News

Norfolk’s Heritage Open Days events brochure launches on Monday, 2nd August

Tuesday, 27th July 2010

Members of the public will have the chance to delve into Norfolk's fascinating and sometimes hidden heritage, with the launch of this year's Heritage Open Days (HODs) programme featuring 215 free events celebrating Norfolk's heritage between 9^th and 12^th September.

The brochure covers Heritage Open Days events in Norwich, Greater Yarmouth, South Norfolk and the Broads. The brochure - detailing all events and how to book - will be available from 2^nd August in cultural venues, tourist information centres, libraries, post offices, cafes and shops across Norfolk. It can also be downloaded from www.heritagecity.org/hods from 2^nd August and copies can be emailed and posted out free of charge - send requests to info@heritagecity.org or call 01603 305575.

HODs in Norwich is co-ordinated by Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART). Michael Loveday, Chief Executive of HEART, said: 'This year's brochure is our biggest yet, with a programme of diverse events including open buildings, guided tours, exhibitions, talks and music and dance performances across Norfolk - all of which are free of charge. It is a great opportunity for local people and visitors to learn and experience more about the fantastic heritage on our doorsteps.'

Alan Carr, Head of Tourism for Greater Yarmouth, said: 'Great Yarmouth has a superb collection of coastal heritage buildings and architecture as a backdrop to wide sandy beaches and all that a traditional seaside resort has to offer. We are delighted to be participating in Heritage Open Days again this year, giving visitors and residents a superb opportunity to discover a rich maritime heritage in one of the UK's most popular seaside resorts.'

Councillor Martin Wilby, Deputy Leader of South Norfolk Council, said: 'There is so much to offer in South Norfolk whether its historic Caistor Roman Town, Wymondham Abbey and our many World War II Airfields or the fun of Norfolk Ski Club, Whitlingham Country Park and the stunning Wheatfen Nature Reserve. The Heritage Opens Days programme is a real gem for visitors and residents alike. We hope you enjoy them.'

Stephen Johnson, Chairman of the Broads Authority, said: 'We are excited to be part of this weekend of celebration of Norfolk's varied heritage, and proud that the Broads - Britain's Magical Waterland - can engage interests from the Neolithic to the Arts and Crafts period. There should be something for everyone to visit and enjoy.'

Some of the events require pre-booking and due to their popularity and relatively limited capacity, it is recommended this is done promptly. However for over half of the events no pre-booking is required and visitors can just drop in on the day.

For more information visit www.heritagecity.org/hods or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/norwichheart.

- ends -

Notes to editors

For more information please contact Christina Lister, Communications Manager at Norwich HEART on 01603 599570 or email christinalister@heritagecity.org.

For information about Heritage Open Days in Great Yarmouth please contact Kirsty Burn, Marketing and Promotions Manager at Great Yarmouth Borough Council: kirsty@great-yarmouth.gov.uk, 01493 846340.

For information about Heritage Open Days in South Norfolk please contact David Peel, Communications Manager at South Norfolk Council: DPeel@s-norfolk.gov.uk, 01508 533611.

For information about Heritage Open Days in the Broads please contact Clare Weller, Communications Manager at the Broads Authority: Clare.Weller@broads-authority.gov.uk, 01603 756040.

About Heritage Open Days

Heritage Open Days (HODs) - England's largest and most popular voluntary cultural event. HODs celebrates all of Norwich's fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to events and interesting properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. There will be open buildings, guided tours, exhibitions, talks and music and dance performances across the city linked to the theme. Nationally it is coordinated by English Heritage. In Norfolk events are coordinated by Norwich HEART, the Broads Authority, Great Yarmouth Borough Council and South Norfolk District Council.

About Norwich HEART

Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) is a private, charitable trust set up to act as an umbrella organisation for all of the heritage on offer in Norwich and to be a best practice exemplar internationally for heritage as a social and economic regeneration vehicle.

www.heritagecity.org

About Great Yarmouth Borough Council

Great Yarmouth Borough Council's Tourism Division and Conservation & Heritage Department are members of the Great Yarmouth Heritage Partnership, a national exemplar of good partnership working which pools resources, prioritises projects and works together to promote, conserve and interpret heritage in Great Yarmouth.

www.great-yarmouth.co.uk

About South Norfolk Council

www.south-norfolk.gov.uk

About the Broads Authority

The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads is Britain's largest protected wetland and third largest inland waterway, with the status of a national park. It's also home to some of the rarest plants and animals in the UK. The Broads Authority was set up in 1989, with responsibility for conservation, planning, recreation and waterways.

www.broads-authority.gov.uk