Boston Guildhall Museum celebrates Ingram Day with free family activities

Boston Guildhall Museum will be celebrating Ingram Day on Saturday 23 May, with a full day of free activities to commemorate the birthday of Herbert Ingram, one of Boston’s most important historical figures.

Running from 10.30am to 3pm, Ingram Day will also mark the anniversary of the return of Herbert Ingram’s gold watch to Boston, following its homecoming to the town. The event will offer residents and visitors the chance to learn more about Ingram’s legacy through a programme of engaging and family‑friendly activities.

Highlights of the day will include film footage and images from Valerie van Heest’s speech and the gold watch handover, offering visitors a chance to revisit this significant moment in the town’s history.

The Boston Preservation Trust will be present throughout the day selling books relating to Herbert Ingram, while visitors can take part in an Ingram Trail around the museum. Trail participants will be able to collect the first sticker in the Boston Guildhall Museum Sticker Trail 2026, encouraging repeat visits and further exploration of local heritage.

Adding a theatrical element to the celebrations, Rhubarb Theatre will present a lively walkabout performance featuring Herbert and Ann Ingram within the Guildhall and around the town. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with the characters and capture memorable selfies.

Ingram Day will also feature a range of creative workshops for children, including an illustrated newspaper workshop, allowing young participants to explore storytelling and journalism inspired by Ingram’s legacy. Children will also be able to create their own gold foil watch, linking to the historic gold watch at the heart of the celebration.

Visitors can also take part in a Parr’s Pills marketing workshop, where they will be invited to develop their own marketing campaign, inspired by Victorian‑era advertising and innovation.

Cllr Sarah Sharpe, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Tourism at Boston Borough Council said, “I encourage everyone to come along and celebrate Ingram Day at the Guildhall.

“This is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the incredible things Herbert Ingram did for our town and the lasting impact of his work.

“It is also a chance to look back on the very special day when Valerie van Heest returned Ingram’s gold watch to the Guildhall, a moment that was incredibly meaningful for Boston.

“Ingram Day is free to attend and offers something for all ages, combining history, creativity and hands‑on learning in the heart of Boston, I look forward to seeing everyone there!”

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