One of the many benefits of your church, chapel or meeting house being a part of an open day or festival is that the event is already in the calendars of people who want to visit. There are national open day events, local or regional open churches festivals or local events that involve some other organisations.
6-15 September. Heritage Open Days is England's largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history.
September. Doors Open Days is Scotland’s largest free festival that celebrates places and stories, new and old. In the past 33 years our festival has expanded to reach all 32 council regions of Scotland with visitors enjoying access to nearly 1,000 events.
This September, more than 200 of Wales’ historic sites, landmarks and hidden gems will offer visitors free entry, events or guided tours. It’s all part of Open Doors — Wales’ annual contribution to the European Heritage Days initiative.
14 and 15 September 2024. Each year over 250 people open their doors and organise events across Northern Ireland. It is a once-a-year opportunity for curious families, architect lovers and heritage enthusiasts to explore buildings and exclusive sites rarely open to the public.
14 September. Ride + Stride is the single largest source of income for many Historic Churches Trusts, enabling them to make Grants to places of Christian worship. Taking place on the second Saturday of September the funds raised can be split between the nominated Trust and the participants' chosen church or chapel.
June. Caring for God’s Acre has been encouraging all who help to look after churchyards, chapel yards and cemeteries to celebrate these fantastic places in the lovely month of June – in any way you choose. We’ve seen history talks, picnics, volunteering work parties and even abseiling teddy bears.
13-28 July. The Festival incorporates hundreds of in-person and virtual events delivered by community groups, heritage organisations, universities, commercial units, and more in-person and online across the UK.
