Heritage Open Days in Sunderland 2024

A programme of free events celebrating Sunderland, Washington and the Coalfield's rich history is underway as part of this year's Heritage Open Days, England's largest festival of history and culture.

The festival is now in full swing, with free events running across the city's footprint until Sunday 15 September.

The theme for this year's festival is 'Routes - Networks - Connections' - showcasing how people and ideas have moved around and come together throughout history.

Residents and visitors in Sunderland, Washington and the Coalfields can enjoy a programme of events including free access to museums and heritage sites, musical performances, crafts, walking tours, and visits to places significant to the city's history and cultural and industrial heritage.

Washington F Pit Museum is hosting Coal Face, an exhibition looking at local mining heritage with portraiture by photographer Andy Martin and poetry by Dr Louise Powell, exploring what it means to have a connection to Washington's mines beyond work, and how it feels to have mining heritage now the collieries have closed.

Events this year include an invitation to an Open Day at Ryhope Engine Museum, a walking tour of Ryhope Village Green hosted by Author Glenda Young, church tours of Stockton Road United Reformed Church and St Mary Magdalene, as well as a guided Stephenson Trail walk and North East Land Sea and Air Museum celebrating 50 years of transport heritage.

There are also interactive experiences on offer throughout Heritage Open Days, including puppet and rag rug making at the National Glass Centre.

Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Beth Jones, said: "This year's Heritage Open Days festival has a fantastic range of activities on offer, and gives residents and visitors an opportunity to dive into the history of our area through fun and interactive events. Heritage Open Days is also an excellent opportunity to shine a spotlight on the city's heritage.  Places will fill up fast, so I'd encourage everyone to take a look at the full events programme online and book to secure a spot."

To find out more visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk or download the PDF document below.

Heritage Open Days in Sunderland (PDF) [467KB]