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.
17. Heritage Open Days
Catapult Challenge: September 7. A hands on activity making and testing model catapults. This event takes place at Pontefract Castle Photo: Catherine Gannon
18. Heritage Open Days
St Helen's Church, Hemsworth Drop In Session: September 7. The drop in session gives visitors a chance to learn about this historic building, for which evidence suggests has existed in some form on the site from the late ninth century. Volunteers will be available and displays will highlight the church's links to the Heritage Open Day 2024 theme of Routes, Networks and Connections. Refreshments will also be available Photo: Google
19. Heritage Open Days
Electric Dreams 2024 Talk: September 9. A talk delivered in partnership with the Pontefract Civic Society and the Women's Engineering Society celebrating the formation of the Electrical Association for Women 100 years ago. This event takes place at Pontefract Town Hall Photo: Scott Merrylees
20. Heritage Open Days
Chronicles of Culture Launch: September 7. Live performances of short stories written by young people as part of Wakefield Literature Festival. The original pieces of historic fiction are based on places in Wakefield district. This event will take place at Pontefract Castle Photo: Catherine Gannon