Erddig to join in Welsh Museums Festival with special events

Erddig will be joining museums from across the country for this year’s Welsh Museums Festival, which will be taking place from 27 October – 4 November.

The annual event is an opportunity for everyone who lives in Wales, or visiting over the half term, to explore some of the fantastic museums on offer. This year’s event will have a varied programme to cater for all tastes, which include exhibitions, re-enactments and workshops, through to Halloween themed activities.

Staff at the National Trust site at Erddig have organised an exciting new conservation trail, including hands-on activities that bring to life conservation techniques and the science behind them. Conservation plays a critical role in protecting local heritage and visitors will get to see, handle, and learn about the equipment used to preserve historical artefacts. With a focus on paper-based collections and decorative motifs, families will be invited to try their hand at the art of paper-folding, using the historic Erddig collections as inspiration, and providing visitors with a memento of their day.

Susanne Gronnow of the National Trust, said: “We are always striving to provide a different perspective on the work that we do, in ways that can inspire families. The conservation trail will be educational, allowing visitors to touch and feel the exhibits, and understand the science behind the techniques that preserve our heritage for current and future generations to enjoy.”

The Welsh Government’s Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Dafydd Elis-Thomas said, “We are immensely fortunate in Wales to have such a wealth of museums that are filled with some incredibly interesting items. I very much see the Festival as an opportunity for museums to reach out to their local community and help people immerse themselves in their culture and heritage. Hopefully this will help inspire a new generation of people to learn more about our fascinating history.”

Victoria Rogers, President of the Federation of Museums and Art Galleries of Wales added, “The aim is to inspire visitors to learn more about some of the amazing arts and heritage stories on their doorstep through a variety of different experiences. With half term and Halloween coinciding with the festival it provides an opportunity to do something with all the family, so I’d urge you to check out what’s on in your local area and get exploring!”