National Museum of Rural Life introduces udderly fantastic MooFest event

nms.ac.uk/MooFest

A selection of press images are available to download

The National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride is preparing for a fantastic bovine-themed weekend on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September when it will host its new, family-friendly MooFest event.

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and free with Museum admission, MooFest features an exciting line-up of hands-on activities, demonstrations, storytelling, and fun as part of a unique occasion that will also teach visitors about cattle and their role in the wider world.

Butter-churning workshops and craft activities will be on offer, alongside the chance to make fresh mozzarella, learn about milk composition and understand the traffic light milking process from, education charity, SmartSTEM. A team from Scotland’s rural college, the SRUC, will teach visitors about cattle anatomy with the help of a cow skeleton.

MooFest also includes story-telling sessions and an indoor play area for children under 5.  There will be delicious food from The Shielings Café as well as outdoor ice cream and burger vendors on offer.

A special cow-spotter’s trail will stretch from the main museum building up to the attraction’s historic working farm, where visitors can see the Ayrshire dairy herd, the Aberdeen Angus and Highland cattle as well as the rest of the farm animals including hens, pigs and Clydesdale horses.

Families can also learn about Scotland’s rich rural heritage by visiting the attraction’s Georgian farmhouse and gardens, and exploring the fascinating objects showcased in the Museum’s modern galleries.

Vicky McLean, General Manager, National Museum of Rural Life, said:

“MooFest is a great opportunity for visitors to learn about the fascinating world of cattle and to appreciate the important role they have played and continue to play in our lives. We’re extremely grateful to players of People’s Postcode Lottery for helping us to offer this unique blend of cow-themed entertainment, education and family fun.”

Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said:

“This is a festival like no udder and we’re delighted support from our players is helping bring MooFest to life, with a fantastic programme of events across the weekend.”

MooFest at the National Museum of Rural Life takes place from 10.30am-3.30pm on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September. The event is free with Museum admission and the attraction’s Annual Pass.

Tickets can be booked online at nms.ac.uk/rural-life

Annual Pass – pay once, visit all year

Annual Pass prices

Adult (16+) £10, Concession* £9, Child (5-15) £7, (under 5’s free**).

15% family discount when up to three Child (5-15) tickets alongside up to two Adult or Concession tickets (max 5 tickets total) purchased***

National Museums Scotland members free.

Discounts available for groups of 10 or more.

School visits free; some workshop charges apply.

* Concessions: Over 60s, Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot. Valid ID required

**Additional charge for some events

***Cannot be used with member tickets or any other discount or offer.

The National Museum of Rural Life is open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm.