WE are increasingly becoming a nation of ‘foodies’ and what we eat and drink is also at the heart of our culture and history, say the organisers of Heritage Open Days.

That is why the theme for the open days this year is ‘Edible England’ and Culture Warrington is getting involved with events at its pop-up museum and library at Golden Square.

In keeping with the theme, the arts charity has teamed up with Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden and Lancaster-based Imagining History.

There will also be an opportunity for families to talk to curators about items in the museum’s food heritage collections.

Edible England at Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden takes place at the temporary museum on September 14, 16 and 18 between 1pm and 3pm.

Come and discover what the gardeners at Grappenhall Heys Garden grew in the walled gardens of the Parr family’s wealthy mansion many years ago and how that compares to what the gardening team grow today. Pictured is head gardener Graham Richardson.

  • On September 15, visitors can ask the museum team about what items from the collections teach us about what people ate and drank in the past.

This takes place between 2pm and 4pm.

  • Then on September 19, Imagining History will present ‘How to Survive the Stone Age’ with two 45-minute shows at 11am and 1pm which need to be booked.

The award-winning workshop, aimed at children aged between five and 11, combines drama and history of the Neolithic age.

Learn hunting and gathering techniques, including the use of ancient weaponry and how to collect food that is safe for your tribe. Call 442889.

There is an exhibition running throughout the Heritage Open Days period too.

  • Food in the Archive: From Mangelwurzels to Milk is on from Friday to September 19.

The collections team are digging out a selection of food-based items from ration books to recipe books, and from mangelwurzels to milk.

A spokesperson for Heritage Open Days said: “What we eat and drink a doorway into hidden histories, regional differences and the myriad cultures around us.

“It’s a universal language and one of our basic needs, the perfect starting point for another diverse, fun, exciting festival year.”

Heritage Open Days – England’s largest festival of history and culture – is also being celebrated across the borough.

  • Burtonwood Heritage Centre – on the site of RAF Burtonwood, which was once the largest airfield in Europe – will be hosting displays, films and exhibits from today, Friday, until Sunday, and from September 15 to 19, enabling people to learn more about the men and women who served at the base.
  • Warrington Town Hall will be open to the public between 11am and 4pm this Saturday. A tour of some of the rooms, including the Mayor’s Parlour, can be booked here .
  • Lymm Heritage Centre and Ecospheric are teaming up to present a unique tour of 400-year-old manor house, Lymm Hall, on September 17. This event was fully booked within a couple of hours, but you can reserve a place on the waiting list on the Lymm Heritage Centre website .
  • The Museum of Policing in Cheshire in Arpley Street will be welcoming visitors into its Victorian cells on September 18 where they will be treated to a brass band and a police dog display, among other activities.
  • Walton Hall and Gardens will be hosting exhibitions and hands-on activities for all the family on the weekend of September 18 and 19

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member responsible for culture, said: “Warrington is a place that is steeped in history, and there’s so much to discover here.

"It’s wonderful to see our Heritage Open Days going from strength to strength, with organisations across the borough helping us deliver our biggest ever programme of activities this year.

“It’s a great opportunity to gain a fascinating insight into some of Warrington’s historic gems – including places that some people may not know about, such as the RAF Burtonwood Heritage Centre.

“A range of partners have worked together to make sure this year’s programme can be delivered safely, with lots of events for the whole family to enjoy – from walks and talks, to exhibitions, art, drama and music.

"I’m looking forward to this year’s event being another huge success, giving everyone the chance to find out more about Warrington’s proud history.”

  • There are many other activities taking place across Warrington. For more information visit warrington.gov.uk/events
  • For further details about the Culture Warrinton events contact collections assistant Hannah White at x-hwhite@culturewarrington.org or call 442400.