturday 13th December
Learn the art of shibori dying using woad as a natural dye, this will give a beautiful blue hue.
The team at Hardwick will be on hand to guide you through the process on natural dyeing techniques and help you to unleash your creativity as you pick out a tie dye pattern for your scarf.
The Christmas Tudor Songbook: Live from the High Great Chamber -Tuesday 16th December
Experience history through the ears of the Elizabethans with the most beautiful music of the Elizabethan and Tudor era. Hear songs that would have been enjoyed by Bess of Hardwick.
It’s a gentle, uplifting programme with commentary that brings the era to life.
Storyfolk – Sunday 21 December
This year, celebrate the Winter Solstice and listen to songs and Midwinter tales of old from Hardwick’s Storyfolk team in Hardwick Hall.
