Fantastic tours are on the way to bring Sunderland's history to life - and here's how to find out more

The city’s history will be showcased during this year's Heritage Open Days programme which starts on Friday, September 11 and lasts until Sunday, September 20.

It includes online activities, guided tours of landmark buildings and visits to places which significant to the city's history, cultural and industrial heritage.

You can view vestments and church artefacts dating from 1749 at St Mary Magdalene’s Church, and go on an architectural walking tour of the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme.

Online events are also planned this year to allow more people to take part while social distancing.

You can examine the history and features of Sunderland Minster churchyard and go on a virtual hard hat tour at Holy Trinity Church taking a closer look at some of the restoration work taking place in Old Sunderland.

Sunderland City Council Cabinet Member for Vibrant City, Councillor Linda Williams, said: "These fantastic tours, events and online activities taking place in Sunderland will bring local history and culture to life during the regional Heritage Open Days programme.

"This year we have had to make some changes, and health and safety is a top priority, so there are limited spaces on the walking tours and an exciting array of online tours and events.

"There really is something for everyone, and I'd urge everyone to have a look at the website and see what's on offer."

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture.

Last year, more than 5,700 events welcomed more than 2.4 million visitors across the country.

Annie Reilly, Head of Producing at Heritage Open Days, said: "Heritage Open Days is about connecting people so we can share in the amazing stories of the places, spaces, nature, heritage and history around us. The last few months have shown us how online events can bring us together even when we have to remain apart."

The Heritage Open Days programme is coordinated and promoted nationally by the National Trust, with support from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery and run by local councils and community champions with lots of enthusiastic volunteers.

To find out more, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk or contact Janet Robinson at [email protected]

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