EXPERIMENTAL archaeology, Japanese crafts and a Victorian 'extravaganza' have helped bring in thousands of extra visitors to Wantage's town museum.

The Vale and Downland Museum recorded nearly 2,000 extra visitors in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2017.

From January to early April, more than 15,300 people visited the museum – up on around 13,500 a year ago.

Staff believe the surge is down to interesting exhibitions, educational talks and one-off events, such as this weekend's flint knapping workshop with 'experimental archaeologist' James Dilley, pictured above.

In its latest newsletter the museum thanked everyone who had already attended events this year and went on: "We had a brilliant turnout for the family Japan Day with over 400 visitors enjoying all the activities that our learning officer Melanie Rowntree and her team of helpful volunteers organised."

Manager Kate Pozzoli also highlighted the impact of a Tudor day in half term and a Japanese day in the Easter holidays, saying : "We have had more activities this year."

She said educational talks – including those to schools, community groups, and an 'afternoon talk and tea' – had boosted numbers, but that general footfall was also up.

She added: "We have had a new educational person appointed here and that makes a difference."

Another event which helped bring in extra visitors was a two-night 'Victorian extravaganza' in March put on by sixth formers from Wantage's King Alfred's Academy.

More than 350 parents, siblings and other locals attended both evenings and watched costumed students staged a scene from Jane Eyre.

There was also an 'apothecary's stall' diagnosing visitors with gruesome Victorian ailments, a fossil-handling session and a talk on Wantage tramway.

Formally opened in 1983, the museum is run by a board of trustees and has won national acclaim for its community partnership.

It already had a slew of diverse activities and events planned for the spring and summer.

Next month, the museum will once again welcome Oxfordshire ArtWeeks, hosting exhibitions from Lin Kerr and Catriona Brodribb from May 15 to June 2.

There will also be a special meet-the-artist session on Thursday, May 24, from 11am to 3pm.

The Friends of the Vale & Downland Museum will host a fundraising murder mystery night at museum on Friday, June 8, and the Wantage Quartet will give a concert as part of Wantage Summer Arts Festival.

For more information about all upcoming events and to book tickets see wantage-museum.com