Residents and visitors are invited to discover the buildings, places, stories and spaces that make Medway unique as Heritage Open Days returns.
Running from Friday, 11 September to Sunday, 20 September, Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture.
In Medway, this year’s programme is bringing together heritage organisations, community groups and cultural partners to offer a packed programme of free events, tours, exhibitions and activities for people of all ages.
Throughout Heritage Open Days, more than 40 events will be running in locations across Medway. Some of the highlights include:
- access to the Six Poor Travellers’ house,
- an opportunity explore the Charles Dickens’ Writing Chalet,
- the chance step aboard a historic Thames sailing barge,
- discovering the history of Twydall through photos,
- enjoying talks, tours, exhibitions and family activities at sites including Light Vessel 21, The Brook Theatre, the Rochester Bridge Trust’s medieval Bridge Chapel, Manor Farm Barn, and more.
The Brook Theatre, Chatham.
Heritage Open Days in Medway is presented as part of the wider Medway Heritage Place programme – a ten year partnership with The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of its Heritage Place initiative where up to 20 local places across the UK will benefit from £200million of investment. The initiative responds to local need and opportunity, supporting places to use heritage to build pride in place, inspire local communities and power regeneration.
The Medway Heritage Place programme has supported Medway’s heritage community to present and promote a broad and exciting Heritage Open Day programme as well as funding for specific activities delivered as part of the programme.
Discover stories
Cllr Nina Gurung, Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure, said: “Whether you are visiting for a day or have lived in Medway for your whole life, the Heritage Open Days events are a brilliant chance to peek behind the curtain and discover stories that are not immediately visible. We know how much heritage and culture means to Medway residents – and this is a chance to discover the people, places and stories that make this such a special place.
“It is brilliant that we have been able to support a wide range of organisations and volunteers this year too through the Medway Heritage Place programme – these are the people who help bring our heritage to life and make it accessible for all. With popular events such as The Brook Theatre tours selling out incredibly quickly, I would encourage people to book early to avoid disappointment. There is so much happening in Medway during the festival with fun for the whole family – so make sure you check out what is on offer!”
Shaped the area
Liam Montgomery, Heritage Open Days Marketing & Projects Manager, said: “Heritage Open Days is all about great days out and doorstep discovery, and Medway’s programme offers those in spades. From stepping inside Charles Dickens’ Grade I listed Swiss chalet to exploring the newly restored rooms of Commissioner’s House at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, there are plenty of special opportunities to discover the stories and places that have shaped the area.”
Everything is free
Rob Flood, Local Area Co-ordinator for Heritage Open Days, said: “Heritage Open Days is such a brilliant festival. It gives you the opportunity to see behind the doors of those heritage buildings that aren’t usually open to the public. I’m delighted that the Medway Gurdwara is joining this year for the first time. Also, the Masonic Temple in Chatham will be open and they’ve promised that 'no question will go unanswered'.
“There are also some great talks including Frances Beaumont talking about the fascinating John Oliver at Medway Archives Centre, a screening of the Gillingham FC Supporters’ Club oral history film at Gillingham Library, and a talk about the history of the Lion Brewery in Chatham Intra including a beer tasting in their tap room. And everything is free, so I encourage people to check out the Heritage Open Days website for details.”
A special Medway Heritage Open Days leaflet and map will be available at all of Medway’s libraries as well as other community venues from the end of August. You can also visit the Heritage Open Days website to see the full programme and plan your visit.
Free transport between selected events will be provided between Heritage Open Day venues by wHoo Cares thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Whose Hoo Scheme. To book a journey and find out about the available routes, email: WhoseHooScheme@RSPB.co.uk. Please note bookings will only be confirmed once you receive a response from the team.
The Medway Heritage Place programme is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players we are helping to bring Medway's stories to life and engage new audiences.