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The doors will be open late at Fort Grey tonight as part of a European wide initiative to get more people exploring museums.
The extended opening hours, with free entry, will see the west coast Shipwreck Museum open between 17:00 and 20:00 as part of the Museums at Night scheme.
Thousands of other heritage sites across the continent will also be open after-hours with no admission charge.
States Archaeologist Dr Phil de Jersey will be on hand to meet the public, answer questions and explain some of the displays available to view, which will include a small collection of recent archaeology finds from the west coast, including the mysterious porpoise skeleton found at the nearby Chapelle Dom Hue.
Across the road from Fort Grey, history fans can also enjoy a 20-minute guided tour of the Roman wreck store, hosted by Head of Heritage Services Dr Jason Monaghan who will give a personal insight into the ship’s discovery, present state and its future. Dr Monaghan worked on the recovery of the wreck in the 1980s when he first left university meaning he has a wealth of knowledge on the subject.
Two living history performances will also take place during the evening, with Narrow Escape telling the tale of the Guernsey man from Cobo who helped Captain James Saumarez escape a superior French squadron in 1794. This 'lively and interactive show' is 20 minutes long, and will start at 18.00. At 19.30, there will be a 'creative retelling of the tragic shipwreck of the ship Boreas of 1807'.
Other entertainment planned includes the local choir La Guaine Du Vouest (‘the gang from the west’) who will perform a repertoire of songs, featuring Guernsey’s language, at 19.00. The Museum trails and extra arts and crafts will be available during the evening, while volunteers from the RNLI will be hosting a hot drinks stand, where visitors can give a donation for tea, coffee or hot chocolate.
Josephine Dowding, Access & Learning Manager said; "it’s wonderful to be returning to Fort Grey for Museumsat Night this year. Once again, visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics and enjoy the atmosphere of this special place after-hours, take part in the activities on offer and watch the sun begin to set."
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