Children & Families

First-footing Coal Gem at Woodhorn

Name: First-footing Coal Gem at Woodhorn
Start: 2026-12-05
Location: Woodhorn Museum, Queen Elizabeth II Country Park, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9YF

Make and decorate a paper coal gem and write your wishes for the new year inside, inspired by the first-footing tradition.

Saturday, 5 December 202611am to 3pm (weekends 5-13 Dec, then daily opening days 19 Dec to 3 Jan)Woodhorn Museum, Queen Elizabeth II Country Park, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9YFIncluded with Annual Pass admissionby Woodhorn Museum (North East Museums)

About This Event

Drawing on the North East tradition of first-footing, when a lump of coal was carried over the threshold for luck at New Year, this drop-in activity invites visitors to make and decorate their own paper coal gem and write their wishes for the year ahead inside. Gems can be added to a growing art installation or taken home. It is suitable for all ages and abilities, with staff on hand to help, and is included with Annual Pass admission.