On Monday 12 September at 8pm*, the night of the full moon, the Silk Mill in Derby throws open its doors for a night of Lunar Society inspired storytelling, by Maria Whatton.  Adults and young people aged 12+ are invited to experience the unique atmosphere of meetings at the Lunar Men’s houses which changed our world irrevocably.

Maria Whatton explains, “The Lunar Society was an eighteenth century circle of like minded fellows.  Their meetings blended Science, Art, Commerce and friendship. Lunar Society gatherings happened in domestic abodes from Derbyshire to Staffordshire and we’ve an amazing front room at the Silk Mill created by Charity Shop DJ and Derby Museum and Art Gallery to encourage the audience to feel able to share their own creativity as part of the event. The Lunar Society meetings were for pleasure as much as business after all. I’ll be telling stories inspired by my own family gatherings, along with stories of the Lunar men and inviting feedback based on story gathering we’re doing a week before.  Because it’s a full moon, there will be plenty of light for people to see their way home afterwards, just like Lunar meetings, held on full moons for that reason.”

By daylight, on Saturday 3 September, from 10am to 12noon and 2pm to 4pm, people are invited to have a preview of the lounge, where Maria will be telling and gathering stories to help shape the evening event a week later. Although the Lunar Society was an exclusively male domain, Maria will also tell stories from women’s perspectives, including stories she heard in her own childhood front room. Saturday 3rd September is Joseph Wright’s birthday and there will be tea and cake available at the Silk Mill for anyone who wants to celebrate during Maria’s sessions. Free refreshments will be provided ahead of the evening event on Monday 12th September, to create that homely feel.

The Lunar Lounge is produced by Adverse Camber, working with Charity Shop DJ and Derby Museum and Art Gallery as part of the Wright of Derby Festival.

*Doors open on 12 Sept at 8pm for an 8.30pm start.

For more information, call 0775 352 8919 or come on down to the Silk Mill at opening times.  No need to book, but there’s limited space on the vintage 3 piece suite, so come early to bag the comfy chairs!