Thousands of Free Events Still to Come

More than 2,000 free events have already been held as part of Heritage Open Days with the final weekend of the festival set to be just as busy.

© Abbey Mills Pumping Station - 'The Cathedral of Sewage' can still be explored with a virtual tour!

England’s largest festival of history and culture returned on Friday 10 September, thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Volunteers have organised events that uncover and share stories from across their communities, while places and spaces that aren’t usually open to the public or that usually charge an entry fee are opening for free. Following the successful introduction of digital events last year, the HODs programme features a mix of in-person activities as well as talks, videos and tours that can be accessed online.

The ten-day festival has adopted Edible England as its theme for 2021 and organisers have created hundreds of tasty events that focus on what we eat and drink, and how we produce, prepare and share it.

Search the event directory now or find inspiration in our Festival Spotlights

Download the full press release, with event highlights here.