St Helens Heritage Festival 2023: here’s everything you need to know

With a history of firsts and famous accolades St Helens has got a lot to shout about, and it’s celebrating its rich heritage with a family-friendly cultural event this month.

The town’s Archive Service has organised St Helens Heritage Festival 2023 as part of the Borough of Culture celebrations.

And it promises to be a fabulous, fun day with loads of music and dance performances, talks, and demonstrations, and a host of activities for kids.

Councillor Anthony Burns, cabinet member for wellbeing, communities and culture for St Helens Council, says: “Our borough is steeped in heritage, being the birthplace of the railway and England’s first industrial canal, as well as world leaders in glass, pharmaceuticals, and – of course – the home of the mighty Saints, our greatest ambassadors who are celebrating their 150th anniversary this year.  

“This day is dedicated to celebrating our identity and what better time to do it than during our year as Borough of Culture?”

And he adds: “Come along and maybe learn something new about our great borough which has more than played its part throughout British history.”  

When is St Helens Heritage Day 2023?

The event will be held on Saturday, May 27.

Where is it being held?

It’s taking place at St Helens Town Hall, with action inside and outside in Victoria Square.

How much is it?

Not a penny – it’s all absolutely free!

Who’s going to be there?

A number of heritage groups, historical societies and other organisations will be at the event to showcase St Helens’ fascinating and varied history, including Merseyside Archaeological Society; Merseyside Industrial Heritage Society; Newton Viaduct Sankey Valley Project World Heritage Status Bid; Northwest Miners Heritage Association; Rainford Heritage Society; Rainhill Civic Society, and Rainhill Railway & Heritage Society. The World of Glass will also be there, along with loads more.

What else can I see?

There’ll be a vintage bus will be on display, courtesy of the North West Museum of Road Transport, as well as St Helens R.F.C. memorabilia and trophies, as well as dance performances from St Helens-based group, Mucky Mountain Morris, and breakdancing group, UC Crew.

Performance times

The event will run from 10am to 3pm, and exhibitors will be there throughout, but there will be performances in Victoria Square at set times:

11am & 1pm: Mucky Mountain Morris

12 noon: UC Crew

What is the Creative Underground?

St Helens Heritage Festival 2023 will also feature a The National Lottery Heritage Fund Creative Underground Room, thanks to a project to uncover the town’s rich heritage in the arts, culture, and creativity industries. You’ll find the Creative Underground Room inside the town hall and there’ll be an interactive map, films screenings, workshops, and children’s activities.

World of Glass – Creative Roots

The World of Glass will have a stand in the Pilkington Room between 11- 3pm, and it’s talking about Creative Roots, a lottery funded exhibition opening in July at The World of Glass celebrating different creatives who have lived, worked or studied in the town. The diverse exhibition will focus on film directors, American Presidential candidates, fine artists, textile designers, animators and more! It will also be revealing more about its transformation of the museum galleries with fun and interactive spaces (opening in July), and its half term activities for children; and, on the day, kids can have a go at its creative building activity.

Where can I find out more?

Click here to find out more about the St Helens Heritage Festival 2023.