Ceredigion Museum in Aberystwyth will hold two events exploring myths, magic, ghosts and Welsh folklore during the autumn half term, as part of its celebration of UNESCO Aberystwyth Ceredigion City of Literature and the National Year of Reading.
The first, Tales of Magic and Mystery, is a storytelling evening for children aged 9 to 12 at the museum on Terrace Road from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday 27 October. Author Claire Fayers and local storyteller, author and illustrator Peter Stevenson will take young readers on a spooky journey through the myths, legends and folklore of Wales.
Claire Fayers is the author of Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins, which was named Waterstones Wales Book of the Year in 2024 and won the Tir na n-Og People’s Choice Award. Her other books include Tapper Watson and the Quest for the Nemo Machine, The Accidental Pirates and Storm Hound, which won the Tir na n-Og Award in 2020. She grew up in south-east Wales, where her local library inspired a lifelong love of myth and magic.
Peter Stevenson has written extensively about Welsh folk tales, illustrated collections of fairy tales and shared stories with audiences in Wales and around the world.
Children’s tickets cost £4.50 in advance or £5.50 on the door, and adult tickets cost £3. Each child’s ticket includes a spooky drink, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Books will be on sale and can be signed after the event.
On Friday 30 October, from 6pm to 8pm, the museum shop will host an in-conversation evening with local author Dr Mari Ellis Dunning and folklorist Dr Delyth Badder.
Dr Dunning’s debut novel, Witsh, is inspired by the history of Welsh witchcraft and explores folklore, feminism and magical storytelling. Dr Badder, co-author of The Folklore of Wales: Ghosts, is a Welsh folklorist, author and Honorary Research Fellow at St Fagans National Museum of History whose research explores the appearance of spirits in Welsh folklore. In 2024 she was honoured by Gorsedd Cymru for her contribution to the study of Welsh folklore.
It will be the first time the two authors have met. The evening will explore themes including feminism, folklore and tradition, with short readings from their books and a chance to buy signed copies. Tickets cost £12.50 in advance or £15 on the door and include a cocktail or mocktail, and can be bought through the Ceredigion Museum website or from Aberystwyth Tourist Information Centre.
Places at both events are limited, and early booking is recommended.
