Culture for Everyone: Fun Palace at Mansfield Museum with BeatFeet

Earlier this month, BeatFeet had the pleasure of joining Mansfield Museum’s annual Fun Palace, a nationwide initiative that turns cultural spaces into hubs of creativity, learning, and fun for everyone. The museum’s lively family day was packed with activities, and we were delighted to be part of it, bringing the beat of the drum to the heart of Mansfield.

Our inclusive drumming workshops invited families of all ages to pick up a djembe and get involved in the music-making. Together, we explored rhythm through play - clapping, call-and-response, and group drumming that had the whole room smiling (and giggling!). Drumming has a unique way of breaking down barriers, helping people connect across generations, and giving children and adults the confidence to join in.

We also shared the day with Charm Daley, founder of Global Dance, who led workshops exploring dance traditions and genres from around the world. It was a perfect pairing: rhythm and movement side by side, celebrating creativity and culture.

Mansfield Museum has a proud history of being a free and welcoming community space. As one of the East Midlands’ National Portfolio Organisations for Arts Council England, it is recognised for its commitment to providing high-quality cultural activities for local communities. From exhibitions to hands-on family sessions, the museum continues to make arts and heritage accessible, inclusive, and fun. For us here at BeatFeet, it’s a pleasure to be involved in their Commuity programmes.

It was wonderful to see families engaging, laughing, and learning together. Fun Palaces is all about the idea that culture belongs to everyone, and the packed rooms at Mansfield Museum proved just how true that is.

In the new year we can’t wait to be back with more rhythms, more movement, and more moments of shared creativity in Mansfield.