A nine-day festival exploring the archaeology and history of the Blackdown Hills is set to open this month, offering free guided walks, workshops and tours across the Devon and Somerset border country.
The Blackdown Hills Festival of Heritage will run from Friday 11 September to Saturday 19 September as part of Heritage Open Days, the annual nationwide celebration of history and culture.
Visitors will be able to handle archaeological finds, create artwork using natural pigments and local clay, and explore sites dating from prehistory to the second world war.
The festival is organised by the Blackdown Hills National Landscape Partnership, which receives core funding from Devon County Council.
The programme includes a family-friendly art workshop at the Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton on Saturday 12 September, using pigments and clay drawn from the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also tour the former RAF Culmhead on Tuesday 15 September or take part in a creative writing workshop led by historical fiction author Vanessa de Haan on Friday 18 September.
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said:
“This festival gives people the chance to explore the area’s history for themselves alongside experts, artists and local communities who know and care about these special places. Whether you want to handle an archaeological object, make something creative, enjoy a guided walk or discover a story on your doorstep, we would love you to join us.”
To view the full programme and booking details, visit blackdownhills.org.uk/events/category/heritage-history