Heritage Hidden gems will open to public for festival
HISTORIC buildings across Weston-super-Mare are to throw open their doors as part of the UK’s largest heritage festival.
Some of the town’s most impressive buildings will open to the public for the cultural celebration.
The event is being held as part of the National Heritage Open Days festival, which runs from September 10 to 19.
Events will include virtual and physical tours around off-limit areas, and cultural events highlighting Weston’s heritage.
People will be able to follow in the footsteps of local architect Hans Fowler Price, who designed more than 800 buildings in the town between 1862 and 1912 and is recognised as the creator of the distinctive ‘Weston style.’
There will also be a special heritage tour of the town, taking in many of its impressive buildings.
Historically important buildings and sites, including All Saint’s Church, St Paul’s Church and Walker and Ling in the High Street – one of Weston’s oldest businesses, established in 1892 – will be throwing open their doors.
There will also be virtual tours of Grove House and The Blakehay Theatre.
As part of the celebrations, a Whirligig festival will be held at Weston’s Italian Gardens, focusing on the theme of ‘Edible England.’
The free outdoor event will include the installation of a beehive in a nod to the West Country’s honey-making heritage.
There will also be a community allotment day and cook-up at Clark’s Field allotments, led by Weston-based artist Sam Francis and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston poet in residence, Bath Caverley.
Weston’s Greek community will be recognised with an outdoor show, Hero and Leander, at Grove Park.
It will tell an epic seaside tale through folk, indie, sea shanties and choral music in a contemporary version of the classic Greek myth.
People can also learn about the history of drag from host Stephanie von Clitz at Weston’s Proud Bar.
North Somerset Council executive member for placemaking and economy, Councillor Mark Canniford, said: “Following a reduced festival last year, Heritage Open Days will be coming back with a bang this year.
“We’re delighted to be working with Culture Weston and other local businesses, such as Walker and Ling, Loves Cafe and The Proud Bar.”
The council’s heritage and regeneration champion, Cllr John CrockfordHawley, said: “Everyone is interested about where they live, but don’t always know the stories behind their town. Heritage Open Days allow the public to find out more about Weston and its heritage in a fun and creative way.
For a full list of Heritage Open Days venues, visit shorturl.at/bcqH2.