There could be some unfamiliar faces lurking among the usual inhabitants of Beamish Museum this Halloween as the County Durham attraction prepares to welcome visitors after dark.
The award-winning open-air museum is temporarily embracing its more sinister side, transforming into the Un-living Museum of the North for a series of Halloween events.
Visitors will be able to explore some of its familiar streets and buildings in a rather different atmosphere, with spooky entertainment and mysterious characters waiting around the corners.
Among the locations taking on a new identity is Pockerley Old Hall, the oldest original building on the museum site, which has plenty of curious tales in its history.
The 1900s Pit Village, normally known for its close-knit community spirit, may have a few other spirits in residence, while the cobbled streets of the Edwardian Town will welcome some unusual new inhabitants.
Over in the 1950s Town, visitors are warned that the locals might not be quite as friendly as they first appear.
There will also be fairground rides, available at an additional charge, and food and drink outlets serving Halloween treats.
The programme includes a suitably atmospheric cinema experience, with screenings of the 1922 silent horror classic Nosferatu in Beamish’s 1950s Grand cinema on October 17 and 18.
Directed by F. W. Murnau, the German expressionist film is regarded as one of the earliest and most influential vampire films.
The screenings will feature a live musical score performed by Stuart Angus, bringing an extra dimension to the century-old tale of Count Orlok.
Away from the Halloween happenings, Beamish is also offering a programme of half-term activities exploring energy and its importance to the North East’s industrial and cultural heritage.
Working with Durham University and the East Durham Artists’ Network (EDAN), the museum will explore everything from coal and electricity to renewable energy, alongside the social and cultural energy generated by the region’s mining communities.
The programme, running from October 24 to November 1, includes an exhibition of work by EDAN artists in the school at the 1900s Pit Village, from October 26 to November 1.
Visitors can also try their hand at making mining banners during workshops on October 25 and 31, while rapper sword dancing, a tradition closely associated with the North East’s mining communities, will take place on October 24, 27, 28 and 29.
There will also be special screenings in the museum’s 1950s cinema, alongside energy-themed quizzes and interactive activities on selected dates throughout half-term.
Daytime half-term activities are included with standard museum admission, while tickets for the Halloween evenings and Nosferatu screenings must be booked separately in advance. For details of dates, tickets and the full autumn programme, visit beamish.org.uk.