12 Sep 2023
by Maddy Scott

A street parade. A Black man is foregrounded, in a grey suit with large models of a hard hat, fedora, TFL hat and nurses hat attached to him by poles.
Commemorate the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush to Britain with The Culture Trust Luton's exhibition. (© The Culture Trust Luton)

Evocative exhibitions

The Culture Trust Luton (Bedfordshire)

Immerse yourself in a multimedia exhibition to recognise the 75th anniversary of the Windrush. Find out about the cultural legacy of the Windrush generation, see a replica of the HMT Empire Windrush and Carnival costumes up close. There’ll be activity packs to take away and the opportunity to listen to the stories of Windrush elders firsthand.

Spirited street parties

Townsounds street party, Let's Go Yorkshire (West Yorkshire)

See the festival out with a bang and celebrate Huddersfield's history of Jamaican music, dance and sound system culture at TOWNSOUND's family friendly street party! Artists including Marshall, Positive and Dee Bo General will be spinning a variety of ska, rocksteady, reggae and roots vinyl records in traditional one-deck style, curating good vibes and great sounds. (© Elliot Baxter, courtesy of Let's Go Yorkshire)

Creative crafts

The Almonry (Worcestershire)

Get hands on with a wide range of crafty activities in Evesham! Events and workshops being held throughout the day are the perfect accompaniment to a wander around the brand new ‘The Art That Made Evesham’ exhibition, curated using works from a variety of local artists, including the new Evesham Tapestry.

Countryside chemistry

The LLIMEYS (Shropshire)

Get an industrial perspective on the Welsh and English countryside at the Llanymynech Limeworks. Go on a guided tour of the local nature reserve and its quarries, watch films in the stable block, learn about the rich history, science and heritage of this heritage area, or simply take in the beautiful views. (Image: Explore the Hoffmann Kiln at Llanymynech Limeworks. / © Llanymynech Limeworks)

Gorgeous gardens

Friends of the Storey Gardens (Lancashire)

Take a stroll around the hidden Storey Gardens, which will be open all week! Follow the creativity trail to see the fruit sculptures, read original poetry and stories, have a picnic in the Copper Beech Garden, spot the animals that call the garden home or learn all about this hidden oasis in the centre of Lancaster.

Seaside saviours

Regency Town House (West Sussex)

Head to the coast for some maritime marvels! Shoreham Harbour Lighthouse Station will be opening its doors every day of the festival, where you can get up close with all kinds of different lifeboats, meet the RNLI crew and learn about the history of the station and what it takes to be a lifeguard. (© RLNI)

Humongous houses

National Trust (Lincolnshire)

Absorb over eight hundred years of history at Tattershall Castle. From Flemish tapestries and globetrotting fireplaces to double moats and soaring crenellations, this is a historical residence like no other. Hear the stories of the lords, revolutionaries and architects that took this house from castle to ruin to heritage gem.

City celebrations

Navigator North (Tees Valley)

Can’t get out into the countryside? Find an event in the city, like Make It More Middlesbrough! This exhibition will be promoting the work of local artists and activity programmes, as well as giving you the chance to learn new skills and find out more about the history and heritage of Middlesbrough. (Image: Discover the contemporary art behind the classic tiles of the old Masham Hotel. / © Matthew Ward / Navigator North)

Thoughtful talks

Eye Town Council (Suffolk)

Hear all about the creative history and heritage of Linden House, one of the most important houses in Eye. Take this unique opportunity to hear about the suffragettes, ex mayors and Tudors that have walked its halls, as well as the history of the town itself.

Wonderful walks

Blandford Forum guided heritage walk, Dorset Architectural Heritage Week (Dorset)

Join the East Dorset Heritage Trust on a guided walk around Blandford Forum. Take two hours to get some fresh air and cast a new eye on the geological history of this Georgian town. Step back millions of years into the past to learn all about one of the world’s most studied coastlines. (© Dorset Architectural Heritage Week)

Online offerings

The Salvation Army Hadleigh Farm Estate (Essex)

If you can’t make it to their in person events (or even if you can!) get online and follow The Salvation Army’s virtual trail. Find out the story of William Booth, the founder of the charity, and how its history ranges from the founding of the Church in south Essex to the Mountain Biking category of the 2012 Olympic Games.

Pop-ups in the park

Wildflowers at Queen's Park, The Gardens Trust + Crewe Town Council (Cheshire)

Pop along to the Pop-Up People's Park Museum in Queen's Park. Celebrating the value of community, as well as the history and design of the park itself, there will be opportunities to record your memories and stories of the park which will be shared in a digital museum that will grow throughout the day. Have a chat with archivists and garden historians to learn about the importance of public parks and green spaces, or take part in events for little ones including garden games, a 'Garden History Lucky Dip' or creating a Tudor 'tussie mussie' flower posy!(© Crewe Town Council)

PLEASE NOTE - These events were accurate at the time of publication but the details may change. Some events require pre-booking. Please check the individual entries for updates and details. 


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