Record numbers of visitors took advantage of a rare opportunity to take a nocturnal trip around the galleries of Norwich Castle Museum.

More than 2,000 people flocked to the castle as part of this year's Museums at Night celebration, which is an annual event where venues around the city throw their doors open in the evenings.

Museums at Night is now in its third year and the castle was open in the evening on Saturday, May 14 for the free five hour event, which was organised with the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts.

Rachel Kirk, manager of Norwich Castle, said: 'We were delighted and surprised at the popularity of this year's event, which clearly captured people's imaginations.

'We received 2,077 visitors during the five hour event, which is a record for Norwich Castle. We would like to thank all those that attended, waited patiently in queues and gave us really useful feedback for future years.'

The castle featured performance and music in the keep and rotunda, but highlights of the evening for many visitors were the torch-lit tours of the battlements, Natural History galleries and stores. Lorenza Peachey, curatorial assistant at the castle, said: 'There was a great atmosphere and it was a real joy to see people experiencing the museum at night.

'The success of the event reflects the fantastic collaboration with partners and the enthusiasm of the public, of course.'

The event was staged in association with the Norfolk and Norwich Festival (NNF11) and was supported by SHAPE 24.

Other museums and heritage attractions across Norwich, including the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, the John Jarrold Print Museum, the Mustard Shop and Museum and the Guildhall. also opened their doors after hours for events co-ordinated by Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART).

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