The Mayor laying a wreath on Johnson’s statue
When: 21st – 24th September 2017
Where: Lichfield, Staffordshire
£: Admission to the museum is free. Storywalk tickets cost £6
What is it?
The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum is celebrating the birthday of Lichfield’s most famous son with a free slice of cake (hurrah!) for all visitors, as part of Lichfield’s city-wide Heritage Weekend.
Events will begin on Thursday 21st September with a Storywalk by Lichfield Storytellers, telling atmospheric tales throughout the house from 7pm.
Then, on Saturday 23rd September the museum (open from 10.30am to 4.30pm), will be decorated by Flower Design of Lichfield and a slice of Birthday cake will be available for all visitors (while stocks last).
Everyone is invited to ensemble on the Market Square for 12 noon when the civic party and Johnson Society members will gather to watch the Mayor lay a wreath on the statue of Johnson, accompanied by traditional hymns from St Michael’s Choir.
Dr Johnson & Mrs Thrale
The ceremony will be followed by an afternoon of entertainment on the square, including performances from Intimate Theatre, the City of Lichfield Concert Band, and the annual Young Town Crier Competition.
This year the Birthplace will also be celebrating the birthday of Johnson’s great friend David Garrick, who was born 300 years ago and grew up in Lichfield. Visitors to the Museum can enjoy a Garrick dressing-up box, complete with stage to perform on and hands-on costume activities.
Elsewhere in the city, the Old Prison Cells at Lichfield Guildhall will be open on Saturday (10am to 4pm) and Sunday (11am to 3pm). Look out for the Black Country Players, who will be on the look-out for new recruits to join their regiment on Saturday.
The Johnson Society will also be marking Johnson’s Birthday with their traditional supper at Lichfield Guildhall on the Saturday evening.
More info: www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk and www.lichfield.gov.uk