Organisers hope Sheffield heritage festival in September will go ahead

Organisers of Sheffield's Heritage Open Days, the annual festival where people can learn about the city's history, are hoping it will still go ahead.
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The National Trust runs the festival nationwide and says it is determined it should go ahead in some form in September, depending on venue closures and social distancing.

It might mean the festival goes ahead as normal, or in a different format, and various different options are currently being looked at by the national team.

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Last year, the festival's 25th anniversary, there were 137 talks, tours and events in Sheffield over a fortnight in September.

Last year's Heritage Open DayLast year's Heritage Open Day
Last year's Heritage Open Day

Visitors have the chance to explore places not normally open to the public and there are special events and behind the scene tours. All venues and events are free.

Janet Ridler, Sheffield HODs co-ordinator at Sheffield Civic Trust, said people in the city were still working hard to prepare for the festival.

She asked anyone taking part to continue to plan for it.

She said: “We realise some people will be extra busy right now, while others may have a little more spare time, so it might be a good time to be giving some thought to planning your HODs event.

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"If you are able to continue your planning and registration, that will help us in the preparations we are currently making for the printing and publication of our popular local brochure.

"By continuing to plan and prepare, we will all be ready if the festival goes ahead, and if some events are not able to happen then our preparation will stand us all in good stead for next year."

The Sheffield team is not meeting face to face but is still offering advice, information and support via email.

Janet said: "We will be holding a training event to help you get the most from your Heritage Open Day and this will take place in late spring or early summer, possibly as an online virtual meeting which allows us to meet with you over the web."

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There is more information at www.sheffieldhods.com or by emailing [email protected]

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