Jo Keen, of Reading UK CIC, brought together venue hosts from across the borough who will throw open their doors to the public for free from Thursday, September 12, to Sunday, September 15.

Among the venues joining the

country-wide celebration for the first time are:

The Blade

St Peter's Church, Caversham

St Giles-in-Reading

Reading Quaker burial ground, garden and Meeting House

Ure Museum of Greek Archeology at Reading University

Holy Trinity Church in Oxford Road

Reading Synagogue

St Matthew's Church, Southcote Lane

John Lewis

There are more than 40 attractions and events - including the chance to browse The Chronicle's bound archives.

Jo said: "We are thrilled to have so many new venues this year, especially The Blade, which offers amazing views across Reading from the top floor and is not normally open to the public.

"And the return of the Here's Heritage traditional fete in the Market Place, which was so popular last year and the new vintage show on the Friday, gives the whole event a great retro twist."

The Chronicle is media partner for the event and editor-in-chief Sally Stevens told guests: "The Chronicle records history, today, yesterday and tomorrow and has done for hundreds of years so we know how important Reading's heritage is to all our communities. Heritage Open Weekend is a wonderful way to celebrate it."

Alexandra Dewis, of Alexandra Vintage, hosted the evening in her showroom in Market Place, surrounded by vintage fashion, accessories and furnishings.

She said: "The Here's Heritage Fete will be bigger and even better than last year and I am so excited to be bringing vintage guru Naomi Thompson to Reading for the Friday evening fashion show, it's a real coup.

"She will give a style talk about incorporating vintage style into high street fashion and will present the

vintage autumn and winter trends for this year."

Brochures with the full programme of events are available from participating venues, libraries, The Oracle and Broad Street Mall. Some events fill up quickly and need to be booked in advance.

There are only 100 places available to visit the top floor of The Blade, which will be allocated by lottery. Email office@livingreading.co.uk and successful applicants will receive a response on Monday, September 9.

For the full schedule of events visit www.livingreading.co.uk/heritage

For more coverage of Heritage Open Days visit www.readingchronicle.co.uk/heritage