Buildings across Bradford are preparing to throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, culture and history, welcoming visitors as part of the national Heritage Open Days festival between 6 and 15 September.
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture with over 5,000 events taking place across the country.
In Bradford there are over 20 activities and events that people can take part in, all for free during the festival.
Bradford Industrial Museum is celebrating its 50th birthday and to mark this momentous occasion the council’s Museums and Galleries team have organised a weekend full of things to see and do. The event is free and takes place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September from 11am until 4pm. As well as all the usual displays and exhibitions, there will be a DJ playing music from the era, vintage stalls, food and coffee vans, family activities as well as 1970s Bollywood-style dancing. People will also be able to see the 1970s back-to-back house which has recently been given a makeover.
The council’s Museums and Galleries Service have also organised guided tours of both Bolling Hall and Cliffe Castle as part of Heritage Open Days.
A special event is also being organised by the service’s Young Ambassadors. The event ‘Small Business, Big Industry: How Bradford was built’ takes place at Bradford Industrial Museum on Sunday 8 September 1pm to 3pm and is for anyone aged 16 to 25 who’s interested in writing exciting new poetry and would like an industrial inspired heritage afternoon. Tickets for this and the tour of Cliffe Castle events must be booked in advance.
Many other events will take place across Bradford.
“These Heritage Open Days offer lots of opportunities for people to take part in events and activities, exploring behind the scenes and learning about the history and heritage of their area and some of the district’s most fascinating old buildings,” said Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places. “I’d like to encourage as many people as possible join in with these events, which are all free.”
For information about all the events and activities for Heritage Open Days visit the website.
