STAFF at Brunel’s ss Great Britain are urging neighbours and visitors not to panic next weekend (August 22 and 23) when they hear rifle shots at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm.
Crimean troopers, plus their camp follower wives and children, are boarding the ss Great Britain as part of the summer entertainment programme of events.
Other activities this summer, which are included in admission, are Mr Brunel, an actor in character and costume (all summer excluding August 27 and Mondays), and ‘Sticky Ships’ collage workshops (August 29).
Soldier re-enactors are following the military routine of 1855 and 1856 when the ss Great Britain was commissioned by the government to transport troops between Malta and the Crimea, Russia.
Ammunition used throughout the weekend is not live, and the sound and smoke are for dramatic effect.
Visitors can find out what life was like for the soldiers in the Crimean War – from pay and conditions to some of the horrors of modern warfare – best known for ‘Lady of the Lamp’ Florence Nightingale and the ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’. On board ship, visitors can explore the Crimean horse display in the Forward Hold.
The ship’s surgeon, also a re-enactor, is on hand to provide (Victorian) medical support if anyone feels faint with shock after the loud firing guns. Visitors, however, may prefer to seek a second opinion as the ship’s surgeon is armed with historic medical equipment and a large leech named Isambard.
Keith Stanton, Visitor Services Manager at Brunel’s ss Great Britain, commented: “The Crimean troopship and Victorian Surgeon are two of the highlights of our events calendar. Visitors of all ages are fascinated by the re-enactors and the stories they tell. It really does bring the ship to life.
“We are keen, however, not to alarm either our neighbours or visitors to the Floating Harbour, as the Victorian rifle fire is loud and can echo around the dock.”
Keith added: “What is also proving especially popular during this ‘credit crunch’ year, is that audio tours and events are included in admission, and tickets allow unlimited return visits for a year. Children taking part in any of the craft workshops can also take their artwork home.”
Historically the ss Great Britain has a track record of causing panic, announcing her arrival in port with cannon fire. Due to rising hostilities between Britain and Russia in the mid 1800s, the ss Great Britain was falsely mistaken for a Russian warship by Australians in Melbourne and Liverpudlians on her return voyage.
The team at Brunel’s ss Great Britain is hoping that visitors will be so impressed by the Victorian surgeon and troops – as well as the glass ‘sea’, Dockyard Museum, and the ss Great Britain’s beautifully recreated interiors – that they decide to vote for Brunel’s ss Great Britain in ‘British Travel Awards 2009’ ‘Best UK Theme Park/ Attraction’ category.
- To support Brunel’s ss Great Britain in the ‘British Travel Awards 2009’ please go to the www.ssgreatbritain.org home page and click on the links or click here.
- Future events include Mr Brunel (all summer except August 27 and Mondays) and ‘Sticky ships’ collage workshops (August 29); ‘Vile Victorians trail’ in September; ‘Grandparent’s Day treat’ on October 4; ‘Horrid torrid tales trails’ (October 24 to November 1); ‘Ratcatcher’s Halloween’ on October 31 and November 1; and ‘A Victorian Christmas!’ (December 5 & 12).
For further information, pictures or interviews please call the ss Great Britain Trust’s Head of Marketing & Communications Dagmar Smeed on 0117 926 0680 ext 219. Journalists can receive up-to-date news alerts by registering on-line at www.ssgreatbritain.org.
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