Brigantia charity unveils programme of Dewsbury events including film screenings and brass band performance to mark Heritage Open Days

The programme includes a walk, film screenings and a brass band performance.

Nancy Barrett, creative director at Brigantia, said: “We know how fondly many people remember Dewsbury in years gone by, and we hope they will join us for these free events.

“Everyone is welcome, and no booking is required.”

The programme of events begins with a morning heritage walk in Crow Nest Park on Thursday, September 17 from 10am until 12pm.

The park’s artist-in-residence, “The Barrow Man” – also known as artist Stephen Turner – and Crow Nest Park chair Gill Young will lead a gentle walk from the greenhouse.

Participants will uncover stories from the park, from remarkable finds beneath its trees to the people who shaped its history. They can also discover more about the buried Roman treasure and share their own memories of the park.

On Saturday, September 19, two films by local filmmaker Simon Reid will be shown as a double bill at the POW pop-up space in the Princess of Wales Arcade, Dewsbury (the former WHSmith).

Simon will attend the screenings and share the stories behind the films:

Memory Lane Dewsbury, 10.30am – 12pm.

Memory Lane 2: Thornhill Lees and Thornhill, 1pm – 2.30pm.

Nancy said: “Screenings of these films are always popular. They feature many locations that have since disappeared and offer a glimpse of the Dewsbury people and companies once known around the world.”

The weekend concludes with a live performance by the renowned Grange Moor Brass Band at the Crow Nest Park bandstand on Sunday, September 20. The performance runs from 1pm until 2pm.

Nancy added: “Come along for an autumn afternoon of nostalgic music from one of Yorkshire’s finest brass bands, performed in the traditional setting of a park bandstand.”

Elsewhere in Kirklees there will be around 90 buildings to visit, and special events to enjoy, during the annual Heritage Open Days festival, which runs from Friday, September 11 until Sunday, September 20.

A spokesperson for the Kirklees Heritage Open Days Committee said: “We are delighted that so many volunteers across the borough have once again risen to the challenge and put their hard work into this great festival, bringing many imaginative new ideas.

“It’s a splendid advert for the rich and diverse heritage of our towns, villages and countryside. With lots of events to choose from, there really is something for everyone, whatever your interests and wherever you live.”

Full details of all events in Kirklees, including booking arrangements, can be found on the Heritage Open Days website: www.heritageopendays.org.uk