Events

2010

Thursday, 1st July to Thursday, 30th September

"Sacred Stitches" - Exhibition

Stunning medieval embroidery is now on display as part of the Abbey’s Sacred Stitches summer exhibition. Visitors will be able to view prestigious examples of decorated textiles, felt work and embroidery from the 15th century up until contemporary times.

The exhibition which runs until 30 September offers visitors an exclusive opportunity to see a select collection of rare historic vestments brought together and displayed to the public for the first time. One of the centre piece exhibits is the beautiful Othery Cope which dates back to the 15th Century and was discovered in a local church in 1897.

A key part of the exhibition will reveal how ancient textile design and medieval imagery has inspired current work. Two collections by local textile artists will be displayed as the exhibition progresses. Between 16 August – 3 September contemporary felt work by the Cenacle Textile Group will be unveiled, then from the 6 – 20 September special embroidery by the Avalon Embroiderers Guild will be on display.

Monday, 26th July to Saturday, 31st July

Jeff Body - Sculptor. Craft demonstration.

Working with the delightful Dulcote stone of which the Abbey is mainly built, he will show you how to sculpt and also give you the opportunity to have a go too, if you wish. Jeff is a wonderful local sculptor and the sculptor of the famous 'Shepton Sheep' Daily 1030hrs until 1700hrs

Saturday, 31st July

Abelard & Heloise, Holy Guilty or Wholly Innocent ?

Sip wine at sunset and watch an adaptation of the oldest love letters in Western Europe at the oldest Abbey in England.
Making Drama and Glastonbury Abbey are delighted to be presenting ABELARD AND HELOISE, HOLY GUILTY OR WHOLLY INNOCENT? in the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey on Saturday 31st July 2010 at 7pm.
Tamsin Irwin’s witty and historic Abelard & Heloise, Holy Guilty or Wholly Innocent? is an adaptation of the reputedly oldest existing love letters in Western Europe and the first autobiography.
This story of an exceptional young female student and one of the most influential medieval philosophers in Christiandom who scandalised twelfth century Parisian society. Set in the fantastical Court of Love an unpredictable game-show host questions the truth of their relationship to allow the audience to judge if they are guilty or innocent.

Originally performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1997, Abelard & Heloise, Holy Guilty or Wholly Innocent? will be performed at Glastonbury Abbey in Somerset, England this Summer. The site of the Abbey is traditionally the oldest Christian sanctuary in the British Isles. Glastonbury Abbey was confirmed as the richest monastery in England in the Domesday Book in 1086, when Abelard was just seven – twenty years after the Norman Invasion. The main part of the Abbey was built at the time Abelard and Heloise were at the height of their relationship in the early twelfth century.

Abelard & Heloise, Holy Guilty or Wholly Innocent? is weather-proof, please be prepared for an assault by the elements and bring your own rug. This one-off performance at Glastonbury Abbey starts at 7pm on Saturday 31st July and lasts no longer than fifty minutes. Tickets are £4.50 from the Glastonbury Abbey Shop on 01458 831631 or £5 on the gate on the night. Tickets are limited.

Saturday, 31st July to Sunday, 1st August

"Forge of Avalon" - Richard Hoecker demonstrates the art of the master Swordsmith

The image of the sword has been iconic throughout history as a symbol of power and authority,of protection and freedom. It has inspired stories and myths, and is woven into the legend of King Arthur.

Avalon Forge swordsmith Richard Hoecker reveals this age-old craft. Join him to learn skills honed over centuries.

From 10.30am until 4.00pm in the Abbey ruins. Admission included in Abbey entrance charge.

Sunday, 1st August

John Dalton - Harpist

Concert in the Abbots Kitchen at 2.45pm

Monday, 2nd August to Saturday, 7th August

Eddie Daughton - Medieval Potter. Craft demonstration

Listen to and watch this gifted potter 'throw' his pots, in the medieval style..... even try your hand at making something! Daily 1030hrs until 1700hrs. If weather is fine, he may even try to fire his kiln on the last day.

Saturday, 7th August to Sunday, 8th August

Musical Extravaganza Weekend

Saturday 7th August
Madness, plus support from Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel

Sunday 8th August
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Special Guests - Nicola Benedetti, Jo Appleby & Andrew Rees - supported by string quartet 'Raven'

Tickets on sale now from the Abbey Shop or online; buy 11 adult tickets and only pay for 10.

Click here to buy tickets online

Thursday, 12th August

"Merchant of Venice" at 7.00pm in the Abbey grounds.

Shakespeares delightful 'Merchant of Venice' performed by the professional International Theatre Setup company, performing outdoors, within the Abbey grounds at 7.00pm. Bring something to sit on and an umbrella if necessary! Tickets will be on sale from the Abbey Gift Shop from late May 2010. Adults £12. Concessions £9. Children £6.

Friday, 13th August to Sunday, 15th August

Medieval Tile Making. Craft demonstration by Caroline Hayles.

Daily 1030hrs until 1700hrs see how medieval tiles are made and try your hand at making one. Professional artist Caroline Hayles from Ashcott will show you how its done.

Saturday, 14th August to Sunday, 15th August

"Team Falchion"

Back once again by popular demand this Medieval Living History team and their encampment.....so see how folks lived, played and fought in ancient times! See and touch implements from Medieval life - experience the sights, sounds and smells of Medieval life.....and much more.Daily 1000hrs until 1700hrs.
Also hear tales of King Arthur ! There will be presentations at set times during the day - watch for more details, in due course !

Saturday, 14th August

Extended Evening opening until 8.00pm

The Abbey will remain open until 8.00pm this evening only, courtesy of GAFA members. Normal admission charges apply.

Monday, 16th August to Friday, 3rd September

Feltworking - Craft demonstration.

Running in conjunction with our Sacred Stitches exhibition, the Glastonbury Cenacle Textile Group will exhibit, demonstrate and explain how felt is made and used. The group will use the 'Pomegranate' design, as the basis for their work here - a design used my many cultures worldwide.

Exhibition is on daily in the Museum from 10.30am until 17.00pm.

Demonstration Times:
17 August: 11-1 & 2-4 Needlefelt – Maggie Stewart

19 August: 11-1 Madder Dyeing – Ama Bolton
2-4 Woad Dyeing – Jane Paterson

24 August: 11-1 & 2-4 Felt Pomegranates – Ama Bolton

26 August: 11-1 & 2-4 Feltmaking – Maggie Stewart

31 August: 11-1 & 2-4 Needlefelt – Maggie Stewart

2 September: 11-1 & 2-4 Feltmaking – Maggie Stewart

Tuesday, 17th August to Wednesday, 18th August

"Forge of Avalon" - Richard Hoecker demonstrates the art of the master Swordsmith

The image of the sword has been iconic throughout history as a symbol of power and authority,of protection and freedom.
It has inspired stories and myths, and is woven into the legend of King Arthur.

Avalon Forge swordsmith Richard Hoecker reveals this age-old craft. Join him to learn skills honed over centuries.

From 10.30am until 4.00pm in the Abbey ruins. Admission included in Abbey entrance charge.

Saturday, 21st August

GAFA. Buffet lunch.

Details to be confirmed.

Saturday, 28th August

Extended Evening Opening until 8.00pm

The Abbey will remain open until 8.00pm this evening only, courtesy of GAFA members. Normal admission charges apply.

Saturday, 4th September

John Dalton - Harpist.

Concert in the Abbots Kitchen at 2.45pm

Monday, 6th September to Monday, 20th September

Avalon Embroiderers Guild - craft demonstration

The Guild members return daily to the Museum to demonstrate their craft. There will also be an exhibition of their work. ( This is in conjunction with the "Sacred Stitches" exhibition running from 1st July to 30th Sept.)

Wednesday, 8th September

Mass in the Crypt at 11.00am

Celebrant Fr.P Thomas (RC PP of Wells).
For further details contact Fr. Kevin at St. Marys Glastonbury.

Wednesday, 15th September

Tour of Britain - Cycle Race

The Tour of Britain, cycle race, stage 5 from Tavistock to Glastonbury, finishes in Magdalene Street, Glastonbury at approx. 1430hrs today. There will be events on in the town and the Abbey today.

Friday, 17th September

GAFA Evening talk at 7.00pm

Talk in the Museum on 'Archaeological Digs' by Peter Poyntz-Wright.
Members £2.00 and non-members £5.00

Saturday, 25th September

'The Ammonites' - Choir concert at 2.45pm

This wonderful choir back again to sing a mixture of sacred and secular songs. Concert in the Abbots Kitchen at 2.45pm

Friday, 8th October

GAFA. Evening talk at 7.00pm in the Museum.

Talk by Kay Wych....."How I became a Living History Presenter"
Members £2.00 and non-members £5.00

Friday, 19th November to Friday, 7th January

"Sacred Trees" Exhibition.

Exhibition in the Museum of Sacred Trees by Tommy Barr. Paintings on canvas of sacred or important trees including the Abbeys very own special Holy Thorn Tree - which flowers twice each year.

Friday, 10th December

GAFA. Christmas celebration at 7.00pm

Christmas fun and refreshments in the Abbots Kitchen. Details to be confirmed. Members £2.00 and non-members £5.00

Saturday, 18th December

Carol Concert.

The Churchill Choir come back agin, by popular demand to sing for you. Concert at 2.00pm with mulled wine and mince pies. Come and join in !