Make Your Mark on Bradgate Park's Heritage

In collaboration with Bradgate Park, local artist Mary Yaffie is leading a free creative workshop during Heritage Open Days. As part of the New Wave programme, this event is aimed at engaging people aged 18-30, but is not exclusive to them, and all are invited to tap into their unconscious and respond emotionally to Bradgate Park's heritage through the surrealist technique of automatic drawing.

This technique is accessible to all abilities as participants let intuition and emotion guide their hand, rather than relying on conscious thought.

Attendees will be guided through two key locations, including exclusive access to a normally out-of-bounds spinney where an 880-year-old oak tree stands. This ancient tree is connected to Lady Jane Grey's story, as it stood here when she lived at Bradgate House, whilst also representing natural heritage. Participants will also draw at the Tudor ruins, capturing responses to both the historical and emotional weight of the Nine Days Queen.

"I am passionate about creating a space where people can engage with heritage in their own creative way," says Mary Yaffie, a Market Harborough-based artist. "There is no pressure to be 'good' at drawing. The point is to slow down, embrace your surroundings, and respond honestly."

All individual drawings created during the day will be curated into a large-scale mosaic that will be displayed at Bradgate Park.

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

12pm to 4pm

Location & directions

Bradgate Park, Hallgates, Roecliffe Road, Cropston, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE7 7HQ

Directions:

Hallgates Car Park (LE7 7HQ)

Contact on day:

Estate Office

Telephone number:

+441162362713

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Places are limited to 25 participants. Rather than operating on a first-come, first-served basis, participants will be selected at random from all completed registrations after the registration deadline. This gives everyone an equal chance of taking part. Please only register if you are confident you can attend for the full workshop should you be selected. Booking details are on our website. Applications close on Sunday 23rd of August 2026.

Booking contact name:

Bradgate Park Estate Office

Booking telephone number:

+441162362713

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.bradgatepark.org/Pages/Events/

Booking opens:

31 Jul 2026 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

31 Aug 2026 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

For a detailed access report, please see our guide here: https://www.accessable.co.uk/leicester-and-leicestershire/access-guides/bradgate-park. Access: Please note that this event will take place off the beaten track and may not be suitable for everyone due to uneven terrain and walking distances. However, we have two Trampers (electric all-terrain mobility vehicles) available for guests who may find walking difficult. These can be requested in advance to help ensure everyone can enjoy the event comfortably.

Additional information

Max number of people:

25

Estimated duration:

4 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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