- This event has passed.
Romany and Traveller Heritage Day
Free activities for all in the MERL garden and galleries
Event Navigation
Join us for a day of music, film, poetry, tours, talks, displays and family fun as we celebrate Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month at The Museum of English Rural Life.
In partnership with the Romany and Traveller Family History Society, we will be exploring Romany and Traveller heritage, tradition and culture, completely free and with no need to book.
Bring a picnic and enjoy sitting in the garden alongside a Romany vardo and bender tent listening to traditional music. Explore the galleries and dive into the Robert Dawson Romany Collection. Chat with expert family historians to find out whether you might have Romany ancestors. Grab a coffee and a slice of cake, and browse our gift shop and specialist bookstall.
Activities to see and do!
- Blacksmithing demonstration with Jake Bowers
- View our Gyspy vardo (wagon or caravan)
- Live music from Dermot Crehan
- Help create a collage with artist, Lisa-Marie Gibbs
- Talks, tours and poetry readings
- Pop-up displays from the Robert Dawson Romany Collection
- Family History helpdesk – Do you have Romany ancestors?
- Specialist RTFHS bookstall
- Colouring and trails
With Special guests:
- Janet Keet-Black, author of “Gypsies of Britain”
- Sharon Heppell, author of “My Ancestors Were Gypsies”
- Dr Jo Clement, poet
