Step inside Ipswich's secret spaces during Heritage Open Days, starting this weekend

Why it matters: Thirty venues across Ipswich will open their doors for free from 13-21 September, giving residents unprecedented access to the town's architectural heritage as part of England's largest festival of history and culture.

The big picture: Heritage Open Days celebrates this year's architecture theme by showcasing buildings that tell the story of Ipswich's development. The festival involves thousands of volunteers nationwide and brings communities together to explore their shared heritage.

What's on offer: This year's programme includes rare opportunities to explore spaces typically off-limits to the public:

• Behind-the-scenes tours of The New Wolsey Theatre and Red Rose Chain's Gippeswyck Hall Avenue theatre
• Inside access to the magnificent Bethesda Church and Masonic Hall
• Visits to the Mayor's parlour at Ipswich Town Hall
• Tours of Ipswich School on Henley Road
• Meet with The Ipswich Society at The Ancient House for a book launch

The details: Special events throughout the nine-day festival include a photography exhibition themed around architecture, a fossil display called "Two Million Years of Ipswich People" with GeoSuffolk members at St Peters by the Waterfront, and a talk titled "Exhuming a Ghost Property: Syleham Hall."

Walking tours with the Ipswich Tour Guides Association will also take visitors through the town's architectural history.

What they're saying: Graham Lambert, Chair of the coordinating team at The Ipswich Society, said: "Heritage Open Days always offer a great opportunity to see a different side to Ipswich and visit places that you wouldn't normally see. Thirty free events are taking part this year in and around the town, at both well-known and not so well-known historic buildings."

For context: Heritage Open Days is supported by the National Trust and players of the People's Postcode Lottery. The Ipswich Society coordinates the town's participation in the national event.

What's next: Full programmes are available from The Ipswich Society and participating venues, with members on hand at both Pykenham's Gatehouse and The Ancient House over the weekend of 13-14 September to answer questions about the town's heritage.

The bottom line: Whether you're interested in architecture, local history, or simply discovering new spaces in your town, Heritage Open Days offers nine days of free exploration across Ipswich's most intriguing buildings.

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