THE annual Museums at Night late opening of visitor attractions takes on a nostalgic feel in a corner of County Durham at the weekend.

Music, magic and marvellous creatures are promised as Beamish comes alive long after usual opening hours.

The North-East open air heritage museum, near Stanley, is featuring in Museums at Night promotion, focusing activities on the Pockerley Old Hall part of the site.

Set in the 1820s, Pockerley has its own tenant farm and waggonway, telling the story of the birth of the railways.

Visitors can thrill at the Valley of the Eagles display, enjoy live music and circus performances, or be “astounded” by a magician and ‘fantastic fire’ show.

There will also be an opportunity to drive a steam engine on the Pockerley Waggonway, make a willow wand or take a walk through the Georgian theme landscape with a packhorse and her handler.

Among the performers will be folk duo Frank Lee and Corrie Schrijver, on melodeon and pipes/recorder, the Tyneside Sacred Harp and Shape Note Singers, Helen Barber on the hurdy-gurdy and a flaming finale from Phoenix Felicis.

Gemma Stevenson, Beamish’s community events officer, said: “It’s going to be an amazing evening of music, magic and marvellous creatures.

“With everything from eagles and vultures, a fire show and magician, to music, entertainers, food, and, of course the Georgian gin bar, it really is an event not to be missed.”

Museums, galleries and heritage sites across the country open their doors after hours for Museums at Night.

Beamish’s Music, Magic and Marvellous Creatures event runs from 6pm to 9.30pm on Saturday (May 14).

Tickets are £5 and are available from www.beamish.org.uk or on the door, on the night.