Get ready to celebrate Chester’s historic buildings as Heritage Open Days celebrates 21 years.

From Thursday September 10 until Sunday September 13, there will be free access to a wide range of attractive and historically important buildings and sites throughout West Cheshire.

The programme including over 60 buildings, tours and guided walks is produced by Cheshire West and Chester Council in partnership with the Chester Civic Trust.

Cabinet member for culture, leisure and wellbeing Cllr Louise Gittins said: “Heritage Open Days 2015 has become our biggest and most ambitious in its 21 year history.

“This year we are including a programme of talks, exhibitions and events from Chester Heritage Week organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects, Cheshire Society of Architects and The Chester Civic Trust.”

Chester Heritage Week (September 5-13) gives people the opportunity to see the results of the archaeological investigations on the site of Chester’s new Cultural Centre which are displayed in a nearby building and also a guided tour of Grosvenor Park.

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of European Architectural Heritage Year, Chester Photographic Society held a competition to capture the best shots of Chester. Follow the trail of their works along the Rows shop windows, or enjoy the exhibition at Booth Mansion.

Added Doreen King from the Chester Civic Trust said: “The programme has grown so much over the past 21 years from its humble beginnings when The Chester Civic Trust arranged for eight buildings to be open in 1994.”

The Heritage Open Days booklet, Heritage Week leaflet and Children’s Passport are available from Chester Visitor Information Centre, Town Hall Square, the Grosvenor Museum and Chester History and Heritage in St Michael’s Church.

Visit the website www.heritageopendayschester.co.uk for full details.

Heritage Open Days is co-ordinated and sponsored by The National Trust nationally, it happens thanks to a large number of local voluntary societies, building owners and volunteers who are happy to welcome the public to drop in and look around a selection of our stunning architectural heritage.