​Discover your local heritage on a free tour

Don’t miss the chance to take part in Bury’s Heritage Open Days, which celebrate some of the town’s hidden gems.

The Tourist Information Centre has organised a selection of five walks and talks which are all free of charge.

Numbers are limited, so book your place by calling 0161 253 5111.

• St Anne’s Church, Tottington (Friday 13 Sep at noon). Join Hugh Bearn, the vicar of St Anne’s Church, for a guided walk around the Georgian place of worship. The church holds many historic tales from when it was first built in 1799 at a cost of £50. Hear about its connection to the Von Trapp family and William Wilberforce.

• Historical tour of The Met theatre (Friday 13 Sep at 2pm). Did you know that the Derby Hall staged one of Joy Division’s last gigs, which ended in a riot, and did you know it was the democratic home to where many of Bury’s major decisions were once made?

• Behind the scenes of Bury Parish Church (Saturday 14 Sep, from 9.30am to 4.30pm). Come along to Bury Parish Church and catch a glimpse of its beautiful silverware which will be on display especially for Heritage Open Days along with the church registers. There will be a service of Matins and you can visit the bell tower too.

• Heritage and culture walk around Bury (Saturday 14 Sep at 11am). There is more to Bury town centre than you think. Join us for a walk around our wonderful architecture and historic buildings. We will take a look at some of Bury’s rich heritage and explore its history and well-known residents.

• Fusiliers around Bury (Thursday 19 Sep at 10.30am). A tour of Bury’s monuments and buildings connected to the special relationship Bury has with the Lancashire Fusiliers. Learn about the Whitehead and Kay connections. Visit the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin and the Victorian Castle Armoury, all within a relatively small area.

Heritage Open Days celebrate England’s fantastic history and architecture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. It is a once a year chance to discover hidden treasures and enjoy events which bring to life local history and customs.

A full programme of Heritage Open Day events around the country can be found at https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

ENDS

Press release issued: 6 September 2019.