The Pankhurst Museum in Manchester will be getting into the Halloween spirit with Hop-tu-naa-themed open daysduring October (including half term) and the return of Nightmare on Nelson Street, back for its third and biggest instalment yet on Thursday 30 October.
Hop-tu-naa at the Pankhurst Museum, Thursday 23 October to Sunday 2 November
Hop-tu-naa is a Celtic festival, celebrated on the Isle of Man, and is believed to predate modern Halloween. The Pankhurst Museum has looked across the Irish Sea for inspiration – not only because Emmeline Pankhurst’s mother, Sophia Goulden, was born there, but also because the Isle of Man holds a significant place in women’s history as the first national parliament in the world to grant women the vote. This legacy is an important part of Emmeline Pankhurst’s own story.
To bring a flavour of Hop-tu-naa to the Pankhurst Museum, the former home of the Pankhurst family, there will be a Family Friendly apple-themed trail with clues to discoveraround the house. And in true Hop-tu-naa tradition, the house will be decorated with carved turnips, rather than pumpkins!
Visitors will also have the chance to find out more about Sophia Gouldon, her life and influence on a young Emmeline. As an activist in her own right, it was Sophia who took Emmeline to her first suffrage meeting, where she would hear leading campaigner Lydia Becker speak – planting the seeds for what would become a lifelong fight for women’s rights.
Hop-tu-naa will take place at the Pankhurst Museum on Thursday 23, Sunday 26, Thursday 30 October and Sunday 2 November, from 11am to 4pm. All the activities are included in the ticket price, which is £5 in advance, £6 on the door or free for children (0 to 15). All the booking details are here.
Nightmare on Nelson Street 3 – Thursday 30 October
You are invited to an after dark guided walk through some of Manchester’s most historic and atmospheric streets, where chilling whispers of the past set the scene for tales of spooky suffragettes, witches and mummies – stories that,surprisingly, are more rooted in fact than fiction! The walk will pass some of the city’s most iconic Victorian and Edwardian Gothic landmarks, including Manchester Royal Infirmary, St Mary’s Hospital, and Manchester University.
The group will be led by Hannah Priest, Heritage Manager at the Pankhurst Museum, and Campbell Price, Curator at Manchester Museum. Together they will unearth the city’s hidden histories. It’s the spooky season, so guests are encouraged to step out of the shadows and show off their ghoulish glad rags!
Nightmare on Nelson Street 3 starts at 6.30pm and concludes at 8.30pm over a hot Halloween brew in the cosy glow ofthe Pankhurst Museum. The evening is for 18 years+ and is designed to be spooky not scary, featuring light-hearted frights and curious tales. Tickets are £15 (plus booking fee) and bookable in advance here.
All proceeds from the events will help to support the work of the Pankhurst Trust, which oversees the Grade II listed building and ensures that it remains open as a heritage attraction. The Pankhurst Museum’s regular opening hours are every Thursday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm, for further information visit pankhurstmuseum.com
