From 13 to 22 September, England is embarking on a journey through its heritage. Heritage Open Days, England’s contribution to European Heritage Days, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. With a spectacular programme of over 5,700 events, this year's is set to be the biggest HODs to date. Over 10 days, more than 3 million visitors will have a unique chance to explore the heritage that unites all European nations.

Aiming to honour the people who brought about positive change throughout history, the theme for this year’s edition is “People Power.” As announced earlier, the programme will highlight the work of individuals and groups whose activism shaped today's England. A highlight of this is the 25 "craftivism" workshops organised especially for this year, intending to encourage peaceful and creative activism. This year’s Unsung Stories project Dare to Dream inspires people to become a part of meaningful work in their community. In honour of HODs' silver anniversary, the “25 for 25” project lists 25 new sites including museum archives, theatres, wildlife reserves and a solar farm.

Heritage Open Days 2019 Event Highlights

A spectacular series of events, made possible by the National Trust and players of People's Postcode Lottery, is aimed at inspiring activism among people of all ages. From visits to the Secret Forest in Gloucestershire, and medieval skills workshops in Sheffield, to an exclusive insight into the use of 'Big Data' in medical research in Oxford, the country's largest free cultural festival has prepared events to suit all ages, interests and tastes.

The “25 for 25” project invites visitors to go behind the scenes of the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme and learn more about stage management. Art enthusiasts will also be able to take part in a drama workshop and try on extravagant costumes. The Railway Village Museum in Swindon will host several activities showcasing the 19th -century way of life to inspire new ways of environmentally friendly behaviour. Visitors in Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire will have a chance to take part in a unique cultural experience at Heritage Open Days this year. An artistic performance including the traditional Bhangra, Punjabi and Dhol art forms will testify to the beauty and power of cultural diversity.

Local communities, individuals and institutions who made a positive change will be celebrated during this spectacular edition of the cultural festival in England. The most comprehensive list of heritage-themed events at Heritage Open Days aims to inspire activism and bring heritage closer to diverse communities across the country.

For further details, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk, or follow Heritage Open Days on Twitter @HeritageOpenDay