Gala Day!
Brass bands, union banners and beers. Family, friends, the fun of the fair… and the worse for wear. Come and experience the sights and sounds of Gala Day in our brand-new temporary exhibition.
What's On
Summer @ Pit: The Grand Day Out
Grab your bucket and spade and head to the National Coal Mining Museum, where we’ll be giving you a taste of how miners spent their summer holidays with changing weekly themes! Get digging at the beach, discover the history of Gala Day, get hands-on with our pop-up crafts and even challenge yourself to do one of our trails.
Shine a Light
Peer into the lives of mining communities through the memories of Wakefield artist Seanna Doonan. Drawn from her own experiences growing up hearing folk songs about miners and the miners’ strike, she captures the people, voices and stories of miners in pen and ink.
Meet the Shufflebottoms!
Relive Gala Day through the eyes of the larger-than-life family, the Shufflebottoms.
Speech Makers
Working with one of our Living History Interpreters, craft your own speech taking inspiration from the great orators and speakers of Galas’ past.
Blacksmith Demonstrations
See the Museum’s resident Blacksmiths demonstrating their skills in their workshop.
Horse Keeper Talks
Discover more about our four-legged friends in the 12pm talk and see them being fed at 2:30.
Makers' Shed
Want something special to remember your Grand Day Out? Pop by the Makers’ Shed, where we’ll be getting crafty and showing you how to create your very own summer souvenir!
Seaside Games
Join the Shufflebottom family as they lead some fun traditional seaside games.
Caphouse Creators: Summer Special
Join us for Caphouse Creators, a fun activity workshop where children aged 7-12 get the opportunity to be creative, learn new skills and try out practical techniques.
Volunteer Open Day
Attend our next on-site or virtual ‘Volunteer Open Day’ to meet some of the team, discover more about the Museum and ask any questions you have.
Pony Discovery Centre
Step inside our new Pony Discovery Centre to meet our three ponies and Clydesdale horse.
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