Heritage Open Days celebrate history and creativity in the East Riding

Heritage Open Days, England's largest festival of history and culture, is back for 2023, and there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate history and creativity in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Founded in 1994, Heritage Open Days (HODs), brings together local organisations across England to celebrate heritage, community spirit and history.

This year’s theme is “Creativity Unwrapped”, and residents and visitors alike are invited to explore free events and experiences that showcase the region’s artistic and historical treasures.

From barges on Beverley Beck to walled gardens and Augustinian monasteries, there are hidden places to discover and new experiences to try across the county from Friday, September 8th to Sunday, September 17th.

This year, two new groups have come together in Bridlington and North Ferriby to develop a HODs programme of events.

Bridlington, linked to several notable people throughout history, has more participating places and events than ever before, including Priory Church, said to have been the inspiration for Albert Ketelbey’s 1915 orchestral work In a Monastery Garden.

Meanwhile, in Hedon, history enthusiasts can explore Georgian houses, classic ruins, courtrooms, and more. There will also be a folk opera re-enacting farming life in the 1890s, as well as live music performances, dance, classic lorries, and history walks.

There are also many fascinating experiences on offer in Beverley, including at the historic Guildhall, where visitors can see the beautiful Georgian courtroom and visit this year's featured exhibition, “Beverley, by Kloskk”.

Other events in Beverley include Beverley’s Creativity Unwrapped – Meet the Artists at the Memorial Hall, a chance to go on stage at East Riding Theatre, a Second World War gun battery at Butt Farm and many activities at the town’s four churches.

The Treasure House, which is about to undergo a huge transformation, is celebrating Heritage Open Days online this year, offering a unique glimpse into the creativity of communities in the East Riding. Rarely seen archive material will be unveiled in a series of short videos, shedding light on the creative passions and pursuits of residents throughout the region's history.

Cllr Barbara Jefferson, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s portfolio holder for Heritage and Coastal, said: "Heritage Open Days provides a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to discover the rich history and creativity of the East Riding of Yorkshire. We are proud to support this celebration of our heritage."

Heritage Open Days is brought to you by the National Trust with support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. East Riding of Yorkshire Council has part-funded the region’s programme.

Every Heritage Open Days event is free, including access to many sites that usually charge for admission.

Printed copies of the HODs brochure are available at all local libraries, museums and tourist information centres.

For more information, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk.