Medieval Guildhall Celebrates Centenary as a Museum!

Event Description

Celebrate with us on 4th May 2026!

A Leicester landmark, built as a meeting place for a rich and powerful medieval guild will celebrate its centenary as a much-loved city museum in May.

The Guildhall, which dates from 1390, became Leicester’s first town hall in the mid-16th century – but faced an uncertain future when it was replaced by the new Town Hall in 1876.

Despite calls for its demolition, the ancient timber-framed building was saved, reopening to the public as a museum and performance venue on 19 May 1926 after a major programme of restoration.

To celebrate its centenary as a museum, the Guildhall will be running free guided tours that will chart the building’s restoration and its renaissance as a museum.

People of all ages are invited to enjoy a programme of free events that includes maypole dancing in the courtyard, live medieval music, historical reenactments, guided tours, arts and crafts, and face painting (small charge applies).

Redcoats and Revolutionaries are 18th century re-enactors who share their passion for history by recreating aspects of the American Revolutionary War through traditional crafts, battle re-enactment, experimental archeology and dramatic performance. There is no other historical activity that offers so much hands-on experience!

Events 4th May 2026:

Redcoats and Revolutionaries Re-enactors 11am - 3pm

Free Craft Activity - Bunting & Badges! 11am - 3pm

Guided Tour: Then and Now - the Guildhall Restoration 1pm - 2pm

Family Ceilidh - Celebrate 100 Years of the Guildhall! 4pm - 7pm

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