Liam - hopped on a bike
For me, it was total tonal whiplash (of the best kind!) – Across weekend one I learnt about freemasons, textiles, glass making, medieval fashion, black inventors, theatre architecture, 12th century churches and clay pipe making. Then across weekend two I cycled through fields of sheep at Ickworth, learnt to play the ancient African game Ayo, learnt how archaeologists sort through finds, saw the world’s first electronic computer the Colossus running at the National Museum of Computing and so much more. There really isn’t any other moment in the year quite like it!
Charlotte - forged new connections
The 2025 festival was my favourite so far, as this year I was able to support it with photography and got to see many more events (that we hear about daily throughout the year) and I had a blast! From walking trips around Gosport, wandering down dimly lit tunnels or holding an artefact that has been into space at the Mary Rose Museum – it was quite literally out of this world! I learnt about conserving books at the British Library and saw the most amazing shadow puppets at the PPMCC and met many of our extraordinary organisers and volunteers, but a real highlight for me was being able to visit Rowhurst Forge, which featured in our 30th anniversary gallery. I got to see blacksmithing in action, discover some of the finds uncovered through excavation at the site, and hear many fascinating stories about the family home, which is rumoured to have been a hunting lodge for Hampton Court Palace during the reign of Henry VIII.
Alex - went underground
Another September, another opportunity to explore somewhere new! Over the 2nd festival weekend, I hit the road with our fab photography crew to try and capture some of the very best that the North West has on offer... from fabric printing in Lancaster to behind the scenes at Buxton Opera House, this year certainly didn't disappoint. It would be impossible to choose a highlight event, so I've picked out three of my favourite snaps that I managed to take whilst out and about: Chance Glassworks - a centre of glassmaking for 100+ years now awaiting restoration; Ecton Copper Mines - my first underground event; Erewash Canal - full of blue skies and welcoming smiles. Yet again, every event I visited reminded me why so many people (including myself) keep coming back for more each September!
Jade - chased stories
This year I was on the road to help with our official photography – from building tours to behind-the-scenes conservation, I got to experience a fun mix of events. My highlight has to be The Mythstorians exhibition at The Y Theatre in Leicester (which also happened to be my first pick of the season!). I loved how sound, lighting and props were used to bring local folklore and ghost stories to life such as The Woman in White and The Humber Stone. It was immersive, atmospheric and a little bit spooky (in the best way!)
Sarah - went on a bunting hunt!
It felt like a boarded a LOT of trains this festival, but it was very worth it to explore events in 5 different counties. Especially to (FINALLY!) visit two of our most active long running hubs – Berwick-upon-Tweed and Norwich can both be described as ‘disneyland’ for heritage lovers over the festival! When you visit these places it really does feel like you are on a pink bunting hunt, you see that bright branding everywhere, and even better, lots of welcoming faces, with volunteers and staff ready and waiting to say hello, answer questions, offer refreshments and send you on to your next stop on the treasure trail! It is these people that really make our festival so very special, thank you one and all.
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- Anniversary gallery - 30 snapshot stories celebrating 30 years of the festival
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