Festival spotlights

Whether you’re a medieval monk or a Yorkshire punk, music has the power to bring people together. June 21st marks World Music Day, a global celebration of the joy of listening to, creating and performing music. Starting over 40 years ago as a French initiative, it has now spread to 120 countries, and there is certainly plenty of amazing musical heritage to be found on our doorstep. Get into the groove this September with events like these!

The opportunity to go behind the scenes of hundreds of sites, accessing buildings and objects that are usually locked away is one of the annual highlights of Heritage Open Days. Take advantage of this unique celebration to explore what goes on out of sight, and the crucial work undertaken by staff and volunteers that preserves our heritage for years to come.

What brings us together? Are you a traveller or a host? At the heart of our festival theme this year is people - so here are 12 great events exploring the routes we've taken and connections made throughout history.

From cutting edge innovations to little known and yes, occasionally quite weird and wonderful creations – the story of inventors and their inventions is a fascinating one. Delve deep into the world of discoveries with these events celebrating our Astounding Inventions theme.

What gives England’s heritage the X-factor?! From monastic architecture to modern street art; morris dancing to Regency balls; a house of fashion to the theatrical stage, and so – much – more! This year we’re unwrapping the colourful history of creativity but with so much to explore, where to start? Let’s break it down with a highlight list from a-z!

Yesterday’s dreams helped shape today’s reality, so what future will your dreams create? Explore the stories of past changemakers and consider your own dreams at a special workshop this September.

This year's Edible England theme really seems to have caught everyone’s imagination! From picnics to tasting tours, hundreds of delicious events have been planned. Sadly, it is impossible to visit them all, so without further ado, here are a few events to give you a taste of what’s on the Heritage Open Days plate.

Whether you want to step out on a dance floor, try your hand at ancient skills, or just explore fascinating historic sites and stories, this September you are spoilt for choice! Yes, European Heritage Days are back. We’ve been highlighting all the free joyful events here in England but there's even more to explore beyond our borders - here’s a taste of what’s happening elsewhere in the UK… and beyond!

Whether you want to spend an evening discussing Viking treasure, take a walk with a textile artist or just explore fascinating historic sites and stories, this September you are spoilt for choice! Yes, European Heritage Days are back. We’ve been highlighting all the free joyful events here in England but there's even more to explore beyond our borders - here’s a taste of what’s happening elsewhere in the UK… and beyond!

On 16th September, as part of 2018’s Heritage Open Days, Catton Park with support from Broadland District Council, hosted a family culture day as part of a project to encourage new audiences to explore this Repton landscape.

Finding events that the whole family can enjoy can be tricky, but never fear, a free festival is nearly here! From medieval combat to meet the animals, plus games, crafts and trails galore there's something for everyone over Heritage Open Days. Here are some of our top picks that are sure to be a hit for young and old alike.

In our special anniversary year, what better way to kick off our festival spotlights than introducing some old friends who are still offering new opportunities...

Early festival highlights! It's never too early to start searching for your next doorstep discovery. Over 1,600 events are now live on the directory and 1,000s more will be added in the run up to our September festival. From historic graffiti and craft activities to a peek behind the scenes of a high street giant – here are some of the team's first favourites from the listings, but what would you pick?

Hungry for lush, colourful gardens with a twist? Look no further than these sustainable kitchen gardens filled with fruits, vegetables and herbs to see how food in the garden extends much further than the beloved British barbecue. Championing sustainability, innovation and creativity, there's something here to suit every appetite.

Discover more about the great outdoors! In case you haven’t already heard, this year’s theme is Hidden Nature. We’re so excited to highlight and share the secret natural histories and stories of not just our landscapes, but also gardens, urban green spaces, farms, waterways, buildings and culture. Here are just a few events to start looking forward to!

This year, in celebration of our Heritage and Nature theme we have been working with the lovely people at Natural England to create amazing events, highlight our National Nature Reserves and appreciate the great outdoors.

Roll out the pink carpet and discover the sites you have seen on the big or little screen, in new ways. From discovering a relocated bridge from Harry Potter or running away with Alice through the looking glass - you could even say that Heritage Open Days has got The Full Monty!

Do you know your optometrists from your oenologists? How about your conservators from your curators? Meet the faces behind the titles and try your hand at some specialist techniques, including classic car renovation and jewellery making! Here are some of our favourite expert-led events for this year.

When I grow up I want to be a… costume designer / gardener / scientist / wheelwright?! Whatever role takes your fancy, find out what it’s really like to be one this September. Meet the experts, watch their work, ask them questions, and maybe even have a go yourself!

Ever wondered how to keep a clock ticking over centuries of time? What actually IS a book-worm? Or just generally what goes on behind the scenes in a conservator’s studio? Ponder no further… all will be revealed in these special events where you can meet the experts with the answers.