Churches across the Diocese will be revealing some of their best kept secrets as part of this year’s National Heritage Open Days Festival.
Between the 11th and 20th September, everyone can uncover countless local hidden gems across the Diocese (and the rest of England) as heritage sites will open their gates digitally to reveal attractions not usually open to public view.
Online events will be offered for the first time because of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as any in-person opportunities possible within government guidelines at the time of the festival.
Every day through the Heritage Open Days week Bradford Cathedral will be launching a brand new video exploring the Hidden Nature of its building, alongside other online events and attractions.
All Hallows’ Church, Kirkburton who will be showcasing its digital Burial Ground Management System, a joint venture between the Church Buildings Council and Atlantic Geomatics that was launched as a UK first in February 2020.
On Saturday 19th September members of All Hallow’s History Group will be on hand to demonstrate how to navigate the Burial Ground site and answer any questions visitors may have. There will also be the opportunity to ‘Adopt-a-Grave’ to help the current Churchyard Team preserve the graves in the two churchyards whilst listening to organ recitals and enjoying a drink from the walk-through café. 
Paul Howatson, Church Warden at All Hallows’, said, “We have over 800 years of heritage to share at All Hallows’ and the Heritage Open Day gives us a great opportunity to do just that.”
“This year is the centenary of our bells but with COVID-19 they have sadly been rather quiet, and because of social distancing the popular Tower tours are currently off limits. We do have a video which we can play so people can hear them in full peal, and anyone interested in learning to ring would be very welcome.
“It’s a great community opportunity to reconnect with our past and focus on our future for this haven of our church and its churchyards from which the village of Kirkburton takes its name.”
If your church is planning on taking part in the Heritage Open Days Festival this year we would love to hear from you. Send an email to enews@leeds.anglican.org