Museums will be unrolling an imaginative array of activities across the country. From candle-lit readings, paranormal investigations, sleepovers, night-time tours, musical events and much, much more.

This year’s programme sees the return of firm favourites, like Cabinet War Rooms sleepover and the Old Operating Theatre at St Thomas Church, plus exciting new additions such as the; Helicopter Museum’s ‘Back to the Blitz’ experience, follow a night shift at Cornwall’s Geevor Tin Mine and the chance to see a ‘Light in the Night’ at Cromer’s Lifeboat Museum.

You can find up to date listings at the Culture 24 Website

The event takes place at the Forum, Hatfield. With three separate rooms, each featuring a different type of music, the event fills an important gap for teenagers across the whole of Hertfordshire.

The opening night is Friday 7th May, with guest DJ on the night being Ben Dudley in the main room, who will be playing R’n’B and chart tunes for the crowds. The other rooms are set to impress with special guest alternative DJs and other headline DJs to be confirmed nearer the event date. The night will also feature live music from “Hekz”, a band providing the latest in metal sounds.

Non-alcoholic cocktails will be served in the Style Bar and all drinks are free for the duration of the night.

“This is set to be the night to be seen at for teenagers in Hertfordshire” states, Andrew Burton, Partner of RARE Productions, the company organising the event. “We realise that teenagers need a dedicated night and we have worked hard to put on what is set to become a regular monthly night and must go to event. We are encouraging people to pre-book tickets via our website as we expect a high demand on the night” he added.

More details of the event are available at the Grounded website.

For those parents worried about safety, the organisers state that:
Grounded is a fully supervised event, where young people can really enjoy themselves in a controlled safe environment. A mixture of music will be played to suit the tastes of young people. Our main priority will be the health and safety of young people, at all times.

It sounds like a great idea and they will definitely be plugging a gap in the market.

Youth Hostels that are particularly family friendly include:

1) Bellever, Devon – a former farm near the Bellever forest and Dart River. Miniature pony centre nearby.

2) Oxford – a centrally based Youth Hostel, ideal for exploring this beautiful city of dreaming spires.

3) Sandown, Isle of Wight – walking distance from the beach and lots of family attractions nearby

4) Derwentwater, Cumbria – mansion situated next to Derwentwater with stunning views. Large outdoor area for kids to play in

5) Golant, Cornwall – this youth hostel overlooks the Fowey estuary and is close to the Eden Project and Bodmin Moor

6) Bristol – another city youth hostel based on the quayside. You can walk to most attractions from here.

7) Lee Valley, Hertfordshire – believe it or not they have waterside log cabins here. Lots of watersports on offer.

8) Arundel, West Sussex – another youth hostel that is close to the beach. Attractions such as an outdoor swimming pool and castle nearby.

9) Poppit Sands, Pembrokeshire – close to beach with lots of activities on offer nearby such as horse riding, fishing and cycling.

10) Danywenalt, Powys – a former farmhouse with lovely views. Some great walks and pony trekking close by.

Thanks to Families South West for pointing these out.