Dinosaurs, warriors and Sir Quentin Blake – and plenty more to enjoy at museum and Anglo Saxon village

From the Big Friendly Giant’s original illustrator to gigantic, carnivorous and definitely less friendly dinosaurs, exciting plans are in store for Moyse’s Hall Museum, in Bury St Edmunds.

This summer will see the museum, run by West Suffolk Council, celebrate the work of Sir Quentin Blake who is best known as the illustrator to most of Roald Dahl’s books with his favourite said to be “The BFG” (pictured above).

The Mildenhall Treasures book, written by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Ralph Steadman, will be part of a supplementary display looking at other famous illustrators.

Running alongside the exhibition, there will also be a Theatre in the Park performance on August 9, at West Stow Anglo Saxon Village, of Sir Quentin Blake’s Angelica Sprocket’s Pockets. Theatre in the Parks – Quentin Blake: Angelica Sprocket’s Pockets (whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk)

That giant of showcase will be followed by the movie exhibition which makes its return in the autumn – expect Star Wars, sci-Ffi, and more.

Spring and Summer 2025 will see Jurassic Moyse’s as the dinosaurs take over the museum.

And if that’s not enough there is also have a little bit of magic planned for Autumn/Winter 2025.

Visitors who buy a 12-month heritage ticket can get unlimited access to these and to West Stow Anglo Saxon Village which also has its own packed programme of events.

This Easter sees the launch of a new event –  Heroes Assemble offering young people, aged eight to 14, the chance to take part in a live action role play adventure.

Only after they have overcome a series of challenges to gain skills as a warrior and hunter will they be ready to take down the evil troll brothers. Heroes Assemble! A L.A.R.P adventure (weststow.org)

Alongside this hundreds of volunteers, including school pupils, have been taking part in workshop days to help build an Iron Age roundhouse.

The BFER lottery-funded project is designed to enhance knowledge of site and the Iron Age while it has also funded work to promote and improve the River Lark as a natural habitat.

Meanwhile Dragon Fest – the biggest event of the year at West Stow Anglo Saxon Village returns on June 22 and 23. Dragon Fest 2024 (weststow.org) And the orcs will be back for RingQuest next February half term.

Ian Shipp, cabinet member for Leisure and Culture at West Suffolk Council, said: “Arts, culture, leisure, history and heritage are all important to West Suffolk and our communities. We are continuing to invest in them with an exciting programme of exhibitions and activities for the benefit and enjoyment of our West Suffolk communities, helping them thrive while also attracting visitors to the area as well.”

Heritage tickets giving a year’s unlimited access to both Moyse’s and West Stow Anglo Saxon Village can be bought from either site, for just £14, while a family ticket is available for £42. Visit Admission prices (moyseshall.org) for more details.

Moyse’s Hall is currently running an exhibition featuring the work of internationally acclaimed illustrator David Hughes.

More than 600 Suffolk and Cambridge University students are booked to visit the exhibition which runs until Sunday, May 12.

Tickets are available at https://www.moyseshall.org/whats-on/ or by calling 01284 758000.  Tickets can also be purchased on entry.