This May a north east mansion is set to rewind history by more than one hundred years, to the turn of the 20th century, as part of a new event.
A Grand Day Out at Duff House, in Banff, which takes place on Sunday 1st May, is set to transport visitors back to the early 1900s with a country house garden party inspired event.
Visitors will be able to try their hand at a number of traditional lawn games including croquet, skittles and battledore, which was a forerunner to badminton, amongst others. Historical costumed performers, including the Duke of Fife – who lived at Duff along with his family until 1906 – will be on hand to help visitors discover more about the House’s colourful past. Key moments from throughout the period, including the women’s suffrage movement, will also be charted by historical re-enactors.
Similar to gatherings of the time, guided tours of the House will take place during the day-long event. There will also be a children’s safari themed craft activity, which draws inspiration from the animals that feature throughout the House.
Commenting on the event, Lorna Ewan, Head of Visitor Experience, Content and Learning at Historic Environment Scotland, who manage Duff House, said: “New for 2016, our A Grand Day Out event will see visitors step back in time by more than one hundred years.
“Still a private home for the Duke and Duchess of Fife at that time, this event is set to give visitors a real insight into what a garden party at the turn of the 20th century might have been like. Visitors will also be able to discover more about the impressive House and its past, as well as important historical events, from our costumed performers.”
A Grand Day Out at Duff House takes place on Sunday 1st May from 12pm-4pm. This event is included in the cost of admission to the House. A Cream Tea including a choice of sandwich, freshly baked scone with cream and jam and a pot of tea or coffee, is available on the day, at an additional charge of £6.50 per person.
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Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016
2016 is the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design (IAD). Through a series of exciting events and activity, the year will showcase Scotland's position as an "innovation nation", its outstanding built heritage, and its thriving, internationally acclaimed creative industries sector. This is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland and supported by a variety of partners.
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