Heritage day open house (From Dudley News)

Heritage day open house

12:10pm Wednesday 1st September 2010 in News

DUDLEY'S heritage will be celebrated during an activity packed day next week.

Taking place on Saturday, September 11, the national day organised by English Heritage, aims to celebrate the country's architecture and culture by offering free access to buildings which are normally closed to the public.

During the day visitors will have the opportunity to visit the Council House on Priory Road, where guided tours will run each hour from 10am until 3pm.

The civic building will also have exhibitions of maps, photographs and paintings.

There will also be musical performances and the Mayor will be inviting people into the parlour for light refreshments from 10am to noon.

Meanwhile the market place will be a hive of activity, with glass wheel engraving, glass bead making and glass blowing demonstrations, as well as a castle armoury display and medieval re-enactments.

Jugglers and jesters and costumed characters will entertain shoppers, and visitors are also invited to top and bottom church – which will both host exhibitions throughout the day.

There will also be guided tours along the townscape heritage trail at 11.30am and 2pm – participants should meet at Stone Street Square.

Councillor David Stanley, cabinet member for environment and culture, said: “This is a rare opportunity for people to discover some of the hidden treasures in Dudley as well as to enjoy an array of activities, exhibitions, demonstrations and much more to bring the borough’s history and culture to life.”

For more information visit discoverdudley.org.uk or heritageopendays.org.uk.