People can go behind the scenes at some of Wolverhampton's historical sites as the ever popular Heritage Open Days programme returns this September.

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The free, 4 day event includes guided tours of Banks's Brewery, Barnhurst Sewage Works, the City Archives, Grand Theatre, Lighthouse Cinema, Tettenhall College and Wolverhampton Art Gallery. There will also be special talks at Bantock House Museum, Compton Hospice and in the Mayor's Parlour.

St Peter's Church, Darlington Street Methodist Church, St Chad's and St Mark's Church and All Saints' Church will be open to the public with staff on hand to answer questions about the buildings and their past, while people can also visit the National Trust's Wightwick Manor and Moseley Old Hall for free.

New to the 2013 programme will be a guided tour of Bilston Town Hall, guided walk around Wolverhampton's city centre heritage and an opportunity to see the medieval tower at St Leonards Church, while a special blue plaque will be unveiled at West Park.

Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities, said: "The Heritage Open Days programme allows people to delve into Wolverhampton's past and discover unknown secrets about the city.

"There are numerous opportunities to learn about industry, art, faith and sport across the city and with, most of the events being guided, it gives people the chance to ask questions and really learn something new about the city.

"We want the people of Wolverhampton and in the surrounding areas to see places that aren't normally open to the public or at least enjoy access to popular buildings for free with this series of events so that they can unlock the history to Wolverhampton."

Heritage Open Days runs from Thursday to Sunday, 12 to 15 September, 2013. Places on the tours, which are always very popular, are limited - tickets will be available for bookable talks and tours from Monday 29 July, 2013 until Friday August 30, 2013, on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve places, please visit Type=links;Linkid=2147;Title=Eventbrite;Target=_blank; from 29 July onwards and search for "Heritage Open Days".

For more information or to receive a brochure about the activities on offer, including full details of dates and times, please call 01902 552055 or e-mail heritageopendays@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

  • released: Tuesday 16 July, 2013