This September, we’re supporting the Kirklees Heritage Open Days Committee to enable you to discover Kirklees highlights you’ve never seen before! There will be well over 100 buildings to visit, and special events to enjoy, during the annual Heritage Open Days festival, which runs from Friday 12 to Sunday 21 September.
Heritage Open Days is England’s biggest festival of history and culture, and all events are entirely free. Whether you’re a lover of architecture, a family looking for something different to do, or simply curious about local stories, there’ll be something for you. Every part of the district is represented, from Batley to Marsden, Skelmanthorpe to Lindley, Holmfirth to Thornhill.
This year’s national theme is Architecture, with a wide variety of buildings open to the public or offering bookable tours.
At the modern end of the spectrum are the University’s Daphne Steele Building; the Accu Stadium, celebrating 30 years since it was RIBA ‘building of the year’; two eco-friendly Passivhauses; and a site visit to see work in progress on Our Cultural Heart at Queensgate, Huddersfield.
Buildings old and new feature in walks in Batley, Dewsbury and Huddersfield, exhibitions in Libraries and on line and family friendly building trails in Museums, while dozens of churches are opening – many of them on Yorkshire Churches Day, Saturday 13 September.
Four sites will offer architectural sketching activities, supported by Our Cultural Heart, but it’s not all about architecture! Other new events this year include a handbell concert at Shelley; a cemetery walk in Batley; and a walk around old coal mines in Bradley. The upper Holme Valley has a whole programme of events around the theme ‘Working Lives’, including displays, walks, talks and open days at sites including Longley Farm dairy and The Tech in Holmfirth.
Kirklees HODs Committee Chair David Griffiths said:
‘I’m delighted that so many volunteers across the Borough have once again risen to the challenge and put their hard work into this great festival, bringing many imaginative new ideas. It’s a splendid advert for the rich and diverse heritage of our towns, villages and countryside. With over 100 events to choose from, there really is something for everyone, whatever your interests.’
Steve Davie of Holme Valley Heritage added:
‘Heritage is about our identity. It is more than history, it’s about why we are here and why it matters today. We are proud to launch our first year of Holme Valley Heritage Open Days, do join us!’
Kirklees Council Leader Carole Pattison said:
‘The Heritage Open Days festival in Kirklees is a celebration of our shared history, culture and creativity. Architectural heritage is a vital link to our past, reflecting historical, and artistic values of our society. There is so much to see and do this year, and I hope everyone will come together this September to celebrate and discover the hidden stories, craftsmanship, and remarkable places that that shape our local identity.’
Most events are open access but some do require advance booking. Many venues offer refreshments and children’s activities. You can download the leaflet advertising all the Heritage Open Days, and this is also widely available across the district. There are also additional events in Holme Valley.
Don’t forget to check out the Heritage Open Days website for full details of all the events in Kirklees and elsewhere, including booking arrangements.