Heritage Open Days 2026: Discovering the Stories Hidden in Everyday Life
This September, Beeston Civic Society is delighted to be taking part in Heritage Open Days 2026, England’s largest festival of history and culture. This year’s national theme, Everyday Histories, invites us to look beyond grand events and famous landmarks to explore the stories, traditions, places and people that shape our daily lives.
To celebrate, we have organised three free events that shine a spotlight on the rich and varied histories found all around us, from international cultural traditions to local heritage and the remarkable individuals who helped shape our town.
Hong Kong Celebration
香港文化慶典
Saturday 12 September 2026 | 2pm to 5pm
Royal British Legion, Beeston
參加我地同諾思港合辦嘅文化交流活動，活動包括現場音樂、香港美食、香港語、
藝術、書法、旗袍及麻雀耍樂，讓大家有在家嘅感覺。
Our Heritage Open Days programme begins with a special partnership event with Hong Kong Notts, exploring the everyday histories of Hong Kong culture and community. Visitors will have the opportunity to share family traditions, food, language, festivals, mahjong, stories and the routines that help people build a sense of belonging in a new place.
This family-friendly event has refreshments available, accessible facilities and easy transport links, it promises to be an engaging afternoon for visitors of all ages.
Heritage Here
Sunday 13 September 2026 | 2:30pm
Starting point: Technology Drive and Regeneration Way
How often do we walk past places without realising their historical significance? Our Heritage Here guided walk aims to change that perspective. Led by members of the team involved in developing Broxtowe’s Local Heritage List, this two-hour walk will uncover some of the hidden stories behind familiar buildings, streets and landscape features.
The event will be led by heritage consultant Toby Ebbs and landscape architect Chryse Tinsley, both closely involved in heritage work across the borough. Together they will demonstrate how places that may seem ordinary today have played important roles in supporting community life over many generations.
The walk is fully accessible, family-friendly and suitable for a wide range of abilities.
Blue Plaques Tour
Sunday 20 September 2026 | 2pm
Starting point: Beeston Square Bandstand
Our final event invites residents and visitors alike to rediscover Beeston’s celebrated blue plaques. Guided by members of the original Blue Plaque Group, this walk explores the lives behind the plaques and reveals how local people have contributed to the town’s history through their work, creativity, public service and community involvement.
The tour will be led by Dr Peter Robinson, President of Beeston Civic Society, alongside local historian and author Alan Dance. Their expertise and enthusiasm will bring these fascinating stories to life.
Join Us
All three events are free to attend and reflect the spirit of this year’s Heritage Open Days theme by celebrating the histories that surround us every day. Whether through cultural traditions, overlooked local landmarks or the stories of remarkable residents, these events offer new ways to understand and appreciate the heritage of our community.
We look forward to welcoming residents, families and visitors to discover the many layers of Beeston’s everyday history this September.
For full event details, visit the Beeston Civic Society Heritage Open Days page.