WE’RE GETTING ready for an incredibly busy June in the museum.

On Friday June 9 our annual Brontë Society Festival Weekend begins, when Brontë Society members from across the UK and abroad visit Haworth and enjoy a packed programme of events.

The director of the National Theatre’s Jane Eyre (now touring) will be joining us on Friday evening, and Skipton-born writer Blake Morrison (author of And When Did You Last See Your Father?) will deliver our annual lecture on Saturday morning in Hall Green Baptist Chapel.

These events are open to all, so please call or visit the website to buy a ticket.

On Thursday June 15, we’re looking forward to welcoming Hebden Bridge-based artist Kate Lycett to the museum for a special Meet the Maker evening.

Kate specialises in painting landscapes and townscapes, and the Bronte Parsonage now features in her portfolio.

Come along to hear about Kate’s collaboration with the museum, and discover more about her recent Lost Houses exhibition which features High Sunderland in Halifax, reputedly the inspiration for Wuthering Heights.

Entry is free to the shop, and after 5.30pm museum entry is free to visitors living in the BD22, BD21, BD20 postcode areas and also to those living in Thornton. Visitors can also enjoy 10 per cent off the shop’s Kate Lycett range throughout the evening.

Towards the end of the month we’re getting into the spirit of the Haworth 60s weekend with a nod to the 50th anniversary of Mike Nichols’ movie The Graduate.

Join us on Saturday and Sunday, June 24 and 25 at 2pm for free talks about the Mrs Robinson who allegedly had an affair with Branwell whilst he was employed as tutor to her son; an affair that led to his dismissal and subsequent decline.

We begin Monday, June 26, the 200th anniversary of Branwell’s birthday, on a cheerier note, with a birthday breakfast at the place where Branwell was born in Thornton; Emily’s café.

Guests can enjoy a delicious selection of pastries, while Ann Dinsdale, our Principal Curator, shares her experience of ‘living with Branwell’ over the past 27 years.

Back at the museum, and throughout the day, there will be informal talks about Branwell, an opportunity to paint Branwell – or yourself! – into the iconic Pillar portrait.

There will also be a screening of documentary film A Humble Station? which explores Branwell’s time in the Calder Valley.

The birthday celebrations end with Poetry at the Parsonage on July 1, when we’re delighted to welcome Simon Armitage, Patience Agbabi, Jacob Polley, Kei Miller, Zaffar Kunial and Clare Shaw to Haworth.

These award-winning poets will lead workshops throughout the day, whilst Haworth’s Old School Room will play host to open mic, and become the stage for ‘Poetryopolis’ in the evening.

This will be a feast of a treat for poetry lovers, featuring readings from Simon, Patience, Jacob, Kei, Zaffar and Clare.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear some of the most vibrant poetic voices on the contemporary scene!

Visit bronte.org.uk/whats-on or call 01535 640192 for full detailsof all events coming up at the Brontë Parsonage Museum to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Branwell’s birth.