Liverpool Heritage Open Month is set to launch this September.
An extensive programme of unique events, tours, building openings and activities will celebrate Liverpool’s rich cultural heritage.
This builds on the success of the national Heritage Open Days programme, which celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission.
Liverpool is taking it one step further and extending its cultural heritage programme throughout the whole month of September in a joint initiative between Liverpool City Council and VisitLiverpool.
70 venues and organisations across the city are involved in this year’s programme and throughout September buildings of every age, style and function will throw their doors open and host special events.
Some of the highlights include a sneak preview of the recently renovated Picton Reading Rooms at Central Library ahead of the official building opening next year; spectacular spooky street theatre in the Georgian Quarter, a tour of the hidden crypt at St Luke’s bombed out church and a maritime folk themed cabaret on Liverpool’s last manned Lightship.
There are also walking tours with RIBA, tours of the World Heritage Site North Docks, a specially created Littoral heritage poetry trail and a peek at the amazing interior of Martins Bank Building.
Laura Naylor, Cultural Heritage Project Manager for the Visitor Economy Committee of Liverpool City Region said: “Liverpool already has the largest Heritage Open Days programme in the country outside of London. We are developing the programme to really start putting heritage at the forefront of what Liverpool has to offer and encourage people to experience and learn about the rich heritage of the city in new creative ways. This year’s exciting programme is bigger than ever and offers something for all the family.”
Pam Wilsher, Head of Visitor Economy Development at VisitLiverpool, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and showcase our hidden architectural treasures and really bring to life local history and culture through these tours, events and activities. We are promoting Heritage Open Month far and wide and hope visitors will come for a few days to experience the events and openings taking advantage of our great midweek hotel rates.”
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Tourism, Cllr Wendy Simon quote said: “Heritage month is an ideal time to get out and about and visit some of the fantastic hidden architectural gems that are right on our doorstep.
“This year we have opened the doors of some of our best buildings not just for the day but for the whole month of September.
“With tours, activities and street theatre available there really is something for all ages to enjoy and what’s more most of the events are free.”