Be amazed at the Natural History Museum, Brambell Building, Bangor University

Museums across Wales are getting ready to celebrate and promote Wales’ outstanding cultural offer at the second Welsh Museums Festival from 24 October – 1 November. Over 100 events and exhibitions will be on offer for the whole family from sleepovers, talks, walks, hunts and handling sessions to archaeologist digs, re-enactments, dressing up, tea parties and Halloween themed activities.

Supporting the Festival is TV Presenter and Wildlife Expert Iolo Williams –

“I am delighted to be supporting the Welsh Museums Festival. As a four-year-old child, I remember staring in awe at the skeleton of a woolly mammoth and even now, I am amazed by the wealth of items held by our museums. With almost a hundred accredited museums all over the country caring for around 5.5 million items, no matter what your interests, there are treasures waiting to be discovered by the whole family.”

Bangor University’s Natural History Museum, Brambell Building will be open to the public on Saturday 24 of October between 11.00 to 3.30. As well as providing an opportunity for members of the public to visit the Museum that is not normally open, events will be organised during the day.

The theme of the day is ‘Creatures of the night’ and two workshops will be held, 11.00-12.30 and 2.00-3.30 on creating animals of the night with artist Luned Rhys Parri in preparation for Halloween. These will be suitable for children 7-12 years old and booking is essential by telephoning 01248 353368.

Cathy Wuster from the Gwynedd Bat Group will be giving a talk 1.00-2.00 on “Things that don’t go bump in the night! The wonderful world of bats and how they use the night sky”.

There will also be children’s activities and zoology student volunteers will be available as guides.

The Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, commented,

“We have some fantastic museums across Wales, filled with fascinating items that help tell the story of our past. They are a valuable resource in helping us to learn about and understand important historical events in a way that books alone cannot. The Welsh Museums Festival will give visitors more opportunities to discover and be inspired by the unique collections, and I am pleased to see a range of events being held both in and around Communities First areas, ensuring there are opportunities for all to participate in a range of exciting experiences.”

Rachel Silverson, President of The Federation of Museums and Art Galleries of Wales added,

“We are thrilled to be involved in the Festival once again as it offers an opportunity for our members to promote their museums and to be proud of the work that they do. At a time when museums need support from their communities, we hope that more people will be amazed by all that Welsh museums have to offer. ”

Brambell building is located opposite ASDA and directions are available on the on website http://www.bangor.ac.uk/tour/LocationMap.pdf

Publication date: 12 October 2015