Open Days festival celebrates city's heritage

Bradford Industrial Museum will celebrate its 50th anniversary

Free events are taking place across Bradford this month to celebrate the district's history and culture.

As part of the national Heritage Open Days festival, activities will include guided tours around sites including Bradford Industrial Museum and the city's cathedral.

Events will take place in Bradford and the surrounding area until 15 September.

A council spokesperson said it would be a chance for people to learn about some of the district’s "most fascinating" landmarks.

Bradford Industrial Museum is inviting young people interested in writing poetry to attend its Small Business, Big Industry: How Bradford Was Built event on Sunday afternoon.

Then on 14-15 September the museum will celebrate its 50th birthday, with a DJ playing music from the 1970s, as well as vintage stalls and Bollywood dancing.

More landmarks opening their doors include Shipley Town Hall and Hoyle Court Masonic Hall, while Ilkley will stage events celebrating its Roman history as well as tours of its Blue Plaque landmarks.

In Keighley, events will take place at East Riddlesden Hall, the Engine Shed locomotive museum and the Carriage Works museum.

Events in Keighley will celebrate the town's railway heritage

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, portfolio holder for healthy people and places at Bradford Council, said: "These Heritage Open Days offer lots of opportunities for people to take part in events and activities and explore behind the scenes.

"I’d like to encourage as many people as possible join in with these events, which are all free.”

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture with more than 5,000 events taking place across the country.

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