The historic Manor House Museum and Art Gallery will invite visitors in to learn more about its past at a free Open House event this weekend.

The Ilkley museum, on Castle Yard - close to All Saints Parish Church - will play host to special events on Saturday afternoon from 2pm to 4.30pm (August 17), and celebrate 50 years of supporters’ group The Friends of the Manor House.

During the event, there will be a free guided tour, roving musicians, and the opportunity to buy home made cakes, plants and ceramics.

Younger visitors can also have a go on a games console or play with the ‘Mini Manor House’, both items purchased by the Friends.

The Friends group itself, led by Mike Dixon, will give a free guided tour of the Bradford Council-run museum starting at 3pm.

Visitors can also meet the Friends group to find out more about what they do and sign up to become a member.Youngsters attending the Open House event will be able to play and imagine the past world with the new ‘Mini Manor House’ and its 29 dolls, which are a recent addition commissioned by the Friends.

Bradford Libraries will tell stories at the event about characters and legends from local history.

People attending the Open House will also be able to look around the Museum’s current exhibition, which celebrates 50 years of the Friends of the Manor House.

Through images and objects visitors, can learn about the group’s involvement in the art gallery and museum over the last half century.

Highlights of the exhibition include a wall hanging of noted textile artist Theo Moorman that was originally commissioned for the Manor House, and work by local artists such as Barbara Whalley, Eric Satchwell, and Margaret Firth.

Chairman of the Friends of the Manor House, John Cockshott, said: "The Manor House is a special part of our community and our heritage. The Friends have fun with the past and the present through talks, tours, concerts and our other activities around the Manor House.

“We hope people will come to the event to meet us, look at the exhibition and become inspired to get involved with the Friends of the Manor House.”

The Friends of the Manor House: 50th Anniversary exhibition will run until Sunday September 15.