BUILDINGS boasting a rich history in Kidderminster are throwing open their doors to those wanting to find out more about some of the town’s familiar landmarks on Saturday, September 9.

The chance to see behind the scenes and delve deeper into the past is part of National Heritage Weekend.

The hub of historical activity is the Town Hall where there will be an opportunity to sit and imagine times past in the Victorian council chamber, King Charles Room, Mayor’s Parlour, court room and Music Room with its famous 1855 organ.

Local history groups and Kidderminster College students will be staging exhibitions and the day, which runs from 10-4pm, will also feature songs and poems inspired by Kidderminster’s carpet industry and performed by Heather Wastie, Worcestershire’s Poet Laureate 2015-16.

For those with a head for heights, St Mary’s Church will be laying on visits to the belltower between 10.30am and 4.30pm and there will also be a chance to get a close look at some of the church’s historic artefacts such as the Richard Baxter chair and the impressive East Window.

Back stage tours of the Rose Theatre will be held from 10am-2pm when visitors can peek into the wardrobe and props stores, visit the ‘tech box’ and learn about the mysteries of sound and light.

Neighbouring St George’s Church is open from 10am-4pm and the Museum of Carpet is also getting into the heritage spirit by offering free admission from 10am-1.30pm.

St Mary’s will also be open on Friday between 11am and 3pm and on Sunday from 10-noon, but the tower is only open on Saturday. St George’s will also be open on Sunday 10-4pm

Two tours of the district on a classic 1960s bus to see sites of historical importance have proved so popular that all the seats have been sold in advance.