Manx National Heritage is delighted to announce the return of Heritage Open Days. This October will be the fourth year that heritage organisations and private owners of exciting collections on the Isle of Man have opened their doors and invited the public to discover more about the Island’s collective past. This year’s Heritage Open Days events are scheduled for Friday 4th – Sunday 6th October and Friday 11th – Sunday 13th October. Activities take place across the Island and the programme has something for everyone. Best of all everything is FREE to explore!
Heritage Open Days provide free public access to unique buildings, landscapes and displays that are usually closed to the public, have an admission fee or benefit from further explanation from a guide. The promotion of Heritage Open Days is supported by charitable funds from the Trustees of the Manx Museum and National Trust. The ethos of Heritage Open Days is about opening people’s eyes to unusual places and spaces that celebrate the Island’s rich heritage and culture.
Edmund Southworth, Director, Manx National Heritage said;
“The Isle of Man has had an amazing history which has left a legacy of heritage in every parish and town on the island. There is an ever increasing awareness that this heritage is not just a part of our Manx community identity and our quality of life but an important part of our visitor economy. We know it’s also part of what attracts investors and new business to the island.
As well as running our own sites, MNH networks with a number of volunteer organisations, government agencies and private individuals who look after all aspects of this rich island heritage ranging from steam trains to corn mills. We couldn’t do something on this scale without the volunteers and passionate individuals who have filled the programme with amazing opportunities to explore. They are a real credit to the success of this event. We are lucky to have such a diverse range of heritage on the Isle of Man.
All Heritage Open Days events are free to explore, although you can support individual groups by making a donation or volunteering your time. We do hope that people have the opportunity to enjoy many of the days out on offer.”
Last year almost 2,000 visitors took part and with a huge increase in the number of events being held during the two weekends it is hoped even more people will take part.
The programme includes searching for fungi, a look behind the scenes of the National collections at the Manx Museum, a walk and talk around the industrial archaeology of Beckwith mines, an opportunity to be one of the first to visit the private Susie Cooper Museum and a chance to find out about the great and the good buried in Braddan churchyards. There are too many highlights to name them all!
A programme featuring all 50 of the FREE activities can be picked up from all Manx National Heritage sites and the Welcome Centre. All listings can also be found here. You can book with most venues directly but be aware that bookable tours have limited numbers so please book early to avoid disappointment.
View and print the Heritage Open Days leaflet here.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:,
Katie King – Community Outreach & Learning Support Officer
t: +44 (0) 1624 648035
e: katie.king@mnh.gov.im
Suzanne Williams – Heritage Site Manager
t: +44 (0) 1624 648091
e: suzanne.williams@mnh.gov.im