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
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article