Type=image;ImageID=5118;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Front cover of the Heritage Open Days 2014 programme;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=5113;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Compton Hospice;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=5116;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=St John's in the Square;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=5117;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=The 1940s room at Bantock House Museum;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=5114;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Wightwick Manor;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=5115;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Wolverhampton Art Gallery;TitleClass=strong;
This week, from Thursday 11 September to Sunday 14 September, a programme of free activities celebrates the city's heritage and culture, with members of the public invited behind the scenes to discover more about this interesting city.
Many of the venues will be opening their doors to areas not normally accessible to the public.
Severn Trent Water is providing tours of Barnhurst Sewerage Works, a site closed to the public throughout the rest of the year. Visitors of all ages can discover its history from the mid 1800s to the modern day and enjoy interactive games and stands.
Wolverhampton Art Gallery will also be inviting visitors behind the scenes with tours of its collections currently not on display. In the general tours taking place from Thursday to Saturday, visitors can see a wider range of the collection and discover for themselves some hidden treasures. On Saturday, visitors can discover the Art Gallery's photography collection.
There is an opportunity on Thursday to meet the Mayor and Mayoress of Wolverhampton and view the fascinating Civic insignia, robes and artwork on display in the Mayor's Parlour
The public can also learn about Compton Hospice's rich history with an insightful talk followed by an optional tour.
On Friday, Bilston Craft Gallery is offering a special tour allowing the public to see what goes on behind the scenes as curators install its forthcoming exhibitions.
A limited number of places on all the above tours are still available and must be booked in advance. To reserve a place, please contact the individual venues, whose details can be found in the Type=articles;Articleid=5191;Title=Heritage Open Day brochure;.
Also supporting Heritage Open Days will be Bantock House Museum, which will be opening its 1940s room, and the National Trust's Moseley Old Hall and Wightwick Manor and Gardens, both of which will be offering free entry to all visitors.
New to the programme for 2014 are St Mary's and St John's Catholic Church and Buddha Vihara Buddhist Temple. Along with All Saints church, All Saints - The Workspace, St John's Church in the Square, St Leonard's Church and St Peter's Collegiate Church, they will be open for visitors to drop in and explore the buildings.
As part of the Twentyman Trail, The Church of the Good Shepherd, St Andrew's Church and St Martin's Church are inviting visitors to see the stylistic features of architect Richard Twentyman.
Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities, said: "There are some fascinating venues involved in the Heritage Open Days programme this year, with great stories to discover.
"This is an excellent opportunity to see behind the scenes - and all for free."
For more information or to receive a brochure about the activities on offer, including full details of venues, dates and times, please contact the City's Information Point on 01902 552055 or visit Type=articles;Articleid=5191;Title=Heritage Open Days;.
- released: Wednesday 10 September, 2014