The Ilkley Manor House Trust wanted to run family and community friendly events throughout the summer holidays that reflected the exhibition about the First World War that was running in the House.
The aim of the sessions was to engage with families, encouraging local residents to discover what the site has to offer, continuing to build awareness of the ‘creative’ brand – as well as helping position the Manor House as a community and tourist destination.
We worked with the Manor House to develop and implement a series of Family Summer Picnics Events. These sessions held each Wednesday in August invited families, friends and co-workers to bring their picnic lunches and favourite Teddy Bear’s to enjoy in the beautiful surroundings of the Manor House.
There was ‘Basket and Blanket’ activities loan scheme, games in the courtyard and historically based activities for all ages and visitors. Teddies where placed around the house and there was a Teddy Bear Trail around Ilkley town centre.
For the Basket and Blanket activities, we were able to source vintage and retro games, books and toys with a ‘Teddy Bear’ theme, as well as securing the donation of 10 locally made Abraham Moon wool blankets. For the Teddy Bear trail, we approached local independent retailers and invited them to take part by displaying Bears in their windows which they were all very happy to commit to.
“The Summer Wednesday Picnic events were the first time that Manor House had hosted such a series of events. Amanda had to both organise the events at the Manor House as well as working with local businesses to produce the bear trail. She managed allthese elements wonderfullyand we managed to put on, with very limited resources, a very well received series of events that attracted were part of attracted over 2000 visitors to the Manor House over July and August”
Sarah Thomas, Chair of Ilkley Manor House Trust
