The Imperial War Museum (IWM) are bringing in Joey the War Horse to London for a look back on the Horrible History of Britain at war in a series of fun half term activities.
Following along the theme of their successful First World War galleries, the IWM will hold activities throughout the week including exploring puppets, meeting famous authors and arts and crafts.
Martin Brown, who illustrates the Horrible Histories books, will be bringing his art to life in a live drawing session along with telling some gruesome stories about trench conditions.
War Horse director, Rae Smith, who brought the tale of a farm horse transported to the battle field to life, will also impress the crowd with live drawings.
Rae will be talking about her creative approach to the theatre production and how the IWM inspired her original designs.
On the same day families can meet Joey, the star of War Horse, and take a look behind the scenes of the long running show.
Associate Puppetry Director Jimmy Grimes will explain how the intricate puppets work and how the show developed into a smash hit.
A Poppy Field is a chance to get creative as well as remembering the men and women who lost their lives, not only in the First World War but up to the present day.
Using paper and wire kids and their plucky parents can plant their flowers in the field, creating a stunning image of united poppies within the museum.
Finally, three renowned authors will be offering their view on the impact and their approach to the First World War in children’s literature, both fact and fiction.
Children’s authors Sarah Ridley and Bernard Ashley will talk about the history that inspired their books, from the real time war letters to exploring the view points of both the British and the Germans.
They will also be joined by writer Tony Bradman who has edited an anthology, Stories of World War One, collating tales from soldiers fighting for the Queen and her Commonwealth.
Picture courtesy of Rick Chung, with thanks
