Discover the history of North West Leicestershire

This September, explore the rich history, heritage and culture of North West Leicestershire as Hello Heritage 2026 returns for its ninth year.

Taking place from 1 to 30 September, the month-long festival offers a packed programme of free and low-cost events, opening the doors to historic buildings, museums, churches, heritage sites and hidden gems across the district.

Stretching across communities in The National Forest, Hello Heritage celebrates the people, places and stories that have shaped the area. From guided walks and heritage trails to living history events, exhibitions and family activities, there’s something for all ages to enjoy throughout the month.

The festival begins with heritage boards and trails appearing across villages including Belton, Newbold, Osgathorpe and Griffydam, giving visitors the chance to uncover fascinating local stories at their own pace throughout September.

One of the opening weekend highlights is taking place at Snarestone Wharf on 5 and 6 September, celebrating the organisation’s 60th anniversary with heritage boats, boat trips and an all day BBQ.

This historic site will be hosting an American Civil War re-enactment on 5 and 6 September, offering a unique glimpse into world history at one of the area’s most iconic heritage attractions.

On 19 and 20 September, the Moira Furnace Woodland Festival is a celebration of traditional crafters in The National Forest. It’ll be a full weekend of family fun and entertainment, with performances, crafts, demonstrations, art and more!

Transport enthusiasts will enjoy this fantastic event at Snibston Colliery Park on Sunday 6 September, featuring preserved buses, classic vehicles and free heritage bus rides around Coalville and the surrounding area.

Throughout the month, visitors can join heritage walks and guided tours exploring the stories behind local communities, including walks in Coalville and Osgathorpe, backstage tours of the historic Century Theatre, and regular open days at the beautifully restored Hough Mill in Swannington.

The programme also includes opportunities to discover churches, museums and historic collections across North West Leicestershire, including events at St Helen’s Church in Ashby de la Zouch, Measham Museum, Ashby Museum, the Sir John Moore Foundation Museum in Appleby Magna and the 1620s House and Garden in Donington le Heath.

Whether you’re keen to learn about industrial heritage, uncover local stories, explore historic landmarks or simply enjoy a day out somewhere new, Hello Heritage 2026 is the perfect opportunity to discover more about North West Leicestershire and The National Forest.

For the full programme, event details, opening times and booking information, visit the Hello Heritage brochure and explore the latest updates on the dedicated website!