There’s plenty to do in the next few weeks at the Ironbridge Gorge museums.

Watch the ladies of Blists Hill Victorian Town as they take part in the annual pancake flipping contest held outside the Print Shop daily at 12 noon from Saturday, 1^st March until Shrove Tuesday on the 4^th.

Everyone is encouraged to cheer on the participants who must all wear an apron and flip their pancakes as many times as possible in the one minute allocated. The Victorian policeman, Constable Jarrett, will be attendance to ensure fair play by all and the village school teacher will be handing out certificates to the winners.  After the contest visitors can also have a go at pancake flipping.

Mrs Clack, one of the many ‘residents’ at Blists Hill will be giving advice on cures for common ailments and everything to do with running a Victorian home over Mothers Day weekend of 29^th and 30^th March.

Whether seeking advice on treating a cold or relief from painful corns and bunions, Mrs Clack will be on hand to provide expert advice (as she sees fit). She will also be sharing her considerable knowledge on how to get soot stains off the carpet, make silver shine and other household chores at two sessions each day starting at 11am and 2.30pm opposite the Town’s Printers, weather permitting, or inside the Goods Shed.

Children’s writers, illustrators, poets and storytellers will be entertaining and inspiring families during an exciting day of free events, activities and art workshops celebrating children’s literature at Enginuity and Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron on Easter Saturday, 19^th April.

This children’s literature festival with a twist, brings children and families together to enjoy and participate in stories by creating a magical event where play, experiment, creativity and collaboration are celebrated.

The Pop Up Festival of Stories is free for all, including admission to Enginuity and Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, so everyone can experience the joy of children’s books.  Children and families can expect to see fantasy author Sarwat Chadda’s Marvel Comics inspired interpretations of classic myths, told through roaming performances and monster puppets, novelist Julia Golding’s Arthurian Pavilion, featuring medieval game shows, knights, minstrels and the legendary Round Table and illustrator Jane Ray’s giant toy theatre, telling tales of mermaids, firebirds and flying horses, which children help bring to life on the day.

Illustrator Ed Vere will be appearing on April 19th.

Other highlights include Mr Big illustrator Ed Vere’s 50s era jazz joint with a cabaret line-up, wacky cocktails and compulsory dressing-up; Katie’s Picture Show creator James Mayhew’s pop-up art gallery, where giant art-works by classic artists – co-created with children and parents – come to life and Illustrator Thomas Docherty’s enormous mobile installation of an enchanted city, co-created with hundreds of children and parents who attend the Festival. 

During the day visitors can also enjoy visiting Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, the Darby Houses and Enginuity, all of which will be open free of charge on the day. Visitors are advised to park at the Ironbridge Park and Ride, a short distance away at the top of Jiggers Bank (TF43QE).

 For further information Tel: 01952 433 424 or visit www.ironbridge.org.uk.  The Gorge is easily reached via the M6 and M54 motorways exiting at Telford (M54 junction 4 or 6).