Ten organisations around North Shields Fish Quay and the town centre are offering a range of free heritage activities and events in September.

A heritage centre, former smoke house now the world’s first glass windshield ecological building, a museum, a theatre, a library, four churches and a World War One commemoration project are all taking part in this year’s Heritage Open Days, England’s largest annual festival of history and culture, from 9-18 September.

Between them, on certain days and times they are offering free entry to their buildings and exhibitions and the opportunity to take part in free walks and talks.

Centre director of the Old Low Light Heritage Centre, Guy Moody, said: “Every year many local organisations take part in Heritage Open Days because we are all passionate about encouraging people to find out more about the story of North Shields and its fish quay.

“This year, between us, we are offering a range of free opportunities for visitors to explore different aspects of the area’s history and heritage, from viewing exhibitions and displays about some of the great people who were very much part of the North Shields story, to touring some of our fantastic buildings, as well as taking in sights on guided walks.”

The organisations are:

Fish quay

Old Low Light Heritage Centre, Cliffords Fort

Molten Building, Cliffords Fort

Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade Watch House Museum, Spanish Battery

Town centre

The Exchange, Howard Street

Baptist Church, Howard Street

St Columba’s Church, Northumberland Square

Central Library, Northumberland Square

St Augustin’s Church, Jackson Street

Christ Church, Preston Road

Northumbria World War One Commemoration Project, Linskill Community Centre, Linskill Terrace

For further information about these activities and events (except for those at The Exchange) and to find out what is happening elsewhere as part of Heritage Open Days, go to https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk

For events at The Exchange, go to https://www.attheexchange.info/

Heritage Open Days have been taking place every September since 1994. Over that time the number of organisations taking part and activities offered have grown, reflecting the rich and diverse cultural heritage of England and its communities. Further information about other events across the country is available at https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/