An action-packed summer programme of fun at Erewash Museum gets off to a smashing start on Saturday 23 July with the Victorian Seaside event.

As well as the beach, there are the popular themed weeks throughout the summer holidays to keep all the family entertained.

The dates for the diaries of parents across the borough are:

• 25-29 July – Seaside Week
Free crafts and activities every day between 11am and 3pm. Make your very own postcard and take part in the seaside-themed competition. Free event.

• 23 July – 3 September – The Beach
Play to your hearts content in the purpose-built ‘beach’. Open Monday to Saturday (except Bank Holiday Monday) weather dependant. Free event.

• 1 August – The Railways and Ilkeston talk
Join Grant Shaw and Paul Miller to hear about the development of the railways in Ilkeston. Booking essential. Free event.

• 1-5 August – Animals Week
Take part in free crafts Monday, Tuesday and Friday. On Wednesday visit the Hayloft and enjoy a model railway display. Free event.

On Thursday 4 August White Post Farm will be bringing along some of their cute and cuddly animals. Booking essential, £1.50 per child.

• 6 August – Heritage Open Day
Bring your finds for an archaeology expert to identify or ‘dig up’ some treasures in the kids’ activity area. See displays from local groups. Free event.

• 8-12 August – Mini Beast Week
Join in the fun for free crafts and activities Monday, Tuesday and Friday.
On Wednesday 10 August Ilkeston Woodside Model Railway Society will be at the museum with their model railway display for visitors to enjoy in the Hayloft. Free event.

On Thursday 11 August Wildlife Workshops will bring their collection of cute and creepy animals to see and hold. Booking essential, £1.50 per child.

• 15-19 August – Pirate Week
Avast me hearties! Join in the free pirate themed crafts and activities every day.
Free event.

• 22-26 August – Arts and Crafts Week
Pop along any day to the museum for a range of free crafts and activities. Free event.

• 30 August – 2 September – Magic Week
Magic tricks and spells are the order of the day on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday with free magical crafts and activities. Free event.

On Thursday 1 September join the museum’s magician to learn some tricks and illusions to show your friends at the magical workshops. Booking essential, £1.50 per child. Suitable for ages 4 upwards.

Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:

“Our Museum continues to be a firm family favourite and we know parents and children love our themed weeks that keeps them busy and active throughout the summer holiday. We’re pleased to unveil another exciting programme for the summer of 2016!”

The themed weeks offer free activities between 11am-3pm and some workshops need to be
pre-booked and have a small charge of £1.50 per child.
The museum is open Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm during the school holiday, with the exception of Bank Holiday Monday.

Erewash Museum is situated in Ilkeston town centre, a short walk from the Market Place. Admission is free. For all the latest news from Erewash Museum, including events and activities, residents can check out the Facebook page www.facebook.com/erewashmuseum or the websitewww.erewashmuseum.co.uk