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Take your Key Stage 2 class on a delightful journey into the past with this engaging assembly script exploring traditional British holidays! “British Holidays In The Past” uses a fun ‘Discovery Box’ format to compare celebrations from Tudor and Victorian times with the present day.

The Storyline:

The assembly begins with modern children discovering an old box filled with mysterious items: a faded ribbon, a Punch puppet, and a corn dolly. This discovery sparks a trip back in time, guided by two narrators. First, visit Tudor England for a vibrant May Day celebration, complete with crowning the May Queen, singing a traditional May song, and dancing around the colourful Maypole with Morris Dancers. Next, jump forward to the Victorian era for a trip ‘beside the seaside’! Experience the excitement of train travel opening up coastal holidays, see the peculiar bathing machines, enjoy donkey rides, laugh at a Punch & Judy show, and taste early ‘hokey-pokey’ ice cream. Finally, join a traditional Harvest Home feast, celebrating the end of the harvest with the symbolic last sheaf and corn dolly, giving thanks for the community’s hard work. The play concludes by reflecting on how holidays have changed, while the joy of celebrating together remains timeless.

Key Features:

Fascinating Historical Theme: Explores traditional British holidays, specifically Tudor May Day, Victorian seaside trips, and Harvest Home celebrations.
Ideal for KS2 History/Topic Work: Supports curriculum topics on Tudor and Victorian life, social history, leisure, traditions, and comparing past and present.
Cast Size for 30: Features 30 distinct speaking roles, including Narrators, modern ‘Discoverer’ children, and characters representing Tudor villagers, Victorian seaside visitors, and Harvest festival participants.
Includes Traditional Song: Features the “Bedfordshire May Song” (“Good morning, lords and ladies”), complete with lyrics and a YouTube link for learning the tune.
Easy to Resource & Stage: Comes with a character list, simple prop suggestions (Discovery Box items, Maypole, seaside props, harvest items), costume ideas (Tudor, Victorian), and clear stage directions.
Perfect Assembly Length: Estimated performance time of approximately 20 minutes.
Engaging & Comparative: Uses the ‘Discovery Box’ framing device and clear scene changes to effectively contrast past traditions with children’s modern understanding.
Why Choose This Script?

“British Holidays In The Past” offers a charming and educational look at how people celebrated special occasions in Britain’s history. It brings different eras to life with distinct scenes, characters, and music, making social history engaging and fun for KS2 students.

Download the “British Holidays In The Past” script today and take your audience on a memorable trip back in time!