Bristol Old Vic to celebrate 258th birthday with a free family day featuring workshops, trails and dressing up

Bristol Old Vic was first established in 1946 as an offshoot of the Old Vic in London

The Bristol Old Vic will be celebrating its 258th birthday tomorrow (May 30) with a special day jam-packed with free family activities.

The building was built between 1764 and 1766, and the venue’s oldest section - the Cooper’s Hall - was built between 1743 and 1744 and incorporated as the theatre’s foyer between 1970 and 1972.

The current company was established in 1946 as an offshoot of the Old Vic in London.

Scroll through to learn about the free activities happening tomorrow (May 30) to celebrate the 258th anniversary of when the current company was established.

Bristol Old Vic will be celebrating its 258th birthday with a free family day. The day will feature workshops, crafts and dressing up.placeholder image
Bristol Old Vic will be celebrating its 258th birthday with a free family day. The day will feature workshops, crafts and dressing up. | National World

Bristol Old Vic free family day events

- At the Coopers’ Hall from 11.30am to 12.15pm, 12.30pm to 1.15pm and from 1.30pm to 2.15pm, free bookable Party Games Workshops will take place. The workshops are described on the website as “the party games you all know and love with a theatre twist.”

- From 11am to 3pm at the Dais (the slightly raised platform at the front of house), there will be crafts focusing on drawing, collage, and crafting your favourite food to add it to the Old Vic’s ultimate birthday tea party.

- Visitors will be able to get into character at the dressing up corner at the balcony from 11am to 3pm.

- If you need a break from the celebrations, Sarah’s Den in the pit passageway is the perfect quiet corner to relax and read a story.

- From 11am to 3pm at the front of house, there will be an Adventure Trail were guests will need to explore the building to find the hidden clues.

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