A large number of visitors and some fantastic performances meant Dronfield Hall Barn’s open weekend was an occasion to remember.
The barn, which dates from 1430 and officially opened earlier this year, has been transformed into an arts and heritage centre. Located on Dronfield’s high street, it welcomed a Morris dancing team, vocal harmony group, medieval recorder group, choir and more to perform over the weekend.
Visitors in the upstairs gallery
Events started on Friday when trustees, partner representatives and project funders, including HLF, Viridor, and Architectural Heritage Fund, enjoyed a delicious dinner. MP Natascha Engel and town mayor Liz Blanshard were also in attendance to declare the barn open.
Later on, John Sutcliffe, Dronfield Hall Barn’s resident artist, put on a spectacular light installation in the gallery using the alcove and roof space to create a fully immersive experience.
John Sutcliffe’s spectacular light display.
On Saturday, international dance troupe U3A performed their routine outside in the courtyard area. Female Morris dancing group Lizzie Dripping were also on hand and impressed the crowd with their performance. On Saturday afternoon, vocal harmony group, Lah Di Dah sang a selection of jazz and classic hits in the courtyard.
Watch clips of Lizzie Dripping dancing below:
https://youtu.be/8aGrqn1UsDA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz2tfvzsMI8
The gallery was full on Sunday for Dronfield Handbell Ringers, the Medieval recorder ensemble and Sunday Best choir group who sang a selection of secular and religious songs. Younger visitors enjoyed working on the quilting activities, made medieval shields and were able to dress up in the new costumes which have kindly been made by one of the barn’s volunteers, Maureen Taylor.
Dronfield Handbell Ringers on Sunday.
Volunteers were also dressed up in period clothing, which created a unique atmosphere and a look at how life in the town once was.
Dronfield Hall Barn’s Alan Powell wearing period clothing.
This Painting Malarkey’s display in the education room received plenty of positive comments over the weekend. The group of local artists, who had not previously exhibited together, sold numerous prints throughout the two days.
This Painting Malarkey’s exhibition.
To see more photos from our open weekend, click here.
