Thousands of historic houses, factories, museums, music halls, formal gardens and many other places, spaces and communities will be opening their doors as part of this year's National Trust Heritage Open Days.
Running between September 8-17, 2023, England's largest community led festival celebrates heritage, community and history by taking visitors behind the scenes to experience local history first-hand.
Founded in 1994, Heritage Open Days has captured imaginations for almost 30 years. Last year more than 45,000 organisers and volunteers ran nearly 5,000 events across the country, attracting one million visits.
Liam Montgomery, Heritage Open Days Marketing & Projects Manager says: “Whether it’s art, music, writing, or another outlet, creativity moves us and shapes our history and culture. This year organisers have once again come up trumps and created a stellar programme of events which put the spotlight on the people and places who give England’s heritage the X-factor and inspire festival-goers to engage with thousands of years of creativity. And it is the organisers who make this possible, and whose hard work enables over a million people to engage with heritage, for free, on their doorstep, every September.”
For further information, and to register your event, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Here are just some of the many events taking place in and around Derby this month.
9. Shardlow Inland Port Festival 2023
Shardlow Inland Port Festival 2023 - Field next to St James' Church, London Road, Shardlow, Derby, Derbyshire, DE72 2GP. Soak up the atmosphere of the heritage of yesteryear to admire the many historic and working narrowboats gathered around the picturesque London Wharf at the Clock Warehouse. Visit the Heritage Centre to view displays of photographs, maps and books, plus The Magic Attic Archives will be on hand to answer questions on the past. Saturday 9 September: 10am to 4pm. Sunday 10 September: 10am to 4pm. No booking required | National Trust
10. St Mary's Church, Marston Lane, Marston on Dove, Derby, Derbyshire, DE65 5GB
St Mary's Church - Visit the beautiful and ancient St Mary's Church, a Grade I listed building. While it is dated from approximately 1200 when the present chancel was built, there is evidence of a church as early as 1086, including the font, which remains in the Bell Tower. Stewards will be on hand to answer your questions. Sunday 10 September: 2pm to 4pm. Saturday 16 September: 11am to 4pm. Sunday 17 September: 12pm to 4pm. No booking required | National Trust