From 9-18 September, many of Keynsham’s fascinating historical venues are inviting the public to come and visit – FOR FREE – as part of Heritage Open Days.
The ten-day family-friendly festival is a celebration of the town’s story from the Romans to the present day, with a special focus on the history of the High Street. It’s your chance to explore new places and try new things – including an interactive heritage walk from an award-winning local theatre company.
Keynsham’s Cultural Consortium, a group of representatives from community organisations, is behind the town’s efforts to put Keynsham’s history back on the map.
They are launching a brand-new High Street Discovery Trail for the festival, sharing interesting pieces of Keynsham’s past. You can pick up a copy from Keynsham Town Council offices, Temple Street Canteen, Keynsham Farmers Market, Keynsham Library and Keynsham Leisure Centre. Alternatively, join the Keynsham Wombles as they lead a litter pick along the trail.
The Consortium are also working with Show of Strength Theatre Company to bring a new theatre walk, entitled Kings and Commoners in Keynsham, to the High Street. Led by Silvanus – a Roman deity of the woods, come to earth to reveal the truth about Keynsham – the walk tells our town’s story like never before.
At Temple Street Canteen, the Keynsham High Street Heritage Action Zone team and representatives from You & Me Architects will be leading an evening of talks and discussion about Keynsham’s Shopfront Improvement Scheme. Be the first to see some of the new concept designs, hear about the design process and have your chance to get involved. There will also be a Design Your Own Shopfront Colouring Competition for primary or secondary school age children and young people to take part in.
Two churches and a former abbey are inviting visitors to discover their rich histories. Learn about astounding medieval inventions at Keynsham Abbey, join in with the monthly Repair Café at Keynsham Baptist Church, or take the opportunity to climb St John’s the Baptist’s spectacular tower. St John’s will also be opening their stunning Sanctuary Garden on Dapps Hill every morning during the festival for reflection, relaxation and crafts.
If you are feeling crafty, head to Wild About Flowers on the High Street, where you can make a flower crown while learning of the building’s history and exploring its fantastic walk-in vault.
Slightly further afield, the peaceful Durley Hill Cemetery will be welcoming visitors to browse an exhibition of images and documents related to the discovery of the site’s nationally important Roman remains. At the other end of town, learn about Keynsham’s more recent industrial history of brass manufacture and dyewood processing at Albert Mill and Gardens.
A full list of events and times are as follows:
- Hidden Histories at Durley Hill Cemetery | Sunday 11 September, 10am – 2pm
- Ascend the Tower at St John the Baptist Church | Saturday 17 September, 2pm – 4.30pm (booking advised)
- Theatre Walk Kings and Commoners in Keynsham | Friday 9 September, 4pm – 6pm; Saturday 10 September, 2pm – 4pm | Sunday 11 September, 2pm – 4pm (booking essential)
- Keynsham Abbey Open Day | Saturday 10 September, 2pm – 4pm; Saturday 17 September, 2pm – 5pm
- Wild About Flowers: Secret Vault & Flower Crowns | Saturday 10 September, 10am – 2pm; Tuesday 13 September, 11am – 2pm; Wednesday 14 September | 11am – 2pm; Thursday 15 September, 11am – 2pm; Friday 16 September, 11am – 2pm
- Keynsham Baptist Church & Repair Cafe | Saturday 10 September, 10am – 1pm
- Litter Pick Our Heritage Trail! | Saturday 10 September, 10am – 12pm (booking advised)
- Keynsham’s Shopfront Improvements Architecture Talk | Friday 9 September, 5pm – 7.30pm (booking essential)
- Relax in the Sanctuary Garden | Daily, 10am – 2pm
- Discover Industrial Keynsham at Albert Mill, Saturday 10 September, 12pm – 5pm; Sunday 11 September, 12pm – 5pm
To browse the latest event programme, event map and booking information, visit www.hikeynsham.co.uk/event/keynsham-heritage-open-days. Print programmes are also available from Keynsham Town Council offices, Keynsham Library, Keynsham Leisure Centre and Temple Street Canteen.