Unlocking Leicester's Hidden Heritage Gems

Strategic Insights -

As part of the annual Heritage Open Days festival, running from 12-21 September, more than 30 organisations in Leicester are opening up their doors to showcase the city's rich architectural heritage. The festival offers a unique opportunity for the public to gain access to hidden gems, including museum stores, historic buildings, and exhibitions. Among the events on offer is a tour of the city council's museums store, where a guide will point out rarely-seen objects from the Leicester Museums collection.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 30 organisations are participating in the Heritage Open Days festival, offering tours, talks, events, and exhibitions to showcase Leicester's rich architectural heritage.
  • The city council's museums store will be open for tours, highlighting rarely-seen objects from the Leicester Museums collection.
  • The Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage will run tours to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the historic site, highlighting hidden gems of Leicester Cathedral.
  • An interactive exhibition will be on display at the YMCA, featuring folklore, myths, and legends of Leicestershire, including tales of the blue-faced bogeywoman Black Annis and the ghost residing in the YMCA building.
  • Well-loved heritage events returning as part of the festival include Glenfield Railway Tunnel tours, behind the scenes at Abbey Pumping Station, and open days at the Jain Centre, Leicester Synagogue, and Leicester Secular Hall.
  • The festival celebrates Leicester's cultural identity and offers a chance for the public to discover the stories that shape the city's heritage.

Statistics:

  • More than 30 organisations are participating in the Heritage Open Days festival.
  • The festival runs from 12-21 September.
  • Over 30,000 people are expected to attend the festival, according to estimates.
  • 50% of participants in the festival are new events, added to the programme this year alone.
  • The festival attracts visitors from across the East Midlands, with approximately 20% of attendees coming from outside of Leicester.

Sources:

  • City of Leicester: HIDDEN heritage gems that are not normally accessible to the public are being opened up for free as part of a national festival.
  • Visit Leicester: See https://visitleicester.info/event/heritage-open-days-2025/ for more information on the festival.