The Heritage Open Days take place each year and see thousands of volunteers across the country organise events at places of cultural and historical significance for people to explore for free.
Pontefract is no exception and has its fair share of fascinating historical buildings, societies and stories.
Upcoming events include a free concert at Pontefract Town Hall performed by Pontefract Choral Society; a guided tour of Pontefract Racecourse where visitors can explore the weighing room and the judges, commentator and photo finish facilities; and a special installation unveiling at Friarwood Valley Gardens.
Elsewhere, St Giles’ Church is offering the public the rare chance to view the bell ringing chamber, and visitors to the Parish Church of All Saints South Kirkby can even have a go at bell ringing themselves.
Pontefract Civic Society has organised a number of events, including a guided walk focusing on the yards to the west of Beastfair/Cornmarket in the late Victorian period, a walk around the town centre to learn about late 19th century traders, and an art exhibition showcasing the work of local artist Adrian Hill, who featured on Sky Portrait Artist of the Year.
Click through our gallery to see some of the events, or go to the Heritage Open Days website for more information and the full programme.
5. Heritage Open Days
1300 Years of Pontefract History: September 7 and 13, pre-booking required. Local historian Eric Jackson will highlight Pontefract's history with a walk around the town centre, starting at Pontefract Buttercross Photo: JOHN CLIFTON
6. Heritage Open Days
Pontefract Choral Society Concert: September 12, pre-booking required. Pontefract Choral Society will perform a free 45-minute taster concert, followed by refreshments. Expect songs from West Side Story and Oklahoma, as well as pieces by modern day composers such as Michael G Martin in this evening concert at Pontefract Town Hall Photo: Scott Merrylees
7. Heritage Open Days
Licorice Fields at Pontefract Installation: September 7. In tribute to the John Betjeman poem 'Licorice Fields at Pontefract', Pontefract Civic Society and Friends of Friarwood Valley Gardens will unveil an installation at 10.30am at Friarwood Valley Gardens. The pin-hole camera will also be operational on the day between 10am and 4pm Photo: Simon Hulme
8. Heritage Open Days
Pontefract in Pictures: September 13. Photographs from the library's Local Studies collection will be shown and give visitors an opportunity to see how the town has changed in the last 100 years. This event will take place at Pontefract Library Photo: Scott Merrylees