Meet Matthew, Programme and Events Manager
Why do you do what you do?
I am passionate about creating opportunities for people to connect with history in engaging and memorable ways. I create experiences like the Georgian Festival, the recent Roman Day, and our talks programme to inspire curiosity, spark imagination, and make heritage accessible to everyone. I believe that bringing history to life through our events encourages deeper understanding, fosters community pride, and helps preserve our shared stories for future generations. There’s nothing better than seeing visitors of all ages getting excited, asking questions, and immersing themselves in the stories we bring to life.
When did you start and why?
I started young, helping out at agricultural and dog shows where my parents were on the committees. This early involvement led me into historical reenactment, which eventually expanded into event management for reenactment and living history events across the country. Highlights include working at Tatton Park, helping to reintroduce the 1940s Weekend at Bletchley Park, and organising numerous events for the National Trust.
Well thought out immersive experiences allow people to get a chance to live and witness history happening before their very eyes. In my spare time, I also organise the annual Battle of Shrewsbury which attracts over 300 reenactors. Stand by Buxton, you never know what you might see over the next few years!
It’s incredibly rewarding to see visitors of all ages connecting with history, experiencing things they wouldn’t normally encounter, and hopefully inspiring a lifelong curiosity about history and our shared heritage for future generations.
What’s the strangest thing that’s happened to you on the job?
This is a tough one to answer because so many events have unexpected moments—and I’m often the one throwing random event ideas at Simon our CEO. If I had to pick, one highlight would be during the Georgian Festival: watching the English group perform their drill demonstration, only for the French reenactors to arrive, take over, and start addressing the crowd entirely in French! It was such a brilliant, spontaneous moment which definitely confused the public.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
What I love is that no two days are ever the same, and I thrive on the creativity and variety that come with designing new events and making heritage feel accessible and alive.
Another part of the role I love is the opportunity to build connections. These can be with local groups or other museums and heritage organisations further afield. Collaborating with others not only strengthens what we can offer but also helps build a wider community passionate about history.
These relationships create exciting opportunities, like welcoming Dacre Stoker, a descendant of Bram Stoker, all the way from the United States to reveal Dracula’s secrets to us in the Pump Room (tickets are still available!!). Heritage can bring people together across communities, countries, and even continents.
Would you encourage others to get involved?
Absolutely! I would encourage everyone to get involved! Working in heritage events isn’t just a job, it’s an opportunity to be part of something that brings people, stories, and communities together. You’re not just planning activities, you’re creating moments that spark curiosity, invite conversations, and make history feel real and alive for everyone, no matter their age or background.
One interesting fact about you that people might not know?
While at secondary school and in university I use to compete in fencing (Foil and Epee) most memorably at the British Youth Championships for the North West Fencing Team. I trained at least 15 hours a week with some of the British fencing team and the British Pentathlon team. It was great fun and now you know not to mess with me when I’m wielding a sword.
