Heritage festival to bring hundreds of free events

People can learn about Coventry during World War Two at the cathedral's ruins and Blitz museum, which is holding open days

Hundreds of venues and organisations in the West Midlands are set to hold free events uncovering the region's rich history during Heritage Open Days.

Nationally, organisers said England's "largest festival of history and culture", from Friday to 21 September, offered the biggest programme in its 31-year history.

This year's theme is "architecture" and many historical venues will open their doors, while guided walks include a look at the work of a Staffordshire canal engineer.

Brierley Hill Market will celebrate local heritage with a Peaky Blinders Day featuring live music and dance, while theatres including the Birmingham Hippodrome and Coventry's Albany and Belgrade will hold tours.

The history of the art deco Albany Theatre in Coventry will be explored during tours on Sunday

The Potteries Heritage Society explores the work of James Brindley, who it said "set the blueprint for the canals of the 18th Century and emerging industrial revolution", with a walk around Etruria Junction on 20 September.

It takes place alongside an Open Day at Etruria Industrial Museum, where Stoke-on-Trent's 15 remaining bottle ovens are discussed.

People interested in author Arnold Bennett can enjoy a walk around Burslem to look at the buildings featured in his novels on 19 September.

Other heritage walks, includes one with Birmingham City Ramblers, which takes place on 17 September from Harborne to Edgbaston Reservoir.

It includes looking at local architecture, such as the "meticulously designed garden suburb" of Moor Pool Estate, the group said.

Volunteers and supporters at Chedham's Yard will be demonstrating crafts from the past on two Saturdays during the festival

Meanwhile, in Coventry, the city council has said it was looking forward to highlighting architecture, including the only surviving gates of the medieval city wall.

"Heritage Open Days is a fantastic celebration of Coventry's rich legacy and culture, offering a chance for everyone to engage with the history and heritage that has shaped our city," said Naeem Akhtar, cabinet member for housing and communities.

Coventry Cathedral's Blitz Museum is due to hold open days over the two weekends.

In Warwickshire, Alcester Baptist Church, where the baptist community first met in 1640, and Warwick's Alderson House, a longtime meeting place for the town's Freemasons, are among places that can be explored.

At Chedham's Yard in Wellesbourne, volunteers will demonstrate the traditional skills of blacksmiths and wood turners and tell the story of the venue.

A guided walk will explore the work of canal engineer James Brindley

The National Trust runs Heritage Open Days alongside thousands of other groups and volunteers.

Wightwick Manor and Gardens, near Wolverhampton, takes part during the weekend of 20 September and is among many of the trust's sites open for free.

The Victorian manor offers "the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in rich history and stunning design", the trust said.

The venue will also be holding activities marking its apple harvest and said its 17 acres of gardens were "glowing with colour".

Mrs Nassau Senior, an 1850s oil painting of the first female inspector of workhouses, is among artworks at Wightwick Manor

In Shropshire, Cambrian Heritage Railways said its refurbished Grade II listed south signal box will be open in Oswestry this weekend.

Volunteers said they had spent "countless hours" refurbishing the structure and sourcing equipment. Operational for 100 years, it escaped demolition but had remained a shell for many years, they explained.

Oswestry's Memorial Hall and town museum are also holding open days.

Meanwhile, visitors have also been invited to Holy Trinity Church to discover its "fascinating history and close ties" to Ironbridge Gorge.

The mayor of Worcester, Matt Lamb, outside the Guildhall where tours will take place this month

Elsewhere, medieval law enforcement is in the spotlight at Leominster Priory on 21 September where a talk unveils the stories behind its "rare, surviving ducking stool".

It will also reveal plans for preserving the historic priory in Church Street for generations to come.

Hereford Cathedral hosts guided walks on various dates highlighting the city centre's architecture.

And in Worcester, heritage tours around the Guildhall, once the seat of justice for the city, and the cells which held suspects, take place this Saturday 13 September.

The city's mayor, councillor Dr Matt Lamb, will welcome visitors to tour the building and the Mayor's Parlour on 19 and 20 September.

"Worcester is home to many beautiful historic buildings, each with its own story to tell," he said.