Winchester Heritage Open Days festival, which took place this year between 8-17 September, has once again been a resounding success with nearly 140 free events attracting audiences from throughout Hampshire and beyond.
The year’s theme of ‘Creativity Unwrapped’ inspired event organisers, with drop-in events like the open City of Winchester Trust’s exhibition of paintings by local artists, or the St. Denys Church Scavenger Hunt supplementing the pre-booked one-off activities.
New events this year included visits to the Archaeological Investigation of the Central Winchester Regeneration, family fun in the Marvellous Middle Ages at Winchester College and Croissants & cartouches at The Winchester Bakery.
Further afield Buckler’s Hard Museum was open for free while St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery in Lymington put on an action packed programme during their Inspire Weekend which included live music, theatre, community art, talks, creative textiles, smashing pottery, snow queen storytelling and a stilt walker!
A highlight of the festival was a day of activities at The Great Hall in Winchester which included the debut performance by Winchester Poetry Festival’s artistic director Clare Pollard of her new translation of the 13th Century tale of Sir Orfeo - a poem full of kings, queens, fairies, music and Winchester landmarks. There were also a 'taster' event for the English Project's Captain Swing Riots Review, dance sessions by the Hampshire Regency Dancers, and a Classic and Sports Car display by the MG Owners Club.
Other events across the county included, open days and free entry at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton and Gilbert White’s House in Selborne, a literary tour of Winchester run by Dr Gary Farnell of the University of Winchester, calligraphy sessions run by Hyde900, and a Treasure Trail created by young artists of drawings and paintings of the buildings of Winchester High Street.
Heritage Open Days is about bringing communities together, exploring local heritage and sharing stories. Feedback from attendees highlighted the enjoyment of discovering new places or histories as well as praising the friendliness of staff at venues and the knowledgeable guides involved in tours.
‘An excellent morning out,’ said one attendee. ‘The venue was superb, and one I had never heard of or would ever have visited had it not been for HOD’.
A visitor from the USA commented: ‘It has been my privilege to attend over 15 events within the last 10 days. The diversity of novel experiences, the ability to learn from experts in their field, and the beauty seen on the guided walks has been a most enlightening experience for myself and my friends. On the walking tours, I heard over and over again comments like “I have lived in Winchester for over 20 years, and I never knew or noticed that”. This is my third year of attending the Heritage Open Days and I set my alarm clock for 4 AM US time to book the tickets when they first become available. The organizers and sponsors of these events do a wonderful job.’
Nicky Gottlieb, Festival Director said:
‘It was brilliant to once again run a full festival of events and activities which focussed on the history and heritage of Winchester and Hampshire. The ‘Creativity Unwrapped’ theme certainly inspired organisations and individuals, and the range of events presented was truly wonderful.’
‘We are extremely grateful to our funders and sponsors and would especially like to thank Winchester College, Winchester BID, the Hampshire Chronicle, and Belgarum Estate Agents for their continued support.’
‘Of course the festival wouldn’t be possible without the team of volunteers who gave so much of their time and energy to making the Heritage Open Days festival such a success.’
The festival was launched this year with a talk at Winchester College by historian Alice Loxton. This fundraising event also saw the launch of the Friends of Hampshire History Trust.
Winchester Heritage Open Days is organised by Hampshire History Trust ,a local charity dedicated to connecting local people to the history of the area. The next event planned by the Trust is a coffee morning at Rick Stein’s restaurant on 9 November between 9:00-11:00a.m.