TASTY traditional treats will be on display at a North-East visitor attraction this weekend.

Staff at Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham, are hard at work preparing dozens of dishes for the centre's annual Harvest Home Supper.

From tomorrow until Sunday, the farmhouse kitchen at Home Farm will be a hive of activity, producing typical dishes from the early 1900s.

These include delicacies such as raised game pies, ox tongue, and Gateaux St Honore, all prepared using traditional equipment.

Visitors will also be entertained with concertina tunes by musician Norma Hall.

The following weekend, from October 15 to 17, a more exotic bill of fare will be on offer at the museum's Pockerley Manor.

The 1820s spread will include cod's head, pickled pigs' feet and baked rabbits, plus stone jars of beer, brandy and cider, or lemon water and milk for children. There will also be music by Northumbrian piper Dave Shaw.

Harvest Home Supper is a centuries-old custom that took place after the last sheaf of corn had been reaped.

The farmer, or lord of the manor, laid on a huge spread to thank his workers, and opened his house to all who passed by.

For details on the activities, contact the museum on 0191-370 4000.

Published: 07/10/2004