Saturday 22nd August 2026

STRICKTLY FOR THOSE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 7 - 15

- 45 MINUTE BLACKSMITHING SESSIONS -

Children’s Forging Workshops with The Young Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

Part of the British Artist Blacksmiths Association AGM & Blacksmithing Conference Weekend at Milton Keynes Museum

21st, 22nd & 23rd August 2026 at The Milton Keynes Museum

Do you have a budding blacksmith in your family?

Are you a teacher of young people who’d love a chance to try their hand at metalworking?

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We are delighted to announce that children aged 7 to 15 can take part in special one-to-one forging workshops with The Quinnell School of Blacksmithing.

Sessions will take place outdoors in the museum courtyard. This is a public space, but the forge area will be cordoned off and not accessible to the public (although it can be observed by other visitors).

There will be 4 workstations to accommodate 4 participants at a time.

The cost is £12 per person, and is subsidised by the Quinnell School of Blacksmithing & BABA

Items available to make: coat hook (choice of several designs), leaf-design keyrings or a ‘dog-head’. Examples are available to view on the day. Each participant will go home with an item they have forged themselves in hot metal.

Each child or young person must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. You will be required to complete a booking and consent form during checkout read the safety briefing, which will be sent to you soon via email.

The session will begin with togging up in our specialist protective gear (all provided): leather apron, safety glasses, leather spats and/or safety boots, leather gloves and ear defenders or ear plugs (forging is noisy!)

Before you start work at the anvil, you’ll take part in a short blacksmith’s safety briefing.  

The blacksmith will be in charge of the forge, heating the metal and holding it, with the participant doing all the hammering and tool work, under their guidance.

Please arrive in good time (10mins before your start time) and remember to come prepared:

·       Please wear close-fitting, old clothes; for example denim jeans and a close-fitting cotton T-shirt/jumper. NO SHORTS. NO SYNTHETIC CLOTHING

·       If your hair is long, please tie it back

·       Wear sturdy, closed footwear – ideally leather boots

·       Come ready to listen carefully to your blacksmith at all times and follow their instructions.

Parents / guardians / teachers: Please carefully read the safety briefing document (to follow once you have made your booking and paid) for further information. If you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact the Children’s Blacksmithing Event Manager: Tom Quinnell, via tom@fireandiron.co.uk or 01372 375148.

 The following sessions, from the drop down below are available to pre-book. Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes. Please ensure you arrive promptly, 10 minutes before the start of your session.

We very much look forward to welcoming you!