Heritage Weekend 2010

Over the last few years Heritage Weekend has become one of the liveliest occasions in Abingdon’s year.

On the Saturday our historic buildings are open free of charge – including private houses and places like the Christs’ Hospital Almshouses which are not normally open to the public. There will be entertainment and information stalls in the Market Place. Because Heritage Weekend is a national event it is well publicised and the town is usually full of people – locals and tourists.

The organisers would like to hear from town centre shops and businesses about how they would like to be involved. Two years ago they ran a shop window “Odd One Out” competition which proved very popular with the children and made sure that families went round the shopping areas as well as the historic sites. The same could be done again, though the organisers welcome alternative suggestions, perhaps (but not necessarily) linked to a heritage theme. They plan to give the day a Victorian slant this year, although the town's medieval buildings will of course continue to be a major attraction.

If you have any suggestions, or would like to help organise the shop event, please email Hester Hand at hester@hand-abingdon.net as soon as possible. He would also like to hear from you if you are not able to take part in the organisation/planning but would like to take part on the day and be kept informed as plans develop.