Join us for a special Christmas at The Workhouse, Southwell which this year takes place over two days, Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 December. The National Trust property will be celebrating highlights from the past year and there are also traditional seasonal favourites for visitors to enjoy.

Come and stir the Figgie pudding while listening to the paupers in the kitchen, see rag rugs being made or sit in on a Christmas themed school lesson. Gather round the fire and listen to stories from ‘The Voices of the Poor’, accounts of life in the institution. There’s a Twelve Days of Christmas trail and children’s crafts will be on offer with cornucopias, Christingles and lantern-making among the Victorian themed activities. Create a paper bird, write a Christmas wish and hang it on the tree. Have a go at making your own lantern and then join in the procession down the paupers’ path at 3.30pm each day.

The Workhouse choir, accompanied by the harmonium, will be encouraging visitors to sing along to traditional carols. A girls’ choir from the Minster School, Southwell will be performing on Saturday at 3pm. If you are feeling hungry the café will be open and mulled wine and mince pies will also be available. The shop will be stocked with seasonal goods to cater for any last minute gift ideas.

The overall winner of the year-long exhibition ‘The History of The Workhouse in 20 objects’ will be announced and all the winners from the four rounds will be on show. See if the winner got your vote?

Some of the partner organisations who have worked with The Workhouse over the past year on the theme ‘What is Home?’ will be contributing to the Christmas event. The Bare Project, the creative fellows for the year, will show a film of their multi-sensory performance ‘Dangerous or Otherwise’ created in association with Newark Emmaus Trust. Young people from Minster View, the local children’s home, will be making a creative contribution and once again there will be a foodbank, this year in aid of Newark Emmaus Trust.

We will also be celebrating the contribution made by Workhouse volunteers over the year. Their wide-ranging skills and relentless enthusiasm enable us to deliver the varied programme of activities. Maybe you will be inspired to make a New Year’s resolution to join them?

Please book tickets priced £5 (plus 5% booking fee) by calling 0344 249 1895 or see: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-workhouse-southwell

The Workhouse is now closed (except for the Christmas event 2 and 3 December) and will reopen for the 2108 season on Saturday 10 February.