This month, hundreds of museums across the country will stay open late with ghost tours, midnight murder mysteries and all-night sleepovers. Kieran Watkins reports.

Museums at Night, the annual after-hours celebration of our culture, history and heritage is back.

The event, now in its eighth year, is an established feature in the arts calendar and continues to bring people into museums and galleries who might not otherwise visit them.

With budget and grant cuts looming, museums across the country are really feeling the pinch, which is why this year’s event is so important and why more than 250 events are taking place the length and breadth of the land.

In Kent, events of every size will be taking place from Friday, May 18, to Sunday, May 20.

Sally Abbott, regional director for the Arts Council in the South East said: “There’s a huge amount happening. Great art and culture inspires us and makes life better, so why not try something new by getting involved in your local museum’s after hours activities?”

In Medway, the Historic Dockyard will be hosting two contrasting nights. There’s a haunted dinner and ghost tour planned for Friday, May 18, followed on Saturday, May 19, by the popular Night at the Museum event, where families get to sleepover in the No.1 Smithery.

Dover Castle will also be inviting guests to stay the night on Friday, May 18. Other locations running late-night activities for families include the Powell-Cotton Museum at Quex Park, near Margate, and Charles Darwin’s former home, Down House, near Biggin Hill.

The main Museums at Night celebrations run from Friday, May 18 to Sunday, May 20. For more details of all the events on offer visit www.culture24.org.uk

Some enchanted evenings...

DOVER CASTLE

Live like royalty for one night only at the medieval castle. Sample wine, tuck in to a hearty feast and enjoy the medieval surroundings before you bed down. If you are feeling brave, ghost tours are available. The event is on Friday, May 18, from 7pm to 9am. Tickets from £90 on 0870 333 1183.

DOWN HOUSE, DOWNE

Discover the history and secrets of Charles Darwin and his family at his former home. With talks and tours offering a glimpse into Darwin’s life and times, this exclusive after-dark evening will allow visitors the chance to learn more about his famous book the Origin of Species. Events run on Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19, from 6pm to 9pm. Family £25.70 on 0870 333 1183 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

HISTORIC DOCKYARD, CHATHAM

Kicking off on Friday, May 18, the Reading the Riot Act takes visitors on a ghost tour led by a costumed guide. Supper is included and booking is essential for the event that runs from 9pm to 2am. Tickets £35 on 01634 823845. Saturday, May 19, sees the return of Night at the Museum. The night will include everything from rope-making to rocket firing, followed by a sleepover. Food and drink included and the minimum age for children is eight. All youngsters must be accompanied by adult. From 7.30pm to 9am. Tickets £25.

POWELL-COTTON MUSEUM, QUEX PARK

Bring your sleeping bags and camp out at the Thanet museum. Torches and waterproof clothing are essential for the evening, which includes games, craft activities and a torchlight trail. A light breakfast is included. There’s a minimum of one adult to five children per group. Events take place on Friday, May 18 and Saturday 19. Tickets £20 on 01843 842168.