Organisers’ Handbook

Contents

Introduction
Heritage Open Days month-by-month

January: Being a Heritage Open Days Organiser
Find out what it takes to be in charge of a local event.

February: Planning your Event
There are plenty of things to consider when you start planning, from entry criteria to health and safety.

March: Shaping your Event - Partnerships and Opportunities
About the virtues of working with others in your community.

April: Shaping your Event - Interpretation and Audiences
The historic environment has the potential to fascinate people of all ages. So make the most of your heritage asset.

May: Resources - Generating Income, Sponsorship and Grants
Most Heritage Open Days events are run on a shoestring. Here are some tips on how to raise some extra cash and support in kind.

June: Resources - Recruiting and Working with Volunteers
Heritage Open Days couldn’t be without the commitment of thousands of volunteers. But how to get them?

July: Promotion and Publicity
Heritage Open Days opens many hidden places. So how to get the punters in?

August: Evaluation - Monitoring your Event
Before you open your doors to your visitors, have a think how you will capture the successes and lessons of your open day.

September: Final Preperations
Take a deap breath and embrace the day.

October: Evaluation - Taking Stock and Preparing Reports
We want to hear from you! Why it’s good to wrap up your event with a report or “wash-up” meeting.

November: Moving Forward - Celebrating and Developing your Event
Encouraged by the success of your event, you may want do things even better or differently next year round. Here are some ideas how to develop your activities in the future.

December: Reflection and Review
Space for thoughts and relexion.