Join us in Blackwell Hall for a programme of musical performances, talks, craft activities and workshops based on the Bodleian Library's collection of broadside ballads, with the award-winning 100 Ballads project team.

Broadside ballads were the pop music of the 17th century, selling in their thousands for a penny a piece. Their subjects were love, politics, battles, crime, folk tales, and sensational stories of monsters and disasters. Sung to the hit tunes of the day, many ballads survived as folk songs into the 20th century. 

The Bodleian Library houses one of the world's most important collections of broadside ballads. Throughout the day, Vivien Ellis, John Kirkpatrick and The Carnival Band will bring a selection of them vividly to life with an array of instruments, full vocal harmony and an infectious sense of fun. Christopher Marsh, a leading expert in the field and lead researcher of the 100 Ballads project, will give short talks on the ballads and their background.

We'll be hosting a special session for younger children. There will also be family-friendly activities and keepsake printing for all ages using the Victorian printing press in Blackwell Hall. 

Bring along your own voice and acoustic instruments (no electrical instruments, please!) to join in with an open musical session from 15.00 – 15.30.

Schedule

• 11.15 – 11.45: music workshop for ages 0 – 8 years
• 12.15 – 12.45: singing workshop for ages 8+ (including adults) 
• 13.15 – 14.00: performance of ballads
• 14.10 – 15.00: performance of ballads
• 15.00 – 15.30: open session – audience invited to join with their own acoustic instruments and sing choruses together.

This event is part of Oxford Open Doors 2025 at the Bodleian Libraries. Find out more about what's on over the weekend at the Bodleian Libraries.