Heritage Open Days (HODs), the country’s largest festival of history and culture returns this September with thousands of free events and experiences, including many in Warrington.
Brought to you by the National Trust, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and run by thousands of local organisations and volunteers, HODs brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history.
From historic houses to factories, museums to music halls, formal gardens to graveyards, places and spaces will again open for free this autumn. Across the country, thousands of intriguing events and fun new experiences will happen as part of Heritage Open Days, the country’s largest festival of history and culture, which they have been since 1994 – the same year the world’s first smartphone came to market, the Channel Tunnel opened, and Sunday trading was legalised in England.
Over the three decades since Heritage Open Days began it has grown in scope and scale. What began as a weekend dedicated to revealing buildings not normally open to the general public has exploded into a ten-day festival, celebrating a myriad of different aspects of heritage and culture. With more than 100,000 events and over 39 million visits across 30 years, it has grown from just 700 events in the first year to over 5,250 in 2023. Still committed to its founding principles of free access and being community led, it’s a much-loved event that many look forward to every year.
Hundreds of activities will adopt this year’s theme, Routes – Networks – Connections, bringing together the past and present in a festival that includes workshops, talks, hidden spaces, walks and activities for all the family.
Liam Montgomery, Heritage Open Days Marketing & Projects Manager says: “The scale and diversity of Heritage Open Days is just incredible – every year thousands of passionate people help visitors to make doorstep discoveries and connect with history and heritage in every part of England. This year though, it will be extra special as we celebrate three decades worth of stories and all the brilliant people and places that have made it, and continue to make it, all possible!”
The festival will again feature events and activities across Warrington including:
Museum of Policing in Cheshire
14 Sep 2024
Step into Cheshire Police history and visit our fabulous museum. With hundreds of exhibits, our fantastic volunteers will guide you through the museum and our rich history of policing.
Take a Journey into Padgate and Fearnhead’s Past
07 Sep 2024
Take a Journey into Padgate and Fearnhead’s Past on Saturday 7th September 10.30 am to 12.30 pm at Padgate Library.
St John the Evangelist Church
14 Sep 2024
Located in the conservation village of Walton, Warrington, described as a mini cathedral, the church was built by Sir Gilbert Greenall, Bart. for the Walton estate workers. The church is in gothic style built in 1885 of Cheshire sandstone.
Guided walk to the Transporter Bridge
Find out all about Warrington Transporter Bridge, what’s it for, why is it there and what is its future? Multiple dates available
Old Billy Homecoming Parade
Old Billy
Celebrate the return of the oldest horse in the world to Warrington with Old Billy’s homecoming parade and workshop.
Warrington Town Hall
September 14th 10am-1pm
Soak up the history of Warrington and visit Warrington Town Hall as part of the national Heritage Open Days.
This event is free and everyone is welcome to join and have a look around this incredible building.
There will be volunteers on hand all day to speak with visitors and help out.
You don’t need to book, just pop along and enjoy.
Founded in 1994, Heritage Open Days has been capturing imaginations for 30 years. Last year, more than 45,000 organisers and volunteers ran over 5,000 events across the country, attracting one million visits. Around one-third of visitors had not visited a heritage site/event in the past year while 80% of festival-goers said their visit made them more proud of their local area.
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “I’m delighted we’re able to support Heritage Open Days for another year, giving people across the country the chance to explore, celebrate, and enjoy England’s national heritage. With hundreds of activities on offer there’s something to suit everyone. And best of all – thanks to money raised by Postcode Lottery players – they can all be enjoyed for free!”
Heritage Open Days is brought to you by the National Trust with support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Every single Heritage Open Days event is free, including access to many sites that usually charge for admission.
For further information, and to register your event, visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk
