Bolton is playing a key part in England largest festival of history and culture.
The town is steeped in history, from its churches to grand halls - with the magnificent Town Hall reflecting Bolton`s civic pride.
Now people are invited to step back in time and visit some of Bolton's finest and historical landmarks.
Visitors can take enjoy a tower tour at Bolton Parish Church or try their hands at bell ringing as well as see inside an art-deco church, and delve into Bolton's archives.
The annual nationwide festival that is brought by a combination of the National Trust and the People's Postcode Lottery enables people to explore and appreciate the rich culture and history that Bolton has to offer.
This year there are are a number of sites available to visit between September 9 and 18 where visitors can discover more of their past.
Many grand buidlings are open all year round and special tours are organised throughout the year.
Bolton Parish Church
The church has a number of events taking place to mark the annual festival.
The tallest church tower in Lancashire will open its doors to visitors.
If the weather forecast is to be believed glorious panoramic views await those who climb the 189 steps in Bolton Parish Church.
Wednesday, September 14, people can try handbell ringing at 7.00pm.
On Thursday, September 15, a talk, on 1200 years of Bolton, Parish Hall, 7.30pm. There will be a pastie and peas supper and tickets are £5.
On September 10 and 17 there will be tower tours and guided tour of the church.
For more details visit www.boltonparishchurch.co.uk
All Souls’, Bolton
All Souls, Bolton was built by renowned Lancastrian architects Paley and Austin in 1881 as a place where mill workers could worship.
Visitors on September 17 will be able tour the building, try out a bell ringing session or walk around the other local sites in our locality part of the Crompton Walk series a self-guided walk of local historical sites.
Behind the scenes… in the archives
Also on Sunday September 17, Bolton Library and Museum are allowing people to delve into their archives.
A spokesperson for Bolton Library and Museum Services said: "The strong room is not usually accessible to the public, but we invite you to join the archivist to take a peek inside and have a look at some of the treasures from Bolton’s archive collections."
St Chad’s Church, Tonge Fold
St Chad's is opening its doors on September 10 and 11, and visitors will be treated a look inside this grade II listed, Art Deco style church which was built in 1937.
The church will be serving up refreshments and there will be children's activties too.
This is the first time the church has been available to viewed as part of Heritage Open Days, so if you have ever wondered what it looks like inside, this is your chance.
Salford Road Solar Farm
During the trip to Salford Road Solar Farm on September 12, visitors will be guided by the Recycle For Greater Manchester Education team who will take them up close to the solar panels.
They will give an explanation as to how they work, why, and how it is related to the contract for waste disposal in Greater Manchester.
Cornerstone Heritage Open Day
This is a joint project between Cornerstone LEP and Westhoughton Local History Group on September 17.
There will be a talk on the history and movements of the Wesley Stone, a talk about John Wesley, his preaching and legacy, and an opportunity for a 'rousing musical extravaganza and sing along of Wesley's hymns'.
Rivington Chapel
This grade II listed building that was built in 1703 is still home to an active congregation who are welcoming people to join them for their Chapel Open Day and Late Summer Fayre on September 10.
There will be homemade produce and crafts and a children's quiz.
Liam Montgomery, Heritage Open Days Marketing & Projects Manager said: “The festival is just around the corner, and it is fantastic to see that our community is putting on a staggering 4,500+ events, with more than 500 focusing on our Astounding Inventions theme.
"Whether it’s a doorstep discovery, a local curiosity, a world-famous attraction or a one-of-a-kind experience, there really is something for everyone this year.”
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People's Postcode Lottery, said: “The history of the places where we live and work are what shape us and through their support for the festival, our players help people to connect with those places, and each other.
"Our players have raised over £4.4 million to support the National Trust to date and we’re looking forward to seeing lots of visitors coming together to enjoy shared experiences again this year.”
All the sites are free to visit but booking is necessary. To do so, and for more information about Heritage Open Days, visit their website - https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
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