Warrington’s Heritage Open Days 2023 takes place from 8-17 September, giving people the chance to discover fascinating local stories of the past, and how they have helped make Warrington the place it is today.

There will be a record-breaking 30-plus events taking place in Warrington this year, each providing an insight into some of the borough’s historic gems – including places that some people may not know about.

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture. Each year, places across the country throw open their doors and give people the chance to see hidden places and try new experiences for free.

Highlights of this year’s festival in Warrington include:

• Thelwall 1100 Festival – lots of activities will be taking place across the village, including a celebration of local art, heritage and traditions, a family treasure hunt and an opportunity to try your hand at fishing. The festival is supported by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.  
• Look inside Cairo Street Chapel and learn its 300-year history and how it was instrumental in the development of the town.
• Mamars at the Old Bank will be hosting a demonstration and talk on the traditional art of artisanal baking and there will be opportunities to visit the original Martin's Bank night safe, money lift and bank vault.
• Warrington Town Hall will once again be opening its doors to the public, so everyone can discover more about this beautiful Georgian building and sample the delicious home-made cakes on sale in the Tea Room.
• Warrington Library & Museum will be running a guided tour of some of the town’s’s iconic buildings and there will be displays marking 50 years of the Thelwall Morris Men and the mystery of the Warrington Youth Zone skeletons.
• Warrington artist Little Nell will be running a pop-up display and shop in the New Art Spaces (Former M&S building) with the opportunity to pre-book into one of her pay-what-you-want Clobber Clinic sessions. Bring down that worn out dress and Little Nell will help you fix it up and make it fabulous again!

There are many other activities taking place across the borough, throughout the Heritage Open Days Festival. You can view the full programme at warrington.gov.uk/heritage-open-days

Warrington Borough Council Leader and Cabinet Member for culture, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “Warrington’s Heritage Open Days festival is always a huge success, giving everyone the chance to discover more about our town’s rich and fascinating history. It’s fantastic that our programme continues to grow, with more than 30 events for 2023 making it another record-breaking year.

“It’s great to see so many organisations taking part in what will be an exciting, diverse and inclusive programme of events, including exhibitions, talks, and the chance to try your hand at baking, art and even fishing. There will also be tours of some of our iconic buildings, a fantastic celebration of Thelwall Village, and so much more.

“There really is something for everyone – so make sure you join us and help us make this year’s festival the most successful yet.”

Collections Officer at Warrington Museum & Art Gallery, Craig Sherwood, said “The annual Heritage Open Days festival is always a highlight of the local calendar, allowing us to collaborate with many of the wonderful heritage groups and sites across Warrington.

“This year’s programme is jam-packed, and we hope that it will showcase some the stories and work of the artists, architects and craftspeople who add that something extra to all aspects of our daily lives.”

For more information about the national Heritage Open Days, visit heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting