Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise Heritage Open Day events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. This year, the theme of the festival is ‘Outstanding Inventions’ and until 18 September, you can see hidden places and try out new experiences in our local area  – all for free. We have picked a few highlights for you below and more information can be found here.

Saturday 17 September - BFI National Film and Television Archive

After attending Open Morning, our pupils may wish to visit the British Film Institute in Berkhamsted.  At the Institute's John Paul Getty Jnr Conservation Centre, members of the public will be able to enjoy rare access to the specialist skills, technology and stores which support the conservation of the BFI National Collection.

There will be technical demonstrations detailing video preservation and mini-tours to one of the huge film vaults storing some of the Collection. There will be talks from the Curatorial team as well as exhibitions celebrating the theme of Astounding Inventions. For the first time, the BFI Reuben Library team will have a display showcasing some of the treasures from their library vaults.

This event will be particularly interesting for our pupils studying Media Studies.

Sunday 18 September - Rothamsted Manor

On Sunday you might wish to visit Rothamsted Manor, a rarely open to the public, grade I listed Manor house set in beautiful grounds on the Rothamsted Research estate in Harpenden.

At the event you can look forward to self-guided manor house and garden tours, science activities, a discovery room and stands supporting local businesses. There will also be lawn games & outdoor activities and you can round off the day with a cream tea in the Library. To find out more and to book refreshments, please click here.

Sunday 18 September - Abbey Theatre St Albans

Pupils studying Drama or Dance may wish to visit the Abbey Theatre in St Albans and see what’s going on this Sunday morning. The theatre's members would be delighted to chat to you and show around the theatre complex. They get involved with anything from acting, directing, set construction, lighting design, sound, stage management, wardrobe, props, to bar and coffee duty, stewarding, house management and box office support. There is no need to book and the event will run from 10am to 1pm.