By Joshua Robinson – 

There will be 100 open buildings and special events to enjoy throughout Kirklees during the annual national Heritage Open Days festival, which runs from Friday 6th to Sunday 15th of September.

Heritage Open Days is England’s biggest festival of history and culture, and all events are entirely free. Over 30 Kirklees events are brand new this year, alongside many old favourites. Every part of the district is represented, from Batley to Marsden, Skelmanthorpe to Lindley, Holmfirth to Thornhill.

Sites opening for the first time include Bower Roebuck’s Glendale Mills at New Mill, with a day of activities for all the family; the new Jo Cox More in Common Centre at Huddersfield University; the former Huddersfield College, now Highfields Apartments, with College memorabilia on display; Rectory Park, Thornhill with a history walk; and Huddersfield Gasworks, for a final glimpse before demolition. More churches than ever are taking part, including some newcomers – many of them on Yorkshire Churches Day, Saturday 14th September.

Reflecting this year’s national festival theme, ‘Routes, Networks & Connections,’ guided walks and talks will celebrate both railways and medieval roads around Batley; ancient routeways on Wholestone Moor; and river and canal heritage in Huddersfield and Marsden.

Also on a transport theme will be a vintage motorcycle show, and a display of historic vehicles from classic local manufacturers David Brown and Rippon Bros, both at Huddersfield’s Ravensknowle Park; a Spen Valley transport display at Cleckheaton Library; and historic railway exhibitions at libraries in Batley and Huddersfield.

Activities put on specially for the festival include a theatre performance at Bagshaw Museum; a Tudor Explorers family trail at Oakwell Hall; bell-ringing at Dewsbury Minster; training in TV skills at Kirklees Local Television; and a tour to unveil new waymarkers in Spen Valley.

Kirklees HODs Committee Chair David Griffiths said: “I’m delighted that so many volunteers across the Borough have once again risen to the challenge and joined this great festival. It’s a splendid advert for the rich and diverse heritage of our towns, villages and countryside. With 100 events to choose from, there really is something for everyone, whatever your interests.”

Most events are open access but some do require booking. Many venues offer refreshments and children’s activities. A brochure listing all the events is now widely available across the district, and can also be found online at: https://tinyurl.com/KirkleesHOD2024

Full details of all events in Kirklees and elsewhere, including booking arrangements, can be found on the Heritage Open Days website: www.heritageopendays.org.uk

A photo competition, open to all, will run throughout the ten days. Entries will be judged by the Mayor of Kirklees, with prize tickets for autumn performances generously donated by Kirklees Town Halls and the Lawrence Batley Theatre. Full details of how to enter the competition are in the print and online brochures.

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