Sarah HallSome of Norwich's most historic buildings will be giving up their spooky secrets under cover of darkness when families get a rare chance to visit them after hours.Sarah Hall

Some of Norwich's most historic buildings will be giving up their spooky secrets under cover of darkness when families get a rare chance to visit them after hours.

Children will get the chance to spend the night in Norwich's medieval Guildhall, scary stories will be read in the cathedral, while a candlelit tour will be conducted around Dragon Hall.

The events are all part of the national Museums at Night series of events, which Norwich is taking part in for the first time, with twilight explorations of half a dozen of the city's finest buildings.

Night owls can look forward to the weekend of nocturnal goings-on from Friday to Sunday as Norwich's museums and heritage attractions unlock their doors in the evenings.

The city's events are being co-ordinated by Norwich HEART (Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust) and include:

A spooky sleepover at the Guildhall. From 7pm on Saturday, May 15, youngsters aged seven to 14 will be able to explore the medieval building after dark, witnessing a mock trial in the old court room, listening to spooky tales and bolstering themselves with a midnight feast before spending the night in the building.

It costs �20 per head and includes breakfast. Booking is essential on 01603 599577 and space is limited to just 24 children.

Soup and scary stories at Norwich Cathedral. This event, from 8pm until 10pm, will run on Friday, May 14. It will start in the cathedral's library before an 'unusual journey' in the dark in the cloister and labyrinth.

It costs �2.50 per child and adults are free. Children must be aged at least eight years old and be accompanied by an adult. Places must be booked by calling Juliet Corbett on 01603 218320 or Gudrun Warren, librarian, on 01603 218327.

Magic, witches, ghosts and ghouls at Dragon Hall. The Man In Black will reveal legends and ghost stories connected to the King Street building.

The event will run from 8pm until 10pm on Friday, May 14 and places can be booked on 01603 663922.

Twilight tours of St John the Baptist. From 6pm until 9pm on Friday, May 14, people can experience a tour of the Victorian Gothic cathedral and see a view of the city by moonlight.

Cost is �3 and places can be reserved by calling 01603 728936.

The Assembly House: Norwich's First Nightclub? This event will take place from 7pm on Friday, May 14 and will reveal the history of the Theatre Street building and how eligible bachelors in the 18th and early 19th century would head there in the hope of meeting their future fianc�s and spouses.

Tickets, which include a light supper and a demonstration by the Early Dance Group as well as a history tour and talk, are �15. Rge event is aimed at 10 to 14-year-olds accompanied by an adult and tickets are available on 01603 626402.

Artist Madi Boyd and neuroscientists Dr Mark Lythgoe and Dr Beau Lotto will present a multi-media presentation at The Forum from May 7 until May 22.

The Point of Perception show is an installation which aims to deliberately confuse the human brain. Admission is free and on Friday, May 14 and Saturday, May 15, it is open until midnight.

The events are yet more evidence of what the city has to offer, as Norwich bids to become the first UK City of Culture in 2013.

Don't forget to get the Evening News every Friday for your Going Out section - your guide to what's on in and around Norwich. You can also visit the Going Out section of our website at www.eveningnews24.co.uk