The Incredible Architectural Musical Picnic

The Downland Gridshell is an award-winning oak structure built on a hillside in stunning parkland at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, near Chichester. The gridshell’s cathedral-like interior is effectively an outsize workshop where historic timber-framed buildings can be laid out for conservation and repair. Families and music lovers are invited to bring a picnic to this wonderful space for a fun day that includes two premiere performances of Gridshell Symphonies – a specially-commissioned piece of contemporary music by composer Peter Copley, mirroring in musical form the building’s workaday grandeur and innovative use of traditional techniques. Texts by writer Mark Hewitt will contribute visually to the setting. The afternoon includes participative entertainments for younger and older children who will also have plenty of space to run around safely outside the building. Ticket price includes a guided tour of the Downland Gridshell and its archive of rural artefacts.

Where and when?

Additional information: 10:30 Opening time for Weald & Downland Open Air Museum 12:30 Picnic time at the Downland Gridshell 13:00 Children’s entertainments and sideshows 13:30 Guided tour of gridshell and artefact store 14:30 First performance – Gridshell Fantasia 15:00 More picnicking and entertainments 15:40 Meet the artists / informal Q&A 16:00 Second performance – Gridshell Fantasia 18.00 Museum closes

Tickets and booking

Booking for this event is not required.

Additional information: No booking required - just come along. Concessions: Over 60s £7.50/Children £4.50/Under 5s free. Disabled people plus their main carer £2.00 Parties of 15 or more: £6.85 per person Special offer from Stagecoach: all inclusive bus travel and admission to Weald & Downland Open Air Museum from Chichester Bus Station Adults £10.00/Children £5.00

Accessibility

The following accessibility aids are available at this event:

• entrance accessible
• disabled car parking
• accessible lift
• accessible toilet
• wheelchair access
• spaces available
• induction loop
• guide dogs welcome

Additional information: Hearing induction loop by request. Full access details on venue website: www.wealddown.co.uk