The annual Heritage Open Days festival is set to take place from Friday 6 September to Sunday 15 September, with Thanet hosting over 30 venues for visitors to explore. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the festival, and to celebrate, various Isle venues and experiences are participating in the national scheme, offering opportunities to discover Thanet’s rich history, architecture, and culture free of charge.
The theme for this year’s festival is ‘Routes, Networks, and Connections’, inviting people to delve into the rich tapestry of history through the movement of people and ideas. Thanet has a diverse range of activities and venues lined up for the festival, including a Guided Walk in Margate, where visitors can discover the fascinating architecture of six historic squares and learn about notable residents who lived and worked there.
The Palace Cinema in Broadstairs will also be open for exploration, allowing visitors to delve into the unique story of this iconic cinema and explore local film heritage. Historic Ramsgate will offer visitors the chance to visit Ramsgate’s oldest street, Paradise, which was home to retired sea captains in the early 18th century. Visitors can enjoy sea shanties and characters in period costume as they explore this historic area.
For those looking for a more spiritual experience, an Augustine Camino Mini Pilgrimage will take visitors from Minster Abbey to the Shrine of St. Augustine in Ramsgate, uncovering stories of saints, scholars, Vikings, and powerful princesses along the way.
Heritage Open Days provides an opportunity to experience lesser-known venues and those that are not generally open to the public, including India House in Margate and St. Edward’s Presbytery in Ramsgate. Engaging talks will also be held, including two relating to Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour and its new Heritage Harbour status, as well as a special guided Dickens Town Trail in Broadstairs.
New venues are participating in the Heritage Open Days programme for 2024, including Holy Trinity Church, Radford House, and Paradise in Ramsgate, as well as the Walpole Bay Hotel and Museum in Margate. Free entry will be offered on specific dates during the festival at various locations, such as the Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens in Birchington, the Margate Caves and The Wonderworks in Margate, the Dickens House Museum in Broadstairs, and the Italianate Glasshouse and The Grange in Ramsgate.
Councillor Ruth Duckworth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property, expressed her excitement for the festival, highlighting the importance of promoting Thanet’s heritage buildings and local history. She thanked The Ramsgate Society and the Margate Civic Society for their coordination efforts and emphasized the support of participating venues and their volunteers in making the festival a success.
Francesca Baker-Brooker from Heritage Open Days praised the diversity of events on offer, with over 30 events in Thanet alone. From guided tours to talks about local history, there is something for everyone to enjoy. One of the highlights of the festival is ‘A Day in Paradise’, where visitors can explore Ramsgate’s oldest street and discover its rich history and architecture.
Paradise is believed to be Ramsgate’s oldest street, with a history dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The area was once occupied by sea captains and merchants, and today, visitors can explore historic homes in Paradise and learn about the unique architectural features of the area. Live traditional folk music and sea shanties will be performed in the evening, adding to the immersive experience.
The ‘Ramsgate Historic Quarter Scheme’, created by Robert Milton Wallace, aims to preserve the historic architecture of the area and create a safer environment for the community. Robert will be performing with his band ‘Men of Chalk’ at the Heritage Open Day event ‘A Day in Paradise’, showcasing the cultural richness of the area.
Overall, Heritage Open Days in Thanet promises a diverse and engaging experience for visitors, with a wide range of venues and activities to explore. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy during this annual festival. Further information on the venues participating in the festival, including opening times and booking details, can be found on the Visit Thanet website.