The Welsh Government’s Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM, has officially launched the 2018 Welsh Museums Festival at Yr Ysgwrn in Snowdonia National Park. The former home of beloved First World War poet Hedd Wyn has recently undergone extensive renovation, and the Minister announced it has now been successful in being awarded Accredited Museum status. He said “We are immensely fortunate in Wales to have such a wealth of museums that are filled with some incredibly interesting items – from open air and living museums like the newly accredited Yr Ysgwrn, to highly specialist museums and fantastic local collections.

“I very much see the Festival as an opportunity for museums to reach out to their local community and help people immerse themselves in their culture and heritage. Hopefully this will help inspire a new generation of people to learn more about our fascinating history.”

Victoria Rogers, President of the Federation of Museums and Art Galleries of Wales, added “The aim of the Welsh Museums Festival is to inspire visitors to learn more about some of the amazing arts and heritage stories on their doorstep through a variety of different experiences. With half term and Halloween coinciding with the festival it provides an opportunity to do something with all the family, so I’d urge you to check out what’s on in your local area and get exploring!”

Yr Ysgwrn has come a long way in its short existence as a visitor attraction and receiving museum accreditation is the icing on the cake according to Sian Griffiths from the Snowdonia Park National Authority, “Yr Ysgwrn has had a remarkable sixteen months since re-opening to the public in June 2017. As Welsh Museums Festival gets underway we’re thrilled that the accreditation panel has recognised the efforts of staff, volunteers and the National Park Authority to deliver best practices in governance, collections care and visitor experience as being of national quality standard. Yr Ysgwrn is a museum of international significance and it is our privilege to offer the best care to collections, staff and volunteers and visitors!”