Now in its second year, the Welsh Museums Festival provides an important platform for Museums to promote the quality and the breadth of the collections, and the work being done by the sector in every corner of Wales.

Wales has 98 accredited museums, with half providing free entry, more than five million objects and together attracted 4.7million visitors in 2013.

Rachel Silverson, President of The Federation of Museums and Art Galleries of Wales said: “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. ”

This year’s Welsh Museums Festival programme will also give visitors an opportunity to experience culture and heritage in a totally unexpected way as they have teamed up with Museums at Night, which aims to inspire new visitors to discover the fascinating arts and heritage highlights on their doorstep by creating exciting after-hour experiences.

(1) Porthcawl Museum – Halloween in the Cells – 31 October

Creepy, crawly and spine-chilling experiences may occur. Duck for apples and lookout for spiders!

(2) National Museum, Cardiff Telescope Workshop – 31 October

Thinking of buying a telescope for Christmas? Or already have one that's sitting in the back of the cupboard because you need help setting it up? Then come along to the telescope workshop

(3) Ceredigion Museum Yng Ngheredigion – Celebration of Rafe Fitzpatrick – 31 October

Through film, live music, and story, Yng Ngheredigion celebrates violinist Rafe Fitzpatrick’s connection with his native Ceredigion with words from author, Cynan Jones. There will be special performances by Sound of Yell, and Pumlumon 70 (violin, guitar, double bass/moog and drums)

(4) Newton House, Dinefwr – Halloween Sleepover –  31 October

Are you brave enough to sleepover in one of Britain's most haunted houses? In partnership with 'Museums at Night' and the Welsh Museums Festival, we are inviting scare-lovers to spend the night with us in the National Trust's most haunted house in Wales

(5) National Waterfront Museum – Dylan Thomas Walking Tour of Swansea Marina – 1 November

Led by Peter Thabit Jones who will take you around the historic sites associated with Dylan

 (6) Swansea Museum Free Film Screening – Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror – 31 October

Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (31st October) - As part of Museums at Night and Welsh Museums Festival Swansea Museum presents: Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror

(7) Powis Castle and Gardens – After Hours at the Castle – 30 October

Come along and see Powis Castle sparkle in in a different light as well as take part in a Hallowe'en pumpkin trail (29 Oct – 1 Nov) - We've hidden lots of carved pumpkins around the garden for you to find

(8) Narrow Gauge Railway Museum – How Does the Railway Work? – 30 October

The museum will be hosting science and engineering workshops where you can see if you can build tall towers, strong bridges, electric circuits and be code breakers. The Museum after hours (31 October) - Be sure to pop in after hours between (4pm and 6pm) and make a spooky lantern to light your way out again

(9) The Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum – Remembering Gallipoli – 29 October

A talk by Mrs Anne Pedley - an expert on the Welsh in Gallipoli

(10) Bodelwyddan Castle and Park – Halloween Ghost Walks and Hunts – 30 and 31 October

Visit the castle after dark! The in-house paranormal team will guide you through the historic rooms on a tour where you will hear haunting tales
Welsh Museums Festival, now in its second year
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