Celebrating 50 Years of Blists Hill Victorian Town

From town fairs to a taste of the seashore, you are invited to join the celebrations at Blists Hill Victorian Town as they celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2023. The museum, which opened to the public on 1 April1973, recreates life at the end of the Victorian era, allowing visitors to discover what it was like to live and work in Telford at the turn of the century.

Blists Hill Celebration Day

Saturday 1 April 2023

Head to Blists Hill Victoria Town for a day of traditional entertainment, historical talks and the chance to get hands-on and try the trades that made Blists Hill what it is today, including brickmaking, laundry and blacksmithing. Enjoy the atmosphere of the traditional mop fair, historically an annual event where workers like farm labourers, servants and other tradespeople would be matched with employers. 

With the town's iconic Victorian streets dressed for the occasion, see iron casting in the Foundry, hear more about the town’s humble beginnings or take part in a parade.  

Dates for your diary
 

You can look forward to a summer of fun, starting on 13 and 14 May with the popular Heavy Horse Weekend. The town’s beloved Shire Horses and some hooven guests will demonstrate the vital roles that heavy horses played in Victorian times. 

It’s full steam ahead on 12 and 13 August for the annual Steam Weekend when you get the chance to see how the Victorians harnessed steam to power their engines and machinery.

From 24 July – 3 September enjoy all the fun of the seaside right here in Telford at the museums very own beach! With buckets, spades, and sandcastles galore, the beach is the perfect place to entertain the little ones during the summer holidays. While you're here take a spin on the much-loved gallopers as they return in the summer to be part of our traditional fairground.

All of these events are included with The Ironbridge Gorge Museum PASS and PASS PLUS.

1970's Party

19 August 2023
In honour of the town’s disco era origins, on 19 August Blists Hill will be transported from 1900 with a ’70s themed evening where you're invited to don your finest flares to enjoy an evening of music, party food and entertainment from the era. 

Share your memories of Blists Hill Victorian Town through the years on social media using the hashtag #BlistsHillat50