Introduction
Every year in September, more and more properties are opening their doors as part of Heritage Open Days, celebrating England’s rich architecture, history and culture. Thousands of buildings of every age, style and function are involved. Many of the places are normally closed to the public, while others usually charge for admission.
Heritage Open Days though is not just about opening buildings. The event also includes many activities that bring to life the stories and traditions that make places, communities and neighbourhoods so special.
One of our participants, Esther Morrison of Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, described the event as: “probably the only truly inclusive national event we hold in the UK. It has no political agenda and crosses all faiths, nationalities and cultures to give everybody an annual opportunity to celebrate what we mean by heritage and to show pride in our local area.”
The Organisers’ Handbook and How to Use it
If you are reading this, you’ve already heard about Heritage Open Days and have accepted our invitation to participate. You probably have some ideas about one or more properties you’d like to open or the events that you could organise. This handbook aims to help you fully participate in this amazing scheme. Taking you on a journey through the event cycle, it will provide you with examples, practical tips and advice on making your Heritage Open Days event a success attracting the widest possible audience.
In each month we suggest what you should or could be doing towards Heritage Open Days, covering a wide range of topics such as how to interpret your site creatively, how to attract different audiences and local publicity or how to use marketing materials effectively.
Throughout the handbook you will also find references marked by a info-download icon to indicate that further information is available here on our website. This online library of downloadable fact files, templates, reports and other resource materials is meant to be a work in progress. It will grow and evolve with the help and input from our creative and resourceful organisers. So watch this space.
