20 new places to open their doors for Kirklees Heritage Open Days 2021

Platform 1 men's mental health charity project leader Gez Walsh (left) and project manager Bob Morse (right) at the project next to Huddersfield Railway Station. This is one of the new places open for the Kirklees Heritage Open Days 2021. Photo by Andy Hirst from AH! PR.

People will be able to see behind the scenes at almost 60 locations in Kirklees next month as part of the national Heritage Open Days festival which will run for 10 consecutive days from September 10-19.

After significant reductions in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, this year sees an extensive and varied Kirklees programme with 59 locations opening their doors and simply scroll down the attached pamphlet to see them all.

Alongside old favourites there are over 20 new entries, many of them celebrating this year’s national theme, Edible England.  Some events are also part of the Huddersfield High Street Heritage Action Zone cultural programme, centred on St George’s Square.    

The selection offers an insight many places that are not always open to the public.  Sites include Dewsbury’s oldest shop, John Greenwood, and intimate local history museum, High Flatts Quaker Meeting House along with several Anglican churches, a look behind the scenes at town halls, the Lawrence Batley Theatre, the Platform 1 project at Huddersfield station, and even a Holmfirth Graveyard Walk.

The ‘Edible’ theme provides an opportunity to discover both some special foodie delights plus a taste of gardens and allotments. Cleckheaton Library reveals a local heritage involving Midget Gems and the original Fentiman’s botanical brews, while the Colne and Holme Valleys offer smallholding and landscaping projects to explore.

Huddersfield events include sound and colour featuring carnival costumes and dancers, walks that explore Irish heritage and textiles, a talk about the celebrated Huddersfield architect W H Crossland and an open day at his very first building. A festival hub on the Piazza, hosted by West Yorkshire Archive Service, will stage exhibitions and information on five of the 10 days.

All venues and events are free, although this year more than usual must be booked.  For details of the venues and events in the Kirklees area and beyond go to the national website www.heritageopendays.org.uk. and search ‘Kirklees’. The Kirklees HOD brochure will be available from information points across the district from the end of August.

Please note that all events will be managed in accordance with any Covid restrictions in force at the time.
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On behalf of the dedicated voluntary organisers, Kirklees Heritage Open Days committee co-ordinator, David Griffiths said: “We are all very excited about the opportunity to open our doors once again to the many people who enjoy visiting our buildings and taking part in a variety of walks, talks and activities. This year’s festival, especially with its ‘Edible’ theme, provides one of our most varied selections ever and something for all to enjoy.”
 
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