Hundreds of volunteers across the county are hard at work preparing for Lincolnshire’s biggest festival of history and local culture. Lincolnshire Heritage Open Days returns for two weekends from 6th to the 9th September and again from 13th to the 16th September with over 180 exciting events, and all completely free of charge.
By now we hope that you have had a chance to pick up a brochure and start planning your visits, as tours of historic buildings, and specially organised events are already filling up fast. If not you can head over to the Heritage Lincolnshire website to download your brochure. https://www.heritagelincolnshire.org/heritage-open-days Copies are also available from local libraries and tourist information centres.
Liz Bates, CEO of the charity Heritage Lincolnshire, which coordinates the event said:
“The festival is now in its 25th year and we’re delighted that it has grown to become one of the largest Heritage Open Days programmes outside of London. We’re looking forward to welcoming tens of thousands of visitors again this year.”
Charlotte Davey from the charity also said “There really is so much to see throughout the long weekends so my top tip would be to start planning early. With no admission charges for any of the events, there’s no better time to explore the fascinating historic places that Lincolnshire has to offer.”
The theme for this year’s festival is Picturing the Past. This means many events will showcase the county’s visual heritage, whether that’s through old photographs, stained glass, sculpture or even contemporary art inspired by history.
For those getting organised, we have hand-picked some new and unique events which need to be pre-booked and still have places available, helping you to get a start on planning your days.
“25 Years of Bygone Films”
In Nettleham there is a unique opportunity to see Lincolnshire as it was in times gone by. Presented by the master film historian Andrew Blow, finder, researcher and narrator of old films for the popular “Bygone” DVD series, you can remember reminisce and discover the county like never before.
The Old School, Mill Hill, Nettleham, Lincolnshire, LN2 2PE. Sessions and talks on Friday 7 and 14 September: Screenings from 14.00-16.00, with talk at 14.15, and 19.30-21.30, with talk at 19.45. Pre-booking required, call: 01529 461499.
Project Thimbleby
In Thimbleby, visitors can take advantage of a rare opportunity to join an expert volunteer for a behind-the-scenes tour of St Margarets’ Church. This Grade II listed building is undergoing a major restoration and conservation project including a rebuild of the belfry and spire. Explore some of the work already completed and discover the processes, history of the church and of the village itself. If you have an interest in conservation or are thinking about starting your own project then this experience is an absolute must!
St Margarets’ Church, Dawber Lane, Main Road, Thimbleby, LN9 5RE. Saturday 8 September 14:00-16:00. Pre-booking required, call: 01529 461499.
The Fane Family in Full Colour
A one-off experience where you can discover this incredible private manor house as you are taken on a fascinating tour to see 400 years of family portraits and learn about the history of both the artists’ and the subjects’ lives. Politics, religion and marriages make for a captivating story of the ups and downs of the Fane family.
Fulbeck Manor, Lincoln Road, Fulbeck, Lincolnshire, NG32 3JN. Friday 14 September and Saturday 15 September with tours at 10.30 and 12.00. Pre-booking required, call: 01529 461499.
Discover the Hidden Cold War Bunker at Holbeach
For those with an interest in more recent history, this unusual experience is not to be missed! Don your hard hat and discover a military observation post hidden just a stones’ throw from the road. Speak with volunteers as they share memories of times spent in the bunker, monitoring for nuclear attacks.
Holbeach ROC Post, Washway Road, Holbeach, PE12 7PP. Friday 14 September and Saturday 15 September 10.00-15.00 Tours at 11.00, 11.45, 12.30 & 14.00 Pre-booking required, call: 01529 461499.
Dé Já Brew – A Historic Inn Reborn
This will be your last chance to explore the history of this amazing inn, just on the brink of a new life courtesy of Heritage Lincolnshire. Take this opportunity to see the building before restoration begins this winter, discovering how time has made its mark since the 15th century.
The Old King’s Head, High Street, Kirton, PE20 1EG. Saturday 8 September and Friday 14 September, Tours at 10.00, 11.30, 13.00 & 14.30. Pre-booking required, call: 01529 461499.
These are merely a sample of events taking place over the course of the festival. It truly is a great time to try something new or take the family on a budget friendly day out whilst discovering the wonders and secrets of historic Lincolnshire.
Heritage Lincolnshire would like to thank the ten local authorities of Greater Lincolnshire for their contributions to funding the festival brochure, and the 600+ volunteers and staff who organise events across the county.
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