Each September, doors to cultural treasures open all over the country for days dedicated to free heritage exploration, led by local experts and volunteers. This time round, the event is taking place a little differently – with virtual tours, online talks and events, and some socially distanced in-person events taking place over its ten days.
The city’s programme is coordinated by Sheffield Civic Trust. Click here to see the full programme, and read on for a few highlights.
Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind 160th Anniversary
17 September
A virtual tour to mark the 160th anniversary of one of Sheffield’s oldest independent charities.
More info.
Music, Art and Activism: Cultural Creativity and the Miners’ Strike
17 September, 7pm
The Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign present a night of bread and roses. Just as the strike of 1984/85 brought together protest, music and art, so too do activists, artists and musicians stand together now as strong as ever. Join this online event with Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners founder Mike Jackson, designer Craig Oldham, musicians O’Hooley and Tidow (the duo behind the theme song for Gentleman Jack), Women Against Pit Closures’ Kate Flannery, Labour councillor and activist Sophie Wilson, and many more.
Tune in via Facebook Live.
Sheffield in the 1980s Photographic Exhibition
11–20 September, The Gardeners Rest
A rare chance to see Martin Jenkinson's iconic photographs of 1980s Sheffield – from Orgreave to the Tinsley Towers and from the 'Hole in the Road' to Sheffield's steelworks.
More info.
An Audio Tour of the Sites of the Music Halls and Taverns of West Bar
Chris Reece of Timewalk Project takes us on a historical tour of the taverns and music halls that once filled the area round West Bar.
Listen online.
Photo competition
Sheffield HODs are on the lookout for a photo to feature on next year’s brochure. To enter, upload your photo of a Sheffield heritage site and building to Instagram and tag @sheffieldhods during the festival dates of 11-20 September. The winner will have their photo on the front of the 2021 Sheffield brochure, be invited to the 2021 festival launch and receive a Sheffield-themed prize.
More info.
