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On Friday, 22 November, Cannon Hall Museum, Park, and Gardens will hand over the keys to Year Five students from Carlton Primary School for one day.

Part of Fusion’s Festival of Joy, the event forms part of the national Kids in Museums’ Takeover Day initiative when children and young people take part in running day-to-day activities at archives, galleries, heritage sites, historic homes and museums from across the UK.

On the day, the new temporary Front of House staff will be giving a warm welcome to visitors before the children guide visitors in making traditional Victorian Christmas decorations. There will also be an opportunity to discover hidden stories about Cannon Hall’s ceramic collection.

The Takeover Day is part of Barnsley Museums and Fusion’s aims of producing high-quality arts and cultural opportunities, enabling children and young people in Barnsley to discover new skills and talents by embracing new cultural experiences.

Follow Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens on Facebook and X as Carlton Primary School will be taking over our social media accounts too

Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “It is amazing to see that Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens is taking part in Kids in Museums’ Takeover Day thanks to Fusion and Barnsley Museums. Across our five free heritage attractions, we want to ensure that children and young people can gain useful skills and discover new talents, through a high-quality arts and cultural provision of immersive activities and enriching learning opportunities. Whether you’re creating some Victorian crafts, learning more about our ceramic collection, or exploring our gardens, there will be plenty to see and do on the day.”

A Year Five Student, from Carlton Primary School, said: “I’m looking forward to helping visitors enjoy their day. I will be telling the story of different objects, creating Victorian Christmas decorations, and making the gardens look beautiful. I can’t wait!”

Fusion’s Festival of Joy raises awareness of Barnsley’s cultural offer, promoting the value of the arts and creativity and shining a spotlight on the talents of our children and young people.

For more information about the Takeover Day, please visit kidsinmuseums.org.uk/what-we-do/takeover-day/.