Big day of the year will throw open King's Lynn's heritage
King’s Lynn Civic Society is busy getting ready for its biggest day of the year – Heritage Open Day, which this year will be on Sunday, September 12.
The day runs from 10am to 4pm. and includes a wide range of historic buildings not usually open to the public and many different activities.
Sandra Coleman, one of the organising committee members, said: “After not being able to run the day last year, we are so pleased that we can now go ahead.”
Among the buildings opening this year are the town hall, which will host Baroque Dance Unmasked as well as musicians from Norfolk Music Service.
Teas will be available raising funds for the Mayor’s Charity. Tours are available at Clifton House, All Saints’ Church and the Minster Bell Tower and there will be free guided walk round the old town with the Town Guides.
Hop on a vintage bus, free, to tour the town or reach some of the more far-flung locations like Hardwick Road Cemetery or Highgate Methodist Chapel.
Anna Gunn, another organiser, said: “We have a wide range of entertainment on offer this year, from Pot of Gold - Swaffham Shanty Crew to Schrödinger’s Strings, the massed Morris dancers, and Colchester Waits playing music from the 16th century.
“The Walks will be buzzing with action from the Knights of Skirbeck and the Sealed Knot, as well as Fenland Falconry and King’s Lynn Town Band. And don’t forget to have a ride on the miniature railway!”
Kim Leonard is the committee member in charge on the riverfront. He said: “We are delighted to have the Baden Powell alongside the river as well as King’s Lynn Coastal Rowers, West Norfolk Sub Aqua Club, the Coastal Exploration Company and the Children’s Naval Charity.
“The ferry will be running between West Lynn and Ferry Lane. And while you’re here, visit the Hanse House, Marriott’s Warehouse and T.S. Vancouver, where you can find out all about the sea cadets.’
Alongside Heritage Open Day is the borough-run classic car day in the Tuesday Market Place which is always a popular event.
Various buildings around the Tuesday Market Place (including the Corn Exchange, 19 Tuesday Market Place, and the Pilot Office) will also be open. The challenge on the day, as always, is managing to fit it all in!
Programmes will be available at the end of August (pick up from the Tourist Information Centre - open every day 10 to 5, or the Custom House on Wed and Sat 10 to 3.30) or for all of the listings, plus the bus timetable and a timetable of activities on the day, check the Civic Society webpage: https://www.kingslynncivicsociety.co.uk/heritage-open-day/
For more information on Classic Car Day, go to https://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/news/article/1014/sign_up_for_the_mini_meet_and_classic_car_events