Discover St Helens Borough's proud past during Heritage Open Days 2023

Article date: 29 August 2023

Taking place between 8-17 September, Heritage Open Days is England's largest community-led festival of history and culture, with more local events than ever before forming part of St Helens' status as the Liverpool City Region's Borough of Culture. 

As part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund project, 'Creative Underground', local community groups have been awarded funding to create exciting events and activities that showcase local heritage. These include capturing the stories of ex-miners, heritage walks, musical performances, book launches and films - plus many more free events and activities for everyone to enjoy.  

Meanwhile there are many other events across the borough, including the chance to learn how to use local archives in libraries, or visiting Cannington Shaw's pop-up shop to learn about its history, have your say on its future, and take part in fun activities.  

You can also attend free demonstrations of the ancient art of glassblowing at The World of Glass where visitors can wander through the Grade II listed tank house and tunnels, as well as get the chance to go back to Victorian St Helens and discover the future of glass through the museum's impressive new education suite which has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment.  

Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, said:   

"Local heritage is something we're passionate about celebrating all year round, especially during our year as Borough of Culture which saw the successful St Helens Heritage Festival staged in the town hall earlier this year, but with the annual Heritage Open Days, it's an opportunity to do so on a mass scale.  

"I'm delighted to see that a variety of events have been put together which cover a large part of the borough's history and influence as world leaders in glass manufacturing and the role played during the industrial revolution which you'll get the chance to find out about.  

"Heritage Open Days is all about celebrating community and identity so don't miss out on this unique experience in learning something new about our great borough which has more than played its part throughout British history."  

To learn more about the Creative Underground project visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/creativeunderground 

For a full listing of Heritage Open Days events near you visit: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk 

For upcoming Borough of Culture events, go to: www.culturesthelens.co.uk