In honour of Heritage week 2021, Kirkstall Forge and partners will be hosting a special heritage day on Saturday 18th September from 10am – 4:30pm, celebrating Kirkstall Forges past, its people and its future.

Kirkstall Forge has been of industrial significance since the 12th century. Over the coming years, the site will be transformed, yet its heritage and importance to the local community, Leeds and the North will remain a constant influence in shaping its future. Join a series of free events and talks including fun activities for all the family on Saturday 18th November, visit the Heritage Open Day website for all the information.

We are delighted to be joined by Pat Bourne from Abbey House Museum on heritage day. Pat is collating information about Kirkstall’s past for an exciting exhibition to be released in 2022. He will be bringing objects from the museum’s collections to evoke memories and stories of our historic past. A memory booth will be open to everyone from 10am-4pm and Pat is keen to hear lots of Kirkstall memories; personal recollections, see photographs, and objects about growing up working and living in Kirkstall. If you have or know of anyone who can contribute to memories or stories of Kirkstall Forge then please do come along and share these.

Other activities include:
• Kirkstall Forge exhibition in the main reception
• Fettered Forge, a traditional blacksmith demonstrating heritage forging techniques.
• Heritage talks exploring the history and future of this unique site.
• Music From the Attic will be entertaining us over lunchtime.
• Archipelago Theatre Collective will be previewing excerpts from their new production, Mother of the Revolution, based on the life of Betty Beecroft.
• Blood Memory Dance will be showing a special performance of A Journey ThroughTime.
• Fun activities for kids from the Kirkstall Life Team and KVDT – including a special treasure hunt!
• Butler’s café will even be serving a heritage-themed menu.

To join our heritage talks and to pre-book your ticket contact Lucinda Yeadon on lucinda.yeadon@ceg.co.uk or call 07825625185. The main activities are free but booking for the talks is advised as there is limited spaces. Booking closes on 15th September 2021 17:00.

We are proud to have a dedicated train station on site, 6 minutes from Leeds City Centre and servicing the Bradford Foster Square line we are encouraging all visitors to use public transport if they can. There is limited car parking onsite and blue badge holders will be prioritised.

For any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact us life@kirkstallforge.com.