PEOPLE will have the chance to see priceless films of Kidderminster before its controversial redevelopment half-a-century ago at a special event.

The voluntary Heritage Opportunities Group has put together a diverse programme for Heritage Day 2018 which also includes tours of the town hall and its Victorian court and council chamber and an opportunity to meet current Mayor Martin Stooke in his historic parlour.

All the events are free on Saturday, September 15 and form part of a day between 10am and 4pm which will also feature the re-enactment of Emmeline Pankhurst’s votes-for-women march through Kidderminster 106 years ago.

Fascinating glimpses of Kidderminster’s past will be provided at the town hall by Kidderminster couple Bill and Dorothy Every, who have been collecting photographs and film of the town since they met 60 years ago.

Mr Every, a former chairman of the town’s cine club, will show his film ‘Kidderminster Past and Present,’ featuring the town and its people before modernisation in the 1960s and 70s.

It will be followed by a 1950s broadcast of Kidderminster’s civil defence preparations during the Cold War with Russia.

It was a serious message to the population at a time of rising nuclear tension, but features moments more of a ‘Dad’s Army’ nature when viewed through 21st century eyes.

The finale will be an evocative look at Bewdley in the 1930s.

A chance to take a rare peek behind the scenes at the Rose Theatre is on offer at the Rose Theatre from 10am-2pm.

Free backstage tours will cover all aspects of its work from scenery-making to the high-tech wizardry needed for modern-day productions.

Chairman Stephen Downing said: “People can drop in for a cup of tea and chat and see how our voluntary members create shows from start to finish.

“The wardrobe department will be open with our extensive costume range for the variety of plays and shows we perform and visitors can walk the stage to get an actor’s view.

“They can also try out the stage manager’s seat from where live shows are managed, and see our extensive range of props - from teacups to telephones - for the time periods plays are set in.”