Watch the Boston Dancing Witches at The Skegness Village Church Farm museum 50th anniversary

Village Church Farm Museum hosted a special garden party-themed event to commemorate the occasion, welcoming visitors for a day of music, activities and community spirit.

The agricultural open-air museum first opened in 1976 and has been run by volunteers since 2010. It is centred around a Grade II listed farmhouse, with additional buildings on site dating from the late 1700s through to the early 1900s.

Manager Naomi Walton said the anniversary event was a “wonderful” celebration of the museum’s history, with a garden party theme helping to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for visitors.

She highlighted the range of entertainment on offer, including folk musicians such as Lenton-Tymens and Lord Fayrebank, alongside local singer Katy D and performances from Justin’s Puppets and Entertainment and the Boston Dancing Witches.

Naomi also described the day as a chance to showcase traditional skills, with Millstone Heritage Training leading a mud ‘n’ stud wall building activity, giving visitors a hands-on heritage experience.

Support from the wider community played a key role in the event’s success, with the Wainfleet Young Farmers helping out and volunteers, including Kirsty and Andy from Just Begin, contributing their time.

She said the museum relies heavily on its dedicated volunteers, whose hard work keeps the attraction running year-round.

Local businesses also supported the celebrations, with the Northshore Hotel donating a large ‘50’ cake and Bookers providing food for a well-attended barbecue.

Civic guests including the Mayor and Mayoress, Coun and Mrs Jimmy Brookes, and Deputy Mayor Coun Dan Kirk attended, along with the Jolly Fisherman, with the anniversary cake cut and shared among visitors.

For Coun Brookes it was one of his final public engagements ahread of handing over his chain of office to his successor, Coun Dan Kirk. He said: “It was a real pleasure to be part of the 50th anniversary celebrations at Church Farm.

"It’s such a special place for Skegness, full of history and something our whole community can be proud of. I

"It was lovely to see so many people there enjoying the day and coming together.

"Reaching 50 years is a fantastic achievement, and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved and thank them for everything they do to keep our local history alive for future generations. I wish them all the very best for the future.”

Naomi added the day had been “absolutely fantastic”, with strong attendance and a great atmosphere, adding that she hopes the museum continues to thrive for many more years to come.

There are several more events taking place at the museum for the anniversary year. For details see The Village Church Farm museum Facebook page.