![A collage of 2024 New Wave events](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/static/5e94c8ce-64a1-4589-95ebd4d603b04ad7/1105x638_highestperformance__4a7c7e45a350/2024NewWaveCollageFinal.png)
(© Heritage Open Days)
New Wave is a training programme made possible with the support of players of People's Postcode Lottery. It takes a small group of local festival organisers through a structured programme focused on working with young adults.
Mural magic
Move over Glastonbury, FleeceFest is here! Get ready for a jam-packed afternoon of live music, craft activities, and food. Leave your mark on the mural and be part of a unique piece of public art that will be seen for years to come, co-produced by local young people and artist Jon Minshull.
Board game bash
All aboard the board game express! Destination: An unforgettable evening of nostalgia, games, and fun! The historic charm of this North Yorkshire Moors Railway station provides a perfectly unique venue for a game night – expect a relaxed evening of food, drinks and gaming for all experience levels. (Image: North Yorkshire Moors Railway)
Film fest fun
Roll out the red carpet and celebrate local young filmmakers with a carefully curated programme of ten short films made by young people in North East England. Enjoy a lively one-off film event in an original art deco theatre, meet the filmmakers, grab a party bag, and enjoy some cake!
A TOTEally creative takeover
Join a special takeover of Salisbury Museum as ArtCare and Wavy Line Studio collaborate on a unique event where the worlds of healthcare history and art collide. Be inspired by the intriguing healthcare history of Salisbury (featuring Egyptian mummies and Florence Nightingale!) and work with professional artists to design and print your very own one-of-a-kind t-shirt or tote. (Image: Wavy Line Studio)
Challenge accepted
Prepare for a digital scavenger hunt of Maryport's Roman Fort, Alauna. Gather a team, enter a digitally created Roman world, answer questions and work out clues about the fort. For even more immersion, sample Roman food created from original Roman recipes and listen to Roman music!
Activism adventures
See suffragette sights: Explore the birthplace of the suffragette movement with a tour of the Pankhurst Museum. Learn about the fight for the vote, and see inside the historic parlour where Emmeline Pankhurst held the first meeting of the WSPU in 1903.
Craftivism: What happens when you put activism and crafts together? You get Craftivism! In this very special workshop design a tote bag inspired by the suffragette movement!
Deeds and Words: Grab a cuppa and have a chat about all things activism - including its past, present, and future. What can we learn from past protest movements? What might the future of activism look like? (Image: The Pankhurst Centre)
Ghosts galore
Be a ghost hunter for the night and explore a historic haunted theatre! Round up your ghost hunting crew and work together to solve clues, complete tasks, and crack codes to uncover the spooky tales and ghosts of this theatre. Race against the clock for a chance to win a prize. Afterward, head to the bar for a spooky tipple – if you dare!
Remix the Minster
This Minster’s having a take-over by local young people who have been uncovering hidden connections and stories lost in time. See their new exhibition launch and discover how this site is connected to an Indian Princess and a seafaring adventurer! As well as lots of other activities to try - led by young people for young people. (Image: Gemma Torrington)
Flavourful finds
Explore a small multi-sensory exhibition on food history! This exhibition looks at how food connected past individuals from the 18th century through to today with a focus on personal stories – from a chocolatier to local victualler. Along with two workshops:
Written on a postcard: Grab a pen and postcard and be part of an art installation. Inspired by the 'Sensing St Alfege' exhibition, reflect through sensory stimulation about a place or person that means something to you.
Suffragette crafting session: Help recreate a Suffragette-style banner using recycled scraps of fabric that links to the activism past at St Alfege Church over 100 years ago.
After hours arts
Explore a Gothic Victorian house after hours! Wander through the house and grounds and enjoy a relaxed evening filled with live music, talks, art, and drop-in activities (including flower arranging!) Plus, there’s some tasty botanical mocktails to try made using ingredients from the kitchen gardens. (Image: National Trust Images/Chris Lacey)
Shop Preston
Step inside No. 3 Syke Street and discover a gem of an art and community space. See materials from the archive and have a go at family-friendly workshop-style art events. Don’t miss the self-guided, 'alternative' walking tour - from horrible histories to amazing street art, see Preston from a new perspective!
Sustainable celebrations
Calling all book lovers and budding crafters – this stunning hall is planning a grand (yet sustainable) reopening of their second-hand bookshop. Volunteers will be on hand to showcase some crafty skills you can try too, including printing and sewing - or perhaps you fancy a blind date with a book! Learn new things, find your next read, and celebrate sustainable living. (Image: Middleton Hall and Gardens)
A printmaking trail
Go on an immersive heritage trail exploring the historical sites and personal stories from the Ouseburn Trust archives. Collect unique linocut stamps as you go along the trail, use these to map the journey taken and create your own print.
Live at the Golden Hinde
Live music: Step aboard The Golden Hinde for a day of music and merriment. Enjoy live music from local bands in a unique venue – and find out more about this history of this full-size reconstruction of the first English ship to circumnavigate the globe through hands-on activities.
Silent Disco: As the sun goes down, the glitter ball comes out and this ship becomes a floating dance floor! Get your headphones out and get ready for a unique sunset silent disco. Grab a drink, dance the night away, and explore the ship after hours – it’s going to be a night to remember! (Image: The Golden Hinde)
Arts centre celebrations
Celebrate this art centre’s epic restoration in (sustainable) style – with local bands, DJ workshops, clothes upcycling and swaps, and free crafts to enjoy throughout the day!
Fashionable fun
Get creative at this touring exhibition inspired by the clothing and textiles used by the historic mining communities of the North Pennines with plenty of interactive activities including tote bag printing and making paper dolls! (Image: Weardale Museum)
Beads and badges
Have a go at two wonderful and creative workshops guided by young artists!
Beads: Make your own unique bead creations such as phone charms and friendship bracelets, using second-hand beads in an enchanting garden setting with live music from Six on Sax.
Badges: Explore Harlow's history and get creative with hand drawn badge making. Meet local young artists, Jordan and have a look at their new artworks created as part of the ‘Gerda and her Guardians’ exhibition.
Discovering the Romans
Discover what it was like to live in Bath 2000 years ago through a hands on evening of Roman rituals, archaeology and crafting a shrine. Discover the people who lived in and travelled to Aquae Sulis and how they spent their time. (Image: The Roman Baths)
Ripple effect - a New Wave legacy
Crime Unlocked: From our 2022 cohort, discover the dark side of Berwick’s history and what crimes took place in the town during the 18th and 19th centuries with a guided tour of an old jail from a young person's perspective.
PLEASE NOTE - These events were accurate at the time of publication but details are subject to change. Check the individual entries for more - including any booking details needed.
Find out more
- New Wave - Discover more about the programme
- Festival Spotlights - Be inspired for your event searches with our highlight posts
- What's on? - Search for more events near you