Bolton Museum Egypt event adds extra June date due to demand

Bolton Museum’s Egypt Study Day, dedicated to ‘Animals in Ancient Egyptian Religion,’ was fully booked within three days of tickets being released.

In response to popular demand, organisers have announced a second date for the event, which will now also take place on Saturday, June 6.

A children’s ceramic rattle in the shape of a hedgehog (Image: Zoopla)

Ian Trumble, a curator at Bolton Museum, said: “Since the first one in 2024, our study days have been going from strength to strength.

“There are so many aspects of ancient Egyptian history that we are keen to explore, and we were sure that the theme of animals would have a wide appeal.

“We are delighted that the first date has sold out and are very pleased to be able to run a second date.

“Once again, we have attendees coming from all over the UK, a great testament to the importance of Bolton’s Egyptology collection and the quality of events that Bolton has to offer.”

The study day will feature lectures and workshops delivered by leading Egyptologists, drawing on items from Bolton’s acclaimed Egypt collection – the largest held by any local authority museum in the UK.

Confirmed speakers include Professor Joann Fletcher, who will open the day with a lecture on the animal kingdom of ancient Egypt.

Dr Campbell Price, curator of Egypt and Sudan at Manchester Museum, will discuss ‘the pharaoh as animal hybrid’ in his talk examining the symbolism and identity of Egypt’s rulers.

Other sessions will include practical workshops on animal mummification, object handling, and gallery tours comparing ancient artefacts with natural history specimens.

The event will conclude with a live demonstration of how animal mummies were wrapped, led by Dr Price and Dr Lidija McKnight.

Professor Fletcher said: “We so love being part of Bolton’s very special study days, which are always such a fantastic opportunity to work with colleagues and share knowledge.

“They’re a perfect showcase for Bolton’s world-class Egyptology collection, and a chance to meet up with people from right across the UK who come to Bolton to attend, many of whom have become good friends.”

3500-year-old votive plaque of a cat from Serabit el-Khadim, Sinai, Egypt (Image: Zoopla)

Full-day tickets cost £50 for adults and £40 for children, with individual lecture tickets also available.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Bolton Museum Shop or online via Eventbrite.

While the event does not focus on human remains, organisers advise that discussions may include references to death, burial, and the process of mummification.

Tickets can be booked here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/boltons-egypt-spring-study-day-animals-in-ancient-egyptian-religion-tickets-1984866401839