City council supports Chelmsford’s Heritage Open Days programme
Chelmsford’s “Heritage Open Days” returns 11-20 September, with a packed programme of free events set to bring Chelmsford’s history to life. Supported by sponsorship from Chelmsford City Council, this year’s programme will explore our city’s heritage through more than 40 events including walks, talks, open days and exhibitions.
Annual festival of free events supported by Chelmsford City Council
Heritage Open Days is the UK’s biggest festival of history and culture. It runs every year for 10 days in September and offers an insight into local heritage through a programme of free events.
Chelmsford’s local Heritage Open Days programme is organised and run by Chelmsford Civic Society, with support from partners including Chelmsford For You, Meadows Shopping Centre, Patch, High Chelmer Shopping Centre, and individual donations. Chelmsford City Council has also invested funding to boost this year’s varied programme of events.
Additionally, Chelmsford Civic Society has this year been awarded a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players. The grant will fund a brand-new oral history project which will see young people from Chelmsford Civic Youth Committee work with Essex Record Office to record the stories of workers from Chelmsford’s historic industrial factories, such as Marconi and Christy. Part of this work will come together in an Industrial Heritage exhibition running in Shire Hall throughout the festival.
Busy programme of events offers something for all
Other new activities in this year’s Heritage Open Days line-up include a talk on the development of radio entertainment in the UK with Ray Clarke (Friday 11 September), a History of Vinyl Records exhibition (various dates), and a Chelmsford Witch Walk (Friday 18 September). There’ll also be a 1960s day in Tindal Square Saturday 12 September, featuring live singers and dancing, a Corn Exchange walk and karaoke! Dressing up is of course encouraged!
Events include an exhibition on vinyl records and a 1960s day in Tindal Square.
Favoured events making a comeback for this year include tours of Springfield Lyons Bronze Age Enclosure (various dates) and a Chelmsford Black History Walk (Friday 11 September). Chelmsford Civic Society’s photograph exhibition and competition also returns, showcasing the best snaps of Chelmsford’s heritage by local photographers of all abilities. This year’s theme is Graves, Memorials Plaques and Statues, and there’s still time to submit your photographs before 31 August.
Remembering Chelmsford Civic Society’s Chair
This year’s Heritage Open Days follows the sad death of Chelmsford Civic Society’s long-term Chair, Malcolm Noble, who passed away in June.
Malcolm was a well-known Chelmsford figure, who dedicated many years of his life to supporting heritage and culture activities across Chelmsford. As Chair of Chelmsford Civic Society for more than 15 years, he passionately advocated for the protection and promotion of Chelmsford’s heritage, helped shape the annual programme of events, and worked more widely to engage the public with the city’s rich history.
Malcolm Noble was a well-known figure in Chelmsford. Images by Sarah Noble.
Malcolm was also trustee of various charities including the Chelmsford Arts and Culture Project and Ideas Hub Chelmsford – resulting from his involvement in Changing Chelmsford – and helped set up the new Shire Hall Trust. Over the years, he championed many other grassroots community groups and events including Chelmsford Festival and Chelmsford Carnival.
The Leader of Chelmsford City Council, Councillor Stephen Robinson, said Malcolm’s legacy will continue through Chelmsford Civic Society’s ongoing work:
““Malcolm Noble was a passionate Chelmsfordian, who fiercely advocated for the protection and promotion of our city’s rich history. He was born in Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders but had proudly adopted Chelmsford as his home later in life. He contributed so much to the cultural and community aspects of our city.
Councillor Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council
“Chelmsford City Council is pleased to support this year’s programme of Heritage Open Days, organised by Chelmsford Civic Society. This is just one way to recognise and celebrate Malcolm’s exceptional contributions to our community over many years.”
Kevin Miller, Chair of Chelmsford Civic Society, said:
““Heritage Open Days is all about giving everyone free access to the stories and buildings that make Chelmsford what it is — a cause Malcolm cared about deeply and championed for many years. Each part of the UK that participates runs its own festival and finds its own funding, and Chelmsford has been recognised nationally for the quality, variety and reach of its programme. That's testament to the brilliant work of my colleagues at Chelmsford Civic Society, and to the continued support of Chelmsford City Council and our other partners, without whom none of this would be possible.”
Kevin Miller, Chair of Chelmsford Civic Society
You can find out more about this year’s Heritage Open Days and check out the full timetable of activities at www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk/events.
