Visitors to North Tyneside can learn about the borough’s rich and diverse history when Heritage Open Days returns this week.
North Tyneside Council is once again supporting the national Heritage Open Days programme. This year the programme has more days than ever, with events and activities over two weekends.
From September 6 until 9, then the following weekend (September 13 to 16), over 37 activities and events will take place in the borough.
The annual event returns with an array of exhibitions, shows and guided walks, and a number of venues will throw open their doors to the public, all free of charge.
Cllr Sarah Day, cabinet member for Culture, Sport and Leisure, said: “The visitor figures for previous Heritage Open Days in North Tyneside demonstrate that people have a huge interest in the borough’s history, heritage and traditions.
“I am delighted that once again so many buildings and locations, usually closed to the public or charging for admission, will be open for free.
“There is plenty to see, visit and explore, with two weekends to discover and learn about our rich heritage, and I’d encourage people to come along and find out all about it during the Heritage Open Days.”
Some highlights include:
- A book launch at the North Shields Customer First Centre, to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the unveiling of the Wooden Dolly in Northumberland Square.
- Historic Wallsend Memorial Hall and Wallsend Masonic Hall will open their doors to visitors.
- Northumbria World War One Project is offering the public opportunities to learn more about WW1 as the centenary of the WW1 armistice approaches.
- A guided tour of the re-developed Ballards Smokehouse at North Shields Fish Quay.
For more information and booking details look out for the Heritage Open Days in Tyne and Wear leaflet in your local library, visit www.visitnorthtyneside.com, or log onto www.heritageopendays.org.uk to find all the detailed information to plan your heritage weekends.