Free heritage events being held across the district for the whole of September

Published: Wed 21 August, 2024

Heritage walks, trails, museums and other attractions in North West Leicestershire open their doors, for free, as part of Hello Heritage between Sunday 1 September and Sunday 29 September.

During September, Kegworth Heritage Centre will open its doors for the first time after five years of being closed, Ashby Museum provides free entry and Moira Furnace museum is open for people to not only learn about its history but enjoy walks around the woodlands.

New Lount Colliery is celebrating the centenary of its opening in 1924 with interactive characters, talks from historical experts and captivating exhibitions.

People are also able to enjoy heritage walks around the district such as the Coalville Heritage Trail and The Town of Two Fathers Heritage Trail, with guided walks and historical insights into the origins and development of Coalville through the contributions of William Stenson, George Stephenson, and Robert Stephenson.

There are other walks taking place in the district around Osgathorpe, Worthington, Belton and Appleby Magna.

For the finale to round up Hello Heritage, families are invited to ‘Take Teddy to the Mill’ at Hough Mill where people can see their beloved soft toys abseil down the side of the windmill.

A number of events are taking place around the district:

• Sunday 1 September | Castle Donington Museum open 1pm – 4.30pm
• Sunday 1 September, Saturday 14 September, Sunday 15 September and Sunday 29 September | Kegworth Heritage Centre open 2pm – 5pm
• Sunday 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 September | Hough Mill in Swannington open 2pm – 5pm
• Friday 6 September and Saturday 7 September| Osgathorpe Heritage Group have organised a Heritage Walk starting at 6pm on Friday and 11am on Saturday
• Saturday 7 September running until Sunday 29 September | The Town of Two Fathers Heritage Trail
• Saturday 7 September, Saturday 14 September and Saturday 21 September | Ashby Museum open 10am – 3.30pm and has its new teapot collection on display 10am – 12pm on Saturday 7 September
• Saturday 7 September | History of Belton Heritage Exhibition 1pm – 4pm at St John the Baptist Church. At 3pm, there will be at guided walk through Belton
• Sunday 8 September and Sunday 15 September | Hough Mill is open 2pm – 5pm
• Thursday 12 September| A presentation is being shown at The Old Station in Whitwick at 7pm
• Saturday 14 September | The Worthington Lock Up Exhibition 10am – 3pm at St Matthew’s Church in Worthington
• Saturday 14 September | Celebrating the Centenary of New Lount Colliery 11am – 4pm
• Sunday 15 September | Leicestershire Coal Mining Heritage Day at Snibston Colliery Park 10am – 4.30pm
• Sunday 15 September | The 1620s House in Donington le Heath open 10.30am – 4pm
• Sunday 15 September | Appleby School’s 300 year Exhibition at Sir John Moore Museum 12pm – 4pm. A guided tour of Appleby Magna will be taking place 2pm – 3pm.
• Saturday 21 September | The People of Coleorton Exhibition at The Beaumont Social Centre 10.30am – 4pm
• Saturday 21 September and Sunday 22 September | Moira Furnace Museum is open 12am – 4pm
• Sunday 22 September | Coalville Shopping Trip Guided Tour 2pm – 3.30pm
• Wednesday 25 September | The Town of Two Fathers Guided Tour 6.30pm – 8pm
• Sunday 29 September | Take Teddy to the Mill at Hough Mill 2pm – 4.30pm

To find out more about events across the district, visit www.nwleics.gov.uk/helloheritage

Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Business and Regeneration at NWLDC, said: "I am thrilled to see Hello Heritage return this September, offering a fantastic array of events that celebrate the rich heritage and culture of North West Leicestershire.

“From the re-opening of Kegworth Heritage Centre to the centenary celebrations at New Lount Colliery, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

“These events not only highlight the unique history of our district but also bring our communities together to explore and appreciate the places that make our area so special."