TICKETS are now available for a late-night event to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the birth of the founder of the Ashmolean Museum.

The Beaumont Street attraction was opened in 1683 by Elias Ashmole (1617–92).

The venue is to use a grant of £110,000 from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Wolfson Fund to create a display in the large central gallery to reflect the museum’s origins.

On Friday, May 19, historical interpreters will be in Broad Street to remind people what life was like under Charles I, and on the same night there will be a special Live Friday late opening at the museum to mark the 400th anniversary.

Dr Xa Sturgis, director of the museum, said the new gallery devoted to the founding collection was expected to open in the autumn.

He urged people to visit throughout the year to celebrate Ashmole’s life and the ‘profound contribution’ he made to the city of Oxford.

On May 19 a parade will begin in Broad Street at 6.30pm followed by a LiveFriday event at the museum from 7pm to 10.30pm.

The parade will feature actors dressed as English Civil War cavaliers and courtesans, with Charles I on horseback.

Tickets are free but booking is essential.

For further information about tickets and the LiveFriday event visit ashmolean.org