Norfolk’s stunning and often hidden heritage is back in the spotlight, with the launch of this year’s Heritage Open Days brochure, featuring over 200 free events across the county.

Co-ordinated by Norwich’s Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART), the bumper brochure launches today (5^th August), with 208 free events including guided tours, walks, open buildings, exhibitions and performances which will take place during Heritage Open Days (HODs) – England’s largest and most popular voluntary cultural event, taking place in Norwich and across Norfolk from Thursday 12^th to Sunday 15^th September.

The free brochure includes events in Broadland, Great Yarmouth, Norwich, South Norfolk, Thetford and further afield. It is available in cultural venues, tourist information centres, libraries, post offices, cafés and shops across Norfolk and copies can be posted out free of charge – send requests to [email protected] or call 01603 305575. The events are also on www.heritagecity.org/hods where personalised itineraries can be created and email booking is available for pre-bookable events in Norwich, Broadland and South Norfolk.

New and highlight events for this year include: Norwich Cathedral Medieval Graffiti tour; Marston Marsh & Eaton Common walk; talks, demonstrations and activities on Medieval monastic life at St Benet’s Abbey; Blickling Hall Mausoleum; Great Yarmouth Potteries, and bell ringing demonstrations at St. Peter’s Church, Thetford.

Plus Barford in South Norfolk goes HODs crazy with local history displays, concerts, heritage tours, open churches and a historic shepherd’s hut.

HEART has co-ordinated HODs in Norwich since 2005 and is now one of the largest free heritage events in England and Wales outside London. The brochure is produced in partnership with Broadland District Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, South Norfolk Council and Thetford Town Council which are responsible for organising events in their respective areas.

Michael Loveday, Chief Executive of HEART, said: “The year before we took over the co-ordination of Heritage Open Days, there were 12 events in Norwich attracting about 5000 visits. This year there will be over 200 events across Norwich and Norfolk, involving over 600 volunteers and having an economic impact of around £755,000 based on last year’s figures. This is a magnificent testament to the many hundreds of dedicated volunteers who make it happen and to the tens of thousands of HODs fans whose appetite for discovering their hidden heritage is insatiable, I’m delighted to say.”

Broadland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Councillor Stuart Clancy, said: “There is a wealth of history and heritage in Broadland’s sweeping landscapes and bustling market towns. We hope tourists and locals alike will use Heritage Open Days to discover the hidden gems we have to offer, relaxed in the knowledge that Broadland is also the safest place to visit in the UK” (according to a report by the Institute for Economics and Peace). He added: “Tourism is very important to Broadland, delivering significant economic benefits and jobs and we’re delighted to show off our beautiful district to residents and visitors.”

Councillor Trevor Wainwright, Leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council said: “Many people are unaware of the strong heritage offer Great Yarmouth has so we are delighted to be opening 20 unusual sites around the Borough for Heritage Open Days visitors to explore, many with strong links to Great Yarmouth’s sea-going and fishing history.”

The Mayor of Thetford, Councillor Stuart Wright said: “Thetford has a fantastic heritage and Heritage Open Days give visitors a little taster of the Thetford story.  The popularity of these days continues to grow and visitors are always impressed about Thetford’s rich history. This year it is particularly pleasing to have St Peter’s church open and also the fantastic display about the tombs of the Dukes of Norfolk, which once stood in Thetford Priory, in the Ancient House, Museum of Thetford Life.”

Martin Wilby, Deputy Leader, South Norfolk Council, said: “We are delighted to be able to showcase some of South Norfolk’s hidden gems. It’s so important to recognise and value our heritage, and to support an initiative that offers visitors free entry, something we can all appreciate in these times. Many of the participating venues are offering activities for children, guided tours and more, so the weekend really is for everyone to enjoy.”

Some of the events require pre-booking and, due to their popularity and relatively limited capacity, it is recommended this is done as soon as possible. However, for over half of the events no pre-booking is required and visitors can just drop in on the day.

For more information visit www.heritagecity.org/hods or follow @norwichheart, #NorwichHODS and #NorfolkHODs on Twitter andNorwich HEART on Facebook.

Norfolk’s Heritage Open Days is part of a national festival which is co-ordinated in partnership by The National Trust, the Heritage Alliance and Civic Voice.

 

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