LEICESTER’S historic sites and buildings will reveal their fascinating stories in a series of Heritage Open Days – and they’re all free.
The annual Heritage Open Days festival – which this year runs from Friday 6 to Sunday 15 September – is a once-a-year opportunity to find out more about the city’s hidden gems and its rich history.
As well as opening up buildings or parts of buildings not normally accessible to the public, organisers are offering guided tours, walks and open days.
More than 35 organisations will be taking part, with events including tours of the transport shed and beam engine at Abbey Pumping Station; the chance to explore Glenfield railway tunnel, and a walking tour of Georgian Leicester.
There are lots of events that are new for this year, too. Uncover a brand new piece of Leicester folklore at the Central library, in Bishop Street, on Saturday 14 September when Pedestrian, a local arts organisation, will launch their Tell Tall Tales graphic novella. Meet the writers and illustrators responsible for the exciting retelling of local folklore stories, as well as the researchers of this new piece of Leicester heritage. Young people in Leicester will tell the tales of Black Annis and The Nine O’Clock Horses, as well as some freshly unearthed folklore surprises.
Hansom Hall - designed by Leicestershire architect Joseph Hansom - is one of Leicester’s hidden heritage gems, and on Saturday 7 September, talking tours will give visitors the chance to view the balcony of this unique building, which is not normally open to the public.
On Sunday 8, Monday 9 and Wednesday 11 September, there will be a rare opportunity to visit the Phoenix art centre’s projection room and see how the magic of cinema is made possible. Meet one of the projectionists, learn how films are chosen and screened at Phoenix, and see 35mm footage alongside the latest digital projection.
And a group walk on Saturday 14 September, starting at Town Hall Square, will introduce participants to some of Leicester’s fascinating clocks. A History of Time in Leicester will include historical information about a variety of city centre clocks and the buildings in which they are housed.
Everything is free to attend, and although booking is required for some activities, others are open for people to drop into on the day. For full details, download the brochure from the Visit Leicester website.
City mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Leicester has a rich architectural heritage to be proud of. Our Heritage Open Days are always very popular and it’s great to see new sites being added to programme this year. Many businesses, creative venues and places of worship will open their doors, allowing visitors to explore the stories of our city – and it’s all free.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in organising these events, in particular our team of passionate volunteers, without whom none of this would be possible.”
For further information on local and national events taking place for Heritage Open Days, please visit: heritageopendays.org.uk
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Image shows the Jain Centre in Leicester, which will be open for guided tours on Saturday 14 September - see brochure for details.