By Isle of Wight Observer
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, Newport Heritage Day will return on Saturday, September 6, offering another chance to celebrate the town’s rich history.
“After the phenomenal success of Newport Heritage Day last year we are looking forward to giving people another chance to find out more about their local history,” said Hannah Griffiths, from Newport Minster.
This year’s programme is bigger than ever, with the whole town getting involved. Shop owners will once again uncover the history of their premises, creating unique window displays. Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council’s (N&CCC) base at 64 High Street will host an exhibition on the history of the Island’s steam railways, while Independent Arts will present a Classic Games exhibition, where visitors can try their hand at chess. The Museum of Island History will also be open free of charge.
On Newport Quay, the Classic Motor Show will showcase hundreds of vehicles, and in Newport Minster, visitors can enjoy guided tours, family activities and an exhibition created in partnership with Brave Island exploring the themes of Birth, Marriage and Death.
Living history group, Time Jump Histories, will recreate life in the trenches, and those interested in the traditional skill of bookbinding, will be able to learn all about it from the monks of Quarr Abbey.
The IW Council’s archaeology team will display artefacts significant to Newport’s past, while Unity Hall, the Newport & Carisbrooke Heritage Society and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission will be on hand to help people explore their own heritage.
The event is organised by the Newport Cultural Consortium, and supported by Newport Minster, Newport Business Association, N&CCC and the Shaping Newport Partnership.
