Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s Victorian Festival of Christmas Returns, featuring Sherlock Holmes

Friday 29^th November – Sunday 1^st December 2013.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard welcomes the return of the ‘Victorian Festival of Christmas’. This year, the family-favourite event takes inspiration from the stories of much-loved Victorian detective Sherlock Holmes and features a special exhibition and footage from The Arthur Conan Doyle Collection – as bequeathed to Portsmouth City Council.

Now in its fourteenth year, the Victorian Festival of Christmas, set in the unique surroundings of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the perfect way to start the festive season. What’s more, if you book before 31^st October you can get a Christmas cracker of a deal with a saving of 10% on ticket prices!

For a limited time only, we’re also offering 2 for 1 on Senior Tickets for Friday 29^th November. Simply enter the word ‘Sherlock’ at the end of the online booking process or quote over the telephone to receive the offer!

An event ticket includes entry to the Mary Rose Museum, The National Museum of the Royal Navy, HMS Warrior 1860, HMS Victory, Action Stations and boat trips of Portsmouth Harbour (weather permitting).

The three day festival takes place on Friday 29^th November to Sunday 1st December 2013, from 10am – 6pm. Visitors will be magically transported into a bygone era of Dickensian-style snowy streets, Cheapside and Richside, with seasonal carols, traditional Victorian Father Christmas, the ever raucous Fagin’s Tavern, local produce, catering and an even larger Christmas gift market.

The grand buildings of the historic site will be transformed into a glorious bazaar of arts, crafts, food and drink with hundreds of stalls – ensuring the Victorian Festival of Christmas remains the largest Christmas market on the South Coast! It promises to bring a terrific atmosphere amidst a good old fashioned Victorian knees up!

For tickets see www.christmasfestival.co.uk or call 023 9283 9766

Prices and Information

Earlybird –

10% Discount if you buy before 31^st October.

Adult – £13.50

Child (5-15) – £11.70

Senior (60+) / Student – £12.60

Family (Up to 5 people, max 2 adults/seniors) – £40.50

2 for 1 Senior Ticket Information

Discount valid on Senior tickets purchased for Friday 29^th November only.

One free Senior ticket for every full priced Senior ticket purchased.

Discount not valid on Adult, Child, Student or Family tickets or tickets for Saturday and Sunday.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any time.

Group Prices

Groups of 15 people or more receive a 15% discount.

For further Group information and ticket booking telephone Group Sales on 023 9283 9766 or email groups@historicdockyard.co.uk

Opening Times

Friday 29^th November – Sunday 1^st December 2013, 10am – 6pm.

Last entry and admission times to the attractions will be earlier.

Directions

By road: Join the M275 at Junction 12 of the M27 and follow the brown Historic Waterfront signs from the M27 and Historic Dockyard signs in Portsmouth. Please check our website for details of Park & Ride services that may be in operation.

Just 90 minutes from London by Train.

By bus, coach, rail, ferry from Gosport or catamaran from the Isle of Wight: Portsmouth Harbour Station/The Hard Interchange is 200 metres from our entrance.

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Established in 2008, Hunters Brewery aim to provide top quality ales using the finest local ingredients which means you will enjoy consistent ales of a really high standard.

Mary Rose 1545,  a well balanced real ale with fruity and malty undertones, has been created especially for the Mary Rose, and will be sold at the Museum as well as the other cafés and restaurants around Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

The label was designed by Katie Harvey, who also helped to create many of the displays in the Mary Rose Museum, and features the Sinking of the Mary Rose, painted by marine artist Geoff Hunt.

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Museum Operations Manager Paul Griffiths with Rob, the Head Brewer at Hunters Brewery, with the beer ready to go!

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Saturday 20th July – 1st September 2013

 9.45am – 6pm daily.

This summer, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is pleased to announce new extended opening times; ensuring visitors to the Mary Rose Museum have more choice than ever before.

After a busy opening month, and to meet demand, the Historic Dockyard will be welcoming visitors from 9.15am to purchase tickets, with the first time-slot for the Mary Rose at 9.45am. Last entry to the Mary Rose Museum will be at 5pm, before closing at 6pm.

The Mary Rose Museum welcomed 52,000 visitors in its first month of opening, and the Historic Dockyard continues to enjoy a fantastic summer.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offer an online booking system on their website, where you can book your Mary Rose Museum time-slot and purchase tickets for all our attractions up to 24 hours in advance. Visitors are also able to purchase tickets at our Visitor Centre, where a time-slot for the Mary Rose Museum will be offered.

Currently, all other attractions including HMS Warrior 1860, Action Stations, HMS Victory, The National Museum of the Royal Navy and Harbour Tours will operate under the normal opening times of 10am – 5pm.

book your time-slot online at www.historicdockyard.co.uk/tickets

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Our 100,000th visitor was Sue Coombs from Salisbury!

She and her Family, her husband Jeff and son Josh,  were presented with a bottle of Danebury Sparkling Wine.

The Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has welcomed its 100,000^th visitor, just 8 weeks since the doors first opened on 31^st May.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has hosted over 160,000 national and international guests finding themselves drawn to find out more about our rich naval heritage on offer – discovering more about HMS Victory, The National Museum of the Royal Navy, Action Stations, HMS Warrior 1860 and of course the newest (and oldest) addition to the family – The Mary Rose.

The 19^th July 2013 marked the 468^th anniversary since she sank in the Solent in 1545, with a minute of silence observed at the museum to remember the crewmen that lost their lives. Visitors have been drawn to see the famous hull, united with many of the 19,000 artefacts for the first time since they were recovered from the sea in 1982.

The 30^th of May 2013 saw an opening fit for Henry VIII himself – the launch event saw a wreath depicting a Tudor rose cast into the waves of the Solent at the site of the sinking. Purbrook Archers launched a volley of flaming arrows into the sea off Southsea Castle and the band of HM Royal Marines played as a fanfare rang out.

Unveiled from behind a 240m² Tudor Standard, all eyes were on the Mary Rose as the brass bell that once hung on board the ancient flagship, was carried through the doors by crew members of HMS Duncan, the newest ship in the modern Naval fleet.

Chief Executive of The Mary Rose Trust, Rear Admiral John Lippiett said, “This is a phenomenal number, we are absolutely delighted that so many people have visited the new museum since we opened our doors just eight weeks ago.  To see their reaction to what we have achieved is wonderful and is a great credit to everyone’s hardwork in building this remarkable museum”.

Paul Griffiths, Head of Operations at The Mary Rose Museum said, “I am delighted to welcome our 100,000^th visitor. People have flocked to Portsmouth from around the world and we have been so pleased with the response. It’s been hard work for my wonderful team of staff and volunteers but their response to the challenge has been tremendous and I am extremely proud of them. We now look forward to next 100,000!”

You can buy your tickets for Portsmouth Historic Dockyard online or at our Visitor Centre where you’ll be invited to book a time-slot for the Mary Rose Museum.

Ticket and visiting information is available on www.historicdockyard.co.uk

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All About Tea is an expert manufacturing wholesaler and distributor of speciality teas. They source their teas from remote regions to bring the best of the world’s flavours to a global audience. All blends and tea bags are produced in our own factory in Portsmouth, UK, under direct quality control.

The Mary Rose Tea is specially blended only a few miles from where she sank in 1545, using the best Sri Lankan and Indian teas. It also comes with a decorative tin exclusively designed for the Mary Rose by the team at Emma Bridgewater, who also designed our exclusive mug.

None of the Mary Rose’s crew ever tasted tea—now Britain’s national drink, but we like to think they would have loved the rich, satisfying flavour of Mary Rose Tea.

Mary Rose Tea is available exclusively from the Mary Rose Shop, either by visiting the Museum or via our online shop

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Tuesday 24^th July – Sunday 2^nd September 2012

This summer Portsmouth Historic Dockyard gets set to bring you six weeks of enjoyment for the school holidays.

Across all our attractions, young explorers can learn history in fun ways with costumed interpreters, games, dressing-up, crafts, and adventure trails. From a Harbour Tour, getting close to the modern warships or coming face to face with the sixteenth century Mary Rose – it’s all waiting to be discovered. There’s also lots of space for children to explore in their own way, including indoor attractions to cater for the ever-changing weather!

Now settling into its new home following an exciting launch, the Mary Rose Museum, invites you to come and see what it was like for Henry VIII and defend Portsmouth Harbour in 1545. Try out some war games and plan your attack Tudor style! (Tuesday 13^th & 20^th August). It doesn’t end there – you can build your own sailing ship fit for battle and sample life at a Tudor Top Table, just see our listings for more details.

For those who like Lego, The National Museum of the Royal Navy is hosting a shipbuilding challenge for all those budding engineers – using nothing more than Lego. Bring any spare bricks you have at home, and join in this free event on 31^st July. On the 3^rd August, the NMRN is holding a Family Fun Day inspired by Peter Pan. Find out if you’ve got what it takes to become a Lost Boy (or Girl) and enjoy a day of Treasure Hunting in Navy Neverland.

Discover more on-board HMS Victory every Tuesday in August, when there will be a chance to join the HMS Victory Guides for fascinating stories and handle objects from the collection. Other activities to investigate during the summer include being a ship detective in our family challenge every Thursday.

Following the success of lasts year’s music event, we welcome ‘Victorious’ to the Historic Dockyard over August bank holiday weekend (24^th and 25^th August). With 5 stages of live music, an indoor big top and a boutique market, the festival promises to have something for everyone, including an appearance from Peppa Pig in the Kids Arena.  For entry, you’ll need an event ticket (valid for one day), which will include all the day and evening entertainment, plus the Historic Dockyard attractions!

HMS Warrior 1860 will be transformed into a Victorian Pier with officers and crew on-board for a weekend of naval traditions (Saturday 27^th & Sunday 28^th July, 10am-4.30pm) and seaside entertainment including sea songs, knot tying, street entertainers, games & pastimes plus children’s activities and workshops. Plus! Come along every Wednesday and Thursday during the holidays and dress up in Victorian costume, make a souvenir to take home and put on your own Punch and Judy show.

At Action Stations there are games a-plenty and taking off in a helicopter and flying the Royal Marines into battle is something visitors will never forget. In fact, they might find it hard to remember it’s just a full-size simulation – one of dozens of hands-on activities including the UK’s tallest indoor climbing tower, providing a taste of life in today’s Royal Navy.

Much-needed refreshment is available in Costa Coffee, Boathouse 7, The Mary Rose Café or the Georgian Tearooms and shops include national retailer Nauticalia, museum shops and Antiques Storehouse. Picnic areas are also available.

With all the added events, family tickets for 5 (max 2 adults/seniors) are valid for a whole year making Portsmouth Historic Dockyard one of the best-value, full days out in the UK! You need to pre-book your time slot for the Mary Rose Museum either online or when you arrive, and tickets can be purchased through the website or in our Visitor Centre.

Ticket and visiting information is available on www.historicdockyard.co.uk

 For the Victorious Festival see:  www.victoriousfestival.co.uk

Listings

Summer Holidays

Wednesday 24 July – Sunday 1 September 2013

All school holiday activities are included with a valid ticket unless otherwise stated. All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Information about events at the other attractions can be found at http://www.historicdockyard.co.uk/events/

At the Captain’s Table

Tuesday 30 July

Tuesday 6 August 

11am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 3pm

Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Experience life at the Tudor top table with dressing up, dancing and more!

£5 per child, accompanying adults free.  Maximum three children per adult. Suitable for all ages.  No unaccompanied children.

Places limited. Book in advance: museum@maryrose.org , telephone 02392 812931 or book online.

Under Attack!

Tuesday 13 August

Tuesday 20 August 

11am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 3pm

Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Don’t help the enemy!  Try your hand at Tudor war games. Take part in the Tudor gun drill.  Plan how to attack and defend Portsmouth Harbour in 1545.

£5 per child, accompanying adults free.  Maximum three children per adult. Suitable for children over 8. No unaccompanied children. Places limited. Book in advance: museum@maryrose.org , telephone 02392 812931 or book online.

Free Friday Fun

Every Friday 26 July – 30 August

12noon – 4pm

Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Tudor games and pastimes outside the Museum (weather permitting).

Shippe Ahoy

Tuesday 27 August

 11am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 3pm

Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Design and build your own model sailing ship.  How much can it carry? How fast can it go?

£5 per child, accompanying adults free.  Maximum three children per adult. Suitable for children over 8. No unaccompanied children. Places limited. Book in advance: museum@maryrose.org , telephone 02392 812931 or book online.

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The Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has welcomed over 52,000 visitors since opening its doors on 31st May – all intrigued to see the famous hull, united with many of the 19,000 artefacts for the first time since they were recovered from the sea in 1982.

In the last month, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has hosted 80,000 national and international guests finding themselves drawn to find out more about our rich naval heritage on offer – discovering more about HMS Victory, The National Museum of the Royal Navy, Action Stations, HMS Warrior 1860 and of course the newest (and oldest) addition to the family – The Mary Rose.

The 30th of May 2013 saw an opening fit for Henry VIII himself – and the world was watching;

Our international coverage reached 804 million people globally, and included features from CNN and NBC in America, Central China News, Deutschland Radio, Channel One Russia and Japan’s Chunichi Shimbun.

The launch event saw a wreath depicting a Tudor rose cast into the waves of the Solent at the site of the sinking. Purbrook Archers launched a volley of flaming arrows into the sea off Southsea Castle and the band of HM Royal Marines played as a fanfare rang out.

Unveiled from behind a 240m² Tudor Standard, all eyes were on the Mary Rose as the brass bell that once hung on board the ancient flagship, was carried through the doors by crew members of HMS Duncan, the newest ship in the modern Naval fleet.

Chief Executive of The Mary Rose Trust, Rear Admiral John Lippiett said, “We are absolutely delighted that so many people have visited the new museum since we opened our doors on 31 May.  The reaction and feedback has been tremendous, with numbers of visitors exceeding our expectations.  To see their reaction to what we have achieved is wonderful and is a great credit to everyone”s hardwork in building this remarkable museum”.

Lincoln Clarke, Chief Executive of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard said, “It’s been a fantastic month at the Historic Dockyard and the atmosphere is one of excitement. Visitors who arrive are full of anticipation as to what they’ll discover, those who’ve been tell me they can’t wait to return – The Mary Rose Museum is a huge part of that.”

You can buy your tickets for Portsmouth Historic Dockyard online or at our Visitor Centre where you’ll be invited to book a time-slot for the Mary Rose Museum.

Ticket and visiting information is available at http://www.maryrose.org/your-visit/

The post A Memorable Month for The Mary Rose appeared first on The Mary Rose.

Saturday 29^th & Sunday 30^th June 2013 – 10.00am – 4.30pm

At Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will be celebrating Armed Forces Weekend with a series of FREE events hosted by the Royal Navy, the National Museum of the Royal Navy and Actions Stations.

Plus! The opportunity to go aboard two of the Navy’s famous warships: HMS Defender and HMS Westminster!

Royal Navy Ships – Open to Visitors Saturday 29^th & Sunday 30^th June, 10am – 4.00pm FREE

This year’s opening is sponsored by Aramark, iss and IMS (Industrial Maintenance Services). Their support gives visitors a rare opportunity to meet the crew and explore a Type 45 destroyer and Type 23 frigate.

HMS Defender is one of the Royal Navy’s youngest ships, having only been commissioned into the Fleet in March this year.

The fifth of six destroyers, she belongs to an elite group of the most advanced warships the nation has ever built.

She’s designed to accommodate helicopters on her huge flight deck, and shield the Fleet from air attacks using the Sea Viper missile, which can hit targets from up to 70 miles away. Highly versatile, Defender is equally capable conducting other operations, including counter piracy and anti-smuggling, disaster relief and surveillance. When not open to visitors, the ship is underway with extensive sea trials and training in order to undertake her operational duties anywhere in the world.

All the Type 45s will be based in Portsmouth and will serve until around 2040.

HMS Westminster was launched in 1992 and represents the core of the Navy’s front-line Fleet. The Type 23 frigate, equipped with the world’s finest sonar, was designed as a submarine hunter. They’ve proven their versatility by dealing with virtually every mission imaginable across the globe. They can typically be found east of Suez safeguarding Britain’s maritime trade routes, or in the South Atlantic.

In addition to being a world class ship, HMS Westminster was used for the interior shots in the 1997 James Bond film, Tomorrow Never Dies.

Armed Forces Weekend gives visitors the chance to learn more about the role of Naval Base within the community, and support service men and women across Portsmouth.

Portsmouth Naval Base Commander, Commodore Jeremy Rigby said: “I am delighted to give visitors the chance to visit HMS Defender and HMS Westminster to coincide with Armed Forces Day. The future for Portsmouth naval base is assured and really exciting, and we couldn’t do what we do without the enthusiasm of our local community and supporters of the Armed Forces.”

Last entry to the ships is at 3pm. Please note ships opening are subject to operational commitments and may be withdrawn at any time. Access for wheelchairs and pushchairs may be limited. All bags may be liable to a search on entry.

Armed Forces Day Celebration Saturday 29^th June, 11.30am – 4.30pm FREE

The National Museum of the Royal Navy will be keeping tradition strong, celebrating the British Armed Forces throughout the years. You’ll be transported all the way from Tudor Times to the present day, witnessing how clothing, navigation and weapons used by the Royal Navy have changed.

With HMS Victory providing the spectacular backdrop, the arena alongside will be transformed. Setting the scene will be a variety of military vehicles and people dressed in 1940s style. Visitors can taste eggless fruitcake; a rationing favourite – whilst the glamorous Miss Marie and The Dynamic Duo take you on a musical journey from the 40s to the present day. Children’s Historical Interpreter ‘Abs’ will be

Getting everyone involved with interactive war re-enactments. Plus, there’s the chance to fire a field gun, take part in Tudor games and children can make their own bunting and edible medals!

Most importantly there will be a chance speak to the veterans, hear their stories and reminisce about days gone by. Museum curators will also be on hand to help visitors discover more about the history of the Royal Navy.

A Weekend of Celebrations

As part of the weekend’s special events to celebrate, honour and support our Armed Forces, Action Stations at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will host activities across two days.

With so much to see and do – why not purchase a ticket to visit the historic ships and attractions and make a day of it?

Fire Fighting Demonstrations

Saturday 29^th & Sunday 30^th from 10.30am FREE

See the Royal Navy in action for LIVE fire fighting demonstrations at the Mast Pond in front of Action Stations.

Challenge the Navy

Saturday 29^th & Sunday 30^th from 10.30am – Tickets for Action Stations / Laser Quest required

Challenge the Navy on the climbing wall, take on the Marines in Laser Quest, tie yourself up in knots and meet serving members of the Armed Forces.

Gills and Gulls

Sunday 30^th June 11.30am – 3pm FREE

Enjoy playful, visual and comic performances by Tinder Theatre, a co-commission between New Theatre Royal and Portsmouth Festivities. Meet a shoal of fish, The Gills, as they try to escape the net of the fisherman and get close to The Gulls – though be careful they can get Peckish!

This will be a fun afternoon for all the family and a chance for visitors to show their support for the contribution made by all veterans. It is hoped that veterans, their families, serving personnel and visitors will join us to mark Armed Forces Weekend 2013 in great style.

For full details of the extensive year-round events programme at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard or for ticketing details to visit the attractions visit: www.historicdockyard.co.uk

For further press information please contact: Holly Westwood, Press Officer –

Tel: 023 9289 4558 or Email: holly.westwood@historicdockyard.co.uk

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This musical celebration, combining traditional Tudor music with Sea Shanties , features children from local schools, alongside The Portsmouth Community Choir, The Festival Choir and renowned local performer Hugh Dennis. Alexander L’Estrange, the composer, will be performing in the Call Me Al Quintet.

Further information can be found at http://ahoymaryrose.com/ahoy-premiere, and a short video can be found at http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/what-s-on/theatre/ahoy-there-musical-gets-a-hearty-premiere-as-part-of-festivities-1-5221451

A CD of music from Ahoy!can be found in our online shop

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It’s been an exciting few days at the Mary Rose, with the launch of our new museum. The levels of interest from the press and the general public have been incredible!

The News - The Mary Rose – A National Treasure  

BBC News – Mary Rose Museum opens in Portsmouth

The Washington Post 16th century warship the Mary Rose reunites with thousands of its artifacts as new UK museum

The Independent- Secrets of Henry VIII’s Mary Rose flagship to be revealed in new £27m museum

ITV – Mary Rose museum to open

The Mirror – Mary Rose: The secrets of Henry VIII’s warship surface at new museum

The Telegraph – The Mary Rose sails back to life

Channel 4 – Inside the new Mary Rose Museum

BBC News – The Mary Rose: A Tudor ship’s secrets revealed

Daily Mail - Tributes paid to Mary Rose 470 years after she sank as new £27million museum is opened with artefacts from one of Britain’s most famous ships

The BBC also showed a documentary on their news channel, ‘The Mary Rose Reborn’, which is available in the UK on iPlayer until June 10th.

BBC iPlayer – The Mary Rose Reborn

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