West Berkshire Museum celebrates Heritage Open Days

West Berkshire Museum celebrated Heritage Open Days, the UK’s largest festival of history and culture, on Saturday and Sunday, writes Ollie Basham.

During the event, visitors had the opportunity to explore the history of West Berkshire with activities such as meeting members of the Kennet Valley Guild of Weavers, Spinners, and Dyers and exploring the attic of the historic Cloth Hall, which is usually closed to the public.

The event at the museum in Wharf Street, Newbury, was attended by more than 200 people over the weekend.

Sue Ellis, secretary for West Berkshire Heritage, said: “West Berkshire has a rich historical past, evidenced in archaeology, in artefacts, in social history, and in its buildings, a history which actually stretches back into pre-history.

“Heritage Open Days allow us to explore, enjoy and celebrate that history, and to find out new information about our past.”

Becky Scantlebury, marketing manager at West Berkshire Museum, said that the aim of these events is “to ensure that our local heritage is shared, celebrated and explored by people within West Berkshire and beyond”.

Heritage Open Days are celebrated as the UK’s largest festival of history and culture.

They ran across the country from September 6 to 15 this year.