Ceredigion Museum shop will host two events to celebrate the UNESCO Aberystwyth Ceredigion City of Literature and the National Year of Reading, as repairs to the main building continue.

Both explore myths, magic, ghosts and Welsh folklore.

A storytelling evening for children on 27 October, will be followed by an in-conversation event with two authors specialising in Welsh folklore, witchcraft and ghosts on 30 October.

In ‘Tales of Magic and Mystery’ on 27 October (6pm-8pm), young readers can join author Claire Fayers and local storyteller, author and illustrator Peter Stevenson for a spooky journey through the myths, legends and folklore of Wales. The event is suitable for children aged 9-12.

Claire Fayers is the author of ‘Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins’.

Her other books include ‘Tapper Watson and the Quest for the Nemo Machine’, ‘The Accidental Pirates’, and Storm Hound’, winner of the Tir na n-Og Award in 2020. ‘Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins’ was named Waterstones Wales Book of the Year in 2024 and won the Tir na n-Og People’s Choice Award. 

Peter Stevenson is a local storyteller, book illustrator and writer for children and adults. He has written extensively about Welsh folk tales, illustrated collections of fairy tales and shared stories with audiences in Wales and around the world.

There will also be an opportunity to buy books and have copies signed after the event.

‘Tales of Magic and Mystery’ with Claire Fayers and Peter Stevenson is on Tuesday 27 October, 6pm to 8pm in the shop at Ceredigion Museum on Terrace Road in Aberystwyth. The event is suitable for children aged 9 to 12.

Children’s advance tickets cost £4.50 and £5.50 on the door.. Both include a spooky drink. Adult tickets cost £3.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

On Friday 30 October, from 6pm to 8pm, the Museum shop will host an in-conversation event with local author Dr Mari Ellis Dunning, author of Witsh, and folklorist Dr Delyth Badder, co-author of The Folklore of Wales: Ghosts.

Witsh, Dr Mari Ellis Dunning’s debut novel, is inspired by the history of Welsh witchcraft. Rooted in tradition and realism, it explores folklore, feminism and magical storytelling.

Dr Delyth Badder is a Welsh folklorist, author and Honorary Research Fellow at St Fagans National Museum of History. Her 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.

This 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 an opportunity to purchase signed copies.

Enjoy an evening with Dr Mari Ellis Dunning and Dr Delyth Badder on Friday, 30 October, 6pm to 8pm, at the shop at Ceredigion Museum, Aberystwyth.

Tickets, which include a cocktail or mocktail, cost £12.50 in advance, and £15 on the door.

Places are limited, so early booking is recommended. Tickets can be purchased via https://ceredigionmuseum.wales/whats-on/ or from Aberystwyth Tourist Information Centre.