SATURNALIA TOUR

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE SATURNALIA TOUR?

The Saturnalia Tour is a brand-new touring installation, made up of music, creative lighting, fire, interactive projection, storytelling and performance. It will visit the communities of Hadrian’s Wall over ten nights in December, drawing a close to the Hadrian’s Wall 1900 Festival. 

Saturnalia will visit South Shields, Wallsend, Denton Burn, Heddon-on-the-Wall, Haltwhistle, Hexham, Brampton, Carlisle, Silloth and Maryport. 

Saturnalia has been commissioned by the Hadrian’s Wall Partnership for the Hadrian’s Wall 1900 Festival. It is funded by Arts Council England, National Lottery Heritage Fund and the North of Tyne Combined Authority and delivered in partnership with Carlisle City Council and Northumberland County Council. 

WHERE AND WHEN DOES IT TAKE PLACE?

The events take place over one evening in each location. The opening hours are 4:30pm until last entry at 7pm and you can visit any time within the stated opening hours.

The dates and locations are listed below. Please click on the site names to see the What3Words location for each site: (please turn your phone to landscape if viewing on a mobile device)

The events are being delivered specially for the communities of Hadrian’s Wall and residents that live near to the chosen site. Please only visit the event in your area, and do not travel to other locations. 

We strongly advise travelling by foot as there is no parking available at the event sites. 

DO I NEED A TICKET?

The events are free to attend, and no booking is required. 

IS THE EVENT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?

Yes, the events are suitable for families and people of all ages. 

IS THE EVENT SUITABLE FOR DOGS?

The events will feature fire and some pyrotechnic effects which might be frightening for dogs, so we would advise leaving pets at home. 

ARE THERE TOILETS NEARBY?

Public toilets or portable toilets will be available onsite at each location. 

DO I NEED TO KNOW ANYTHING ELSE?

The events take place in parks and on green spaces after dark. Although lighting will be provided the sites may be muddy and uneven under foot, so please take care and ensure you have dressed for the weather and are wearing sensible footwear. 

The event sites will be well lit, but some locations may be darker than others, so you may also want to bring a torch for your journey to the event. 

ACCESS

We aim to make our events as inclusive as possible. If you have any comments or suggestions around access, please email info@hadrianswall1900.co.uk

IS THE EVENT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?

The installations will be delivered on grass in most locations. There are pathways throughout the sites. Lighting will be provided, but areas of the sites may be muddy and uneven, so we advise using your own judgement when planning your visit. 

Performers and stewards will be on hand to guide wheelchair users through the sites and to the best vantage points. 

IS IT SUITABLE FOR THOSE WHO ARE D/DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING?

British Sign Language interpreters will be available at the below events to support D/deaf and hard of hearing audience members:

IS THERE ALLOCATED SEATING?

There will be a very limited number of seats available for those who have difficulty standing for long periods. Should you require a seat, please ask a member of staff. 

IS THERE BLUE BADGE PARKING AVAILABLE?

The events are being delivered specially for the communities of Hadrian’s Wall and residents that live near to the chosen site. 

There is no parking provided at the event sites, however, if you would benefit from blue badge parking in order to access the event in your area, please email info@hadrianswall1900.co.uk.

Please only visit the event in your area, and do not travel to other locations. 

GETTING THERE

The events are being delivered specially for the communities of Hadrian’s Wall and residents that live near to the chosen sites. Please only visit the event in your area, and do not travel to other locations. 

We strongly advise travelling by foot as there is no parking available onsite. 

Please click on the site names below to see the What3Words location for each site.

The events take place at the following locations:

OTHER INFORMATION

WILL THE EVENTS BE CANCELLED IN BAD WEATHER?

The events are unlikely to be cancelled in bad weather, such as rain or light winds. If it does rain, please still join us and don’t forget your waterproofs! Please avoid bringing umbrellas which may block the view of others. 

In the event of severe weather, such as storms and high winds, please refer to the website and our official social media channels for the latest news on the day and before you walk to the event.

I’VE LOST SOMETHING WHILST AT THE EVENT. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If you lost something whilst you were attending any of the events on the Saturnalia Tour, please get in touch with us via email at info@hadrianswall1900.co.uk with a description of the item then we’ll see if it was found and will let you know as soon as we can.

WHO ARE THE ARTISTS INVOLVED?

The Saturnalia Tour has been created and produced by Ellie Turner and Maddie Maughan on behalf of the Hadrian’s Wall 1900 Festival in close collaboration with a creative team including:

With thanks to Simon Sharkey of The Necessary Space for helping us create our Saturnalia.  

WHO ARE THE ORGANISERS?

Saturnalia has been commissioned by Northumberland County Council on behalf of the Hadrian’s Wall Partnership for the Hadrian’s Wall 1900 Festival.

It is being delivered by the Hadrian’s Wall 1900 Festival team. 

It is funded by Arts Council England, National Lottery Heritage Fund and the North of Tyne Combined Authority and delivered in partnership with Carlisle City Council and Northumberland County Council.