Spalding’s Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens will be transformed into a unique recreation of an 18th-century pleasure garden later this month, for Ayscoughfee Enlightenment.
Taking place on the evenings of Friday 21 and Saturday 22 March, the event will invite thousands of residents and visitors to experience the Hall’s history brought to life through immersive theatrical performances, lantern-lit pathways, period music and artistic displays, offering the opportunity to experience the elegance of the Georgian era first-hand.
There will be activities and attractions for the whole family, with performances from opera singers and a quartet, as well as a dance troupe giving the chance to try out Georgian court dances.
Across the Gardens there will also be fire displays, art installations from local artists Nicki Jarvis and Liz Kelleher working with the local community and illuminated nightscapes including glowing pathways and even a mysterious grotto with a local folk tale to tell.
Families will be able to take part in a storytelling trail and character-based scavenger hunt based around Spalding’s Georgian history, and Ayscoughfee Café will be open serving period-inspired refreshments.
Visitors are encouraged to embrace the Georgian spirit by dressing in period-inspired outfits, with a special prize to be awarded to the best-dressed guest.
Organised and ran by South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership’s Story Tellers programme, in collaboration with specialist historical production organisation Heroine City, Ayscoughfee Enlightenment is inspired by famous pleasure gardens like Vauxhall and Ranelagh, capturing their spirit through these live entertainment, cultural displays, and interactive activities.
Photo shows Ayscoughfee Hall. Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Dave Porter Photos
