THE ANNUAL Heritage Open Days festival returns to Reading in September.
For ten days, the heritage of and stories from Reading’s history will be on display at a number of venues through a range of events and activities, from Friday, September 9, to Sunday, September 18.
This year’s festival is centred around the theme of “astounding inventions,” and will tell the story of local inventiveness.
It will feature two events focusing on Reading’s motor industry contributions, as well as its contributions to green power, water power, early photography, and Huntley and Palmers’ culinary history.
As well as events around the town, the festival is offering interactive online exhibits, such as a look at some of the artefacts held by local libraries, a video tour of the Berkshire Records Office, and the hidden heritage of Thames Water.
Alex Brannen of Reading’s Economy & Destination Agemncy, who produce a guide to Reading’s Heritage Open Days events, said: “The fascinating history of Reading, its people, places and its famous innovations will take centre stage for ten days in September as part of the national festival of heritage, Heritage Open Days.
“We have more than 30 free events exploring everything from Reading’s car manufacturing heritage and historically important buildings to the stories of people who live locally, historic places of worship and everything you ever wanted to know about biscuits in Reading.”
Among the events put on in and around Reading is the Biscuits and Bricks exhibition at the Blake’s Lock Riverside Museum, which examines work from more than 30 local artists inspired by the 200th anniversary of Huntley and Palmers.
Tours of the Abbey Ruins, Reading Museum, and the Huntley and Palmers buildings, as well as personal walking tours with audio guides, are available throughout the festival.
Reading’s Heritage Open Days events will take place at venues around Reading and online from Friday, September 9, to Sunday, September 18.
Please note, while many events require no booking, some events will require booking in advance.
For a full list of events and venues, visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk
