The Forge at Market Bosworth is one of thousands of places open in 2008 for Heritage Open Days. Picture courtesy Heritage Open Days
English Heritage has stepped in to ensure the biggest heritage event in the cultural calendar goes ahead after the organising charity went into administration.
Heritage Open Days, traditionally organised by the Civic Trust, sees thousands of heritage sites, historic properties and museums – many not normally open to the public – open their doors for free visits.
The future of the event was cast into doubt after the Trust, which is dedicated to helping communities make better places in which to live, went into administration
Now the English Heritage deal has secured the future of the popular cultural event, reassuring a million participants and 35,000 volunteer organisers by guaranteeing that it will take place between September 10 – 13 2009.
"English Heritage can reassure all those who like to take part in Heritage Open Days that it will happen this and every year, and we look forward to an excellent weekend of events on the 10th – 13th September," said Steven Bee, Director of Planning and Development at English Heritage.
"Heritage Open Days is an important cultural event and we are very grateful for the continued support of all the volunteers across England, on which the success of the event depends."
Bee said he was "very saddened" at the demise of the group. "They had played a key role as a single voice for the many passionate trusts and societies across England, a role we hope to see continue in some form," he added. "We welcome that partners across the sector are equally committed to supporting that local commitment to the built environment."
