Heritage Open Days & Winchester, 8 - 11 September - TrustNews Jun 16
Poetry, fashion, film, comedy, jazz, cocktails and even ukuleles, to name just a few. With so many festivals jostling for a place in the Winchester events calendar it would be easy to assume that every possible theme has been covered. Wrong. Hard to believe but our once ancient capital of England is missing out on celebrating the very reason for which it is best known - its heritage.
Thankfully this September sees the return of Heritage Open Days to the city. Managed nationally by the National Trust, it is the UK’s largest and most popular heritage festival attracting over 3 million visitors to thousands of events up and down the country.
Free of charge and right on people's doorsteps, Heritage Open Days is an event for everyone, whatever their background, age or ability. By stimulating curiosity and discovery, the event connects people with their local places and helps foster a sense of belonging and place. It celebrates what makes local communities and neighbourhoods special. Heritage Open Days not only opens doors, it opens eyes and minds too and aims to educate, enlighten and entertain.
It is important to remember that heritage is not just about buildings and architecture but that it encompasses all manner of other things: plants and gardens, food and land management, traditional crafts and skills, folklore, poetry, music and dance. Heritage surrounds us. It helps us to understand where we have come from, what makes us who we are and it can also give us a signpost to the future.
Here is a chance to be a tourist on your own doorstep, to discover the often hidden or forgotten gems of Winchester and its surrounding areas and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities that bring local history and culture to life.
Heritage Open Days is here to stay. So let's celebrate, get involved, join in, and make heritage fun!
Heritage Open Days takes place from 8-11 September. The festival programme and online directory will be available from July - www.heritageopendays.org.uk.