Monty Python, Hipster Druids And Black Banquets: Museums At Night Is Back

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Monty Python, Hipster Druids And Black Banquets: Museums At Night Is Back

Hang out with druids, dine on seven courses of branded goodies (mmm, Marmite) or watch Monty Python screened in the Museum of St John's spectacular Chapter Hall.

These are just a few of the wonderful offerings for this month's Museums at Night festival, taking place between 27 and 29 October.

Museums, galleries and historic spaces all over the UK are opening their doors after dark, offering some fantastic tricks and treats... this is Halloween weekend, after all. There'll be gigs, art, twilight film screenings, as well as special talks and tours, all happening after dark.

Here's the full programme. London's highlights include:

Druids in the Deadhouse at Somerset House

Imagine a trendy east London bar where 90s nostalgia is replaced with circa 900 BC revival. Druids in the Deadhouse by Welsh artist Bedwyr Williams explores what a druid hipster event might be like; there'll be an Iron Age open mic, a set of tableau vivants, robing ritual, pagan cocktails, non-lethal human sacrifice and fake beards.

Monty Python and The Holy Grail at Museum of the Order of St John

The Museum of the Order of St John (from crusaders to helpful ambulance types) are offering a few drinks in the galleries with The Jerusalem Tavern, followed by a Holy Grail Trail, and a tour of the Norman Crypt. Then settle down to watch cult classic Monty Python and The Holy Grail on the big screen in their spectacular panelled Chapter Hall.

Halloween Black Banquet at the Museum of Brands

Dine on a Halloween-inspired seven-course tasting menu featuring the iconic food brands found in the museum's collection. Think Kellogg's Frosties, Marmite and Reece's Peanut Butter Cups, all with a black Halloween twist.

Osterley After Dark at Osterley Park and House

Learn about the sinister, sad, dark and dreadful history of Osterley House, Thomas Gresham's 16th century manor; all with the lights down low.

Osterley House after dark.

An Empty Vessel at The Nunnery Gallery, Bow

The Nunnery Gallery hosts a new audio-visual art installation by contemporary artists Webb-Ellis, made collaboratively with local communities alongside drawings, music and holy water collected by local 'pilgrims' from an ancient sacred well in Valentines Park. In keeping with the Halloween theme, the evening will offer rituals, stories and food to share.

Rights and Rebels: An Alternative Look at Parliament

The Houses of Parliament takes part in Museums at Night for the first time, celebrating the rebels who risked everything to have their voices heard. Listen to award-winning folk artists, Nancy Kerr, Greg Russell and Tim Yates perform beneath the famous hammer beam roof; and hear tales of rebels and non-conformists like suffragists, Guy Fawkes, the LGBT community or the lobbying gin distillery Sipsmith, whose cocktails will be on offer throughout the night.

Archives at Night: Victorian Crime

Discover the stories behind high-profile Victorian criminal cases at the National Archives — Jack the Ripper; the Spanish swindle; the trial and imprisonment of Oscar Wilde; and the Murder at Road Hill House. In addition, there'll be themed cocktails, Victorian 'street food', magicians, music, performers and more.

Other fab London institutions taking part in Museums at Night include the Charles Dickens Museum, Dr Johnson's House, the Natural History Museum, National Gallery, and the Geffrye Museum.

Charles Dickens Museum hosts Dickens After Dark: A Halloween Special.

Museums at Night, the UK-wide biannual festival of arts, culture and heritage, runs from 27 -29 October 2016. Some ticketed events sell out fast, so get booking now. Visit the website to find out more.

Last Updated 04 October 2016