St Matthew's Heritage Weekend to celebrate Walsall's history

Residents and visitors are being invited to celebrate Walsall's rich history as St Matthew's Church hosts a free Heritage Weekend later this month.

Taking place on Friday, September 11, and Saturday, September 12, the event will offer a packed programme of guided tours, live music, family activities and the chance to explore one of the town's best-known historic landmarks.

The celebrations begin on Friday from 6pm to 9pm before continuing on Saturday from 10am until 3pm as part of the annual Heritage Open Days.

Visitors will be able to join guided walking tours of the historic churchyard and Church Hill Conservation Area, take part in church tours suitable for all ages, and explore rarely seen parts of the building through special crypt and tower tours.

Families can also enjoy a Teddy Bears' Picnic in Walsall Memorial Gardens, opposite the church, between noon and 3pm on Saturday. Children can take part in a range of activities while enjoying free drinks and cakes, with families encouraged to bring along a picnic and their favourite teddy bear.

A live music stage on St Matthew's Close will provide entertainment throughout Saturday afternoon, adding to the festival atmosphere.

All events are free to attend, with organisers hoping the weekend will encourage people of all ages to discover more about the history of St Matthew's Church, which has served the community for more than 850 years.

The Heritage Weekend takes place at St Matthew's Church and Walsall Memorial Gardens, St Matthew's Close, Walsall.

More information and a full programme of events is available on the St Matthew's Church website.