FOOD popular in the Georgian period has been on offer to families at a recent event at an historic theatre.

The Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond put on an 18th century-style spread of cakes, biscuits and pies as part of GeorgeFest 2016.

Special family tours will run at the theatre until Bank Holiday Monday, with food historian Jane Sammells serving up the Georgian delights.

Also included in the family tours are opportunities to dress up in period costume – complete with Georgian make-up and hairstyling – trying out theatre props and a children’s activity trail.

As part of the tour, visitors are able to spend time in the new exhibition area, which was opened last month following a £500,000 redevelopment programme funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and a bequest from former associate director of the theatre, Paul Iles.

A key exhibit is the Woodland Scene, acknowledged to be Britain’s oldest surviving scenery set, painted between 1818 and 1836.

Tours run on the hour from 10am until 4pm, Monday to Saturday and from noon until 3pm on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. Family tours will run on Friday, August 26 at 10.30am and 2pm. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £2 for children. For further details contact the box office on 01748-825252 or visit www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk.