The Museum in the Park's summer holiday programme opened in truly festive, traditional style on Wednesday 28 July with the return of Mr Punch and friends, enjoyed by nearly 2000 visitors - the highest number of visitors ever seen at this small but much loved local Museum in a single day.

Families were invited to roll up and enjoy traditional summer entertainment in the Museum courtyard, presented by Punch & Judy Man Rod Burnett, from The Storybox Theatre Company, one of Britain’s leading puppet companies. And roll up they did - with Museum staff counting in 1928 visitors!

'It is good to see families enjoying an old fashioned outing, with a picnic in the fresh air, Punch and Judy, and games on the lawns in the Park' said Councillor Joe Forbes, Stroud District Council Cabinet Member for Community Services. 'It was wonderful!'

Punch and Judy shows have been entertaining people for over 300 years. The performers Storybox Theatre continue this historic tradition in true style.

The Museum's holiday programme is packed with fun and exciting things for all the family including: free family discovery trails and creative family drop in craft activities which run from Wednesdays - Sundays in August. Call 01453 763394 for details or see www.museuminthepark.org.uk