Heritage Open Days in England started in 1993 with a pilot project in the city of Norwich, aimed at fostering community involvement and appreciation for the country’s rich historical legacy. The initiative formed part of European Heritage Days, a project of the Council of Europe and the European Commission, whose mission was to raise appreciation of Europe’s rich and diverse cultural assets and their need for care and protection by promoting public engagement.
In England, the project in Norwich was organised by the Civic Trust and supported by various local partners and volunteers. The goal was to test the idea of offering free access to historic and cultural places that were not typically open to the public. The pilot was a success, drawing a considerable number of visitors and generating interest in other regions of the country.
After the positive response, the initiative was expanded beyond Norwich, and Heritage Open Days gradually became a nationwide event in England. The National Trust took over as the main coordinator of the event, working in collaboration with a wide range of other organisations, local authorities, and volunteers throughout the country.
Thousands of Heritage Open Days sites
Over the years, Heritage Open Days has grown in scope and popularity, with thousands of historic and cultural sites participating across England and millions of visitors taking part in the annual celebration of the country’s heritage. Its importance lies in promoting public engagement with history, culture and heritage, as well as fostering a sense of community involvement and appreciation for the country’s rich historical legacy.
This year Heritage Open Days runs between 8 and 17 September and incorporates a huge variety of free events and experiences. The National Trust, supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery and involving thousands of local organisations and volunteers, aims to bring people from all walks of life together.
The packed programme features everything from historic houses to factories, museums to music halls, formal gardens to graveyards, unique places, spaces and communities across the country which are once again hosting free events this autumn. Last year more than 45,000 organisers and volunteers ran nearly 5,000 events, attracting one million visits. Around one-third of visitors had not been to a heritage site/event in the past year, while 80% of festivalgoers said their visit made them feel prouder of their local area.
Many of the activities will adopt this year’s theme, Creativity Unwrapped, sharing England’s colourful history of creativity. The aim is to celebrate the experts and enthusiastic amateurs whose passions and skills add something special to our daily lives.
‘A stellar programme’
Liam Montgomery, Heritage Open Days marketing and projects manager, said:
“Whether it’s art, music, writing, or another outlet, creativity moves us and shapes our history and culture. This year organisers have once again come up trumps and created a stellar programme of events which put the spotlight on the people and places who give England’s heritage the X-factor and inspire festivalgoers to engage with thousands of years of creativity.”
He went on to pay tribute to the organisers, “whose hard work enablesover a million people to engage with heritage, for free, on their doorstep, every September”.
Heritage Open Days are obviously here to stay and visitor numbers have now recovered after the pandemic. Since its inception, the event has steadily gained popularity, with an increasing number of historic and cultural sites participating and offering varied and innovative programming to attract a wider audience.
More diverse and inclusive
A number of significant trends are emerging for the future and the first is the incorporation of digital elements such as virtual tours, online exhibitions, and interactive content, making the event accessible to a global audience.
Another key consideration is sustainability. There is a growing focus on minimising the environmental impact of events like Heritage Open Days and promoting improved practices, while some of the events are focused primarily on sustainable living.
Diversity and inclusivity are also set to be prioritised, with efforts to highlight underrepresented stories and communities to make Heritage Open Days more representative of our diverse cultural heritage. Further improving collaboration and engagement with local communities, volunteers and organisations will help to ensure the event’s continued success.
To find events near you go to Search events | Heritage Open Days.
