This 9-18 September, stunning High Street buildings and important cultural venues in Midsomer Norton will throw open their doors to the public – and all events are free.

The town-wide celebration of history and culture is taking place as part of Heritage Open Days, England's largest annual heritage festival. It's your chance to visit architectural gems, discover hidden spots, and try out new experiences – from letterpress printing and broadcasting, to corn crafting and sewing.

Manager of Midsomer Norton Community Trust, Alex Davis, said:

"We're pleased to be hosting Heritage Open Days for the first time this year. Midsomer Norton is a small town, but it punches above its weight in terms of its fascinating cultural sites, and we'd like to give people an opportunity to discover what's on their doorstep. We know that many families are faced with the challenge of rising living costs, too, and we're grateful to local organisers for offering so many activities free of charge."

Unit 14 on South Road will act as the main heritage hub for the festival. On 10 and 11 September, 10am – 2pm, the space will host a pop-up museum by Somerset Coalfield Life, displaying images and objects which showcase 150 years of local history. You will also be able to learn about the Town Hall Transformation Project, set to reinstate the Market Hall and bring a new Market Square to The Island in 2023-24. For families, there will be crafting workshops, colouring activities, and a free self-guided walking trail of the High Street.

The museum at Somerset & Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton will be opening on 10 and 11 September, 10.30am – 3pm for a special exhibition of Midsomer Norton's astounding railway inventions, alongside running their usual Sunday steam services.

At the High Street's newest shop and eatery, Sewing-Sanctuary, learn about the building's fascinating history as a Victorian inn and participate in simple craft workshops with fabric designer Sarah Patterson (10 and 17 September, 10am – 10.45am).

Two churches – St John the Baptist Church and Midsomer Norton Methodist Church – are inviting visitors to explore their beautiful interiors and view exhibitions of historic photographs. St John's are also offering tours of their spectacular fifteenth century tower (various dates and times).

The town's more recent history will also feature. On the evening of 17 September, Parc Skateboarding brings a showcase of art and film celebrating the history of skateboarding to the Town Park Amphitheatre. Meanwhile on 11 September, 10am – 2pm you can get behind the scenes and find out how to create your own podcast at our local radio station, Somer Valley FM.

Midsomer Norton Heritage Open Days is being coordinated by Midsomer Norton Community Trust and the Midsomer Norton Cultural Consortium as part of the town's High Street Heritage Action Zone project, funded by Historic England.

Dates and venues are accurate at the time of press. To explore the latest event programme, event map and booking information, visit https://www.yourmidsomernorton.co.uk/hod.