Chester Racecourse launches free cultural heritage event

Chester Racecourse, the country’s oldest racecourse yesterday hosted the launch of Heritage Open Days 2008, Britain’s biggest and most diverse celebration of architecture, history and culture. Over 3,500 places across the country are opening their doors for free as part of Heritage Open Days which takes place between 11th and 14th September 2008.

From a rare opportunity to view the nation’s first ever woman’s works canteen built during the First World War in Leeds to a chance to explore a group of privately owned, cutting edge eco-houses in Norfolk, Heritage Open Days offers people the opportunity to explore fascinating buildings and places, many of which are normally closed to the public, completely free of charge.

Last year, Heritage Open Days attracted nearly a million visitors – and with 90 per cent of the population living within 30 minutes of a Heritage Open Days event, more and more people are taking part. This year, the four-day annual event which is co-ordinated nationally by the Civic Trust in partnership with English Heritage will draw on the support of an army of 35,000 volunteers.

Griff Rhys Jones, President of the Civic Trust, said: "I love exploring unknown buildings. I love to get right inside places which seem forbidden. This is a gift - the greatest idea and the hugest fun. Heritage Open Days makes architecture accessible and heritage human. What a fantastic opportunity for all, and how excellent that so many take advantage of it. It shows that we all care about what our neighbourhoods look like and what is built in them."

Maria Adebowale, English Heritage Commissioner, said: “More than a million people from across the country take part in Heritage Open Days making it the largest annual cultural event in the UK.

“Over the Heritage Open Days weekend people share their pride and passion for their local heritage. Here at Chester Racecourse visitors will be treated to a rare glimpse behind the scenes of one of the busiest racecourses in the country. This year the range and diversity of properties is staggering – from Hindu temples and Masonic lodges to mines, farms, pubs and factories - so even if you are a regular Heritage Open Days visitor there will be something new for you to see and do.”

English Heritage Outreach Managers annually support Heritage Open Days through developing community projects around the country, expanding the scheme into new areas and encouraging people to open up properties and run activities that reflect the cultural diversity of their community.

Highlights for this year include: creating three guided walking faith trails in Birmingham which link a mosque, Gurdwara, Church and Buddhist Temple; exploring Fort Brockhurst in Gosport through community art workshops with local disabled people and developing an accessible trail to enable visitors to discover Tilbury’s waterfront, military & industrial heritage in the East of England.

Margaret Hodge MP, Minister for Culture, Tourism and the Creative Industries, said: “The great thing about Heritage Open Days is that there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s the private homes of individuals, or the places that fascinate and delight because of what happens there, it’s a once-a-year chance to be surprised and, often, amazed. Don’t miss it.”

Heritage Open Days is part of European Heritage Days, taking place across 48 countries during September as part of a mass celebration of Europe’s cultural heritage. The Heritage Open Days online directory listing all the events taking place in England can be seen at Heritageopendays.org.uk.

Across the rest of the UK, Doors Open Days in Scotland runs every weekend in September, Open Doors Days in Wales takes place on 6/7, 13/14, 20/21 September. European Heritage Days Northern Ireland runs on 13/14 September and London Open House takes place on 20/21 September. The European Heritage Days of Jewish Culture & Heritage run from 7-28 September. More information visit Heritagedays.net.