A NATIONAL heritage festival is being celebrated in maldon with a succession of events.

Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture.

Running for ten days every September, the festival offers free access to heritage events and activities across England.

This year's theme for Heritage Open Days is "Everyday Histories", 'focusing on the ordinary people, their working lives, daily routines, skills and traditions, rather than only famous historical figures or major events.

Maldon Town Council have helped co-ordinate a Heritage Open Days programme in partnership with many of the Town's local heritage venues, organisations, and volunteers, catering for a wide range of interests.

The following Maldon Heritage Groups have a calendar of events from 11 to 20 September:

• Beeleigh Water and Steam Flour Mill, CM9 6LL
• Combined Military Services Museum, CM9 4LQ
• Friary Walled Garden, CM9 5FW Maeldune Heritage Centre, CM9 4PZ
• Maldon Society (via Maeldune Heritage Centre, CM9 4PZ)
• Maldon & Heybridge Heritage Harbour CM9 5HN
• Moot Hall, CM9 5PF Museum of Power, CM9 6QA
• Steam Tug Brent Trust, CM9 5HN
• St Giles Leper Hospital Ruins (scheduled ancient monument) CM9 6EA
• St Mary's Church, CM9 5JB
• Thomas Plume's Library, CM9 4PZ

There will be a range of free activities including a series of talks and raising the hoist on the harbour; guided tours onboard a historic vessel; walk around a secret garden; visit an historic fisherman's church; explore a museum of power; visit a medieval leper hospital ruins; see an exhibition of early modern books that illuminate the lives of ordinary working people; guided tours and history of an historic Steam Mill; explore a medieval brick tower; visit a military museum with a new Air Raid Shelter display of life on the home front in World War 2; listen to everyday lives of Maldon's people through a selections from the oral history archive at the listening station, the touchscreen, displays and activities in the Maeldune Heritage Centre.

Maldon Town Mayor Cllr James Burrell-Cook said: "I am delighted that Maldon is once again opening its doors as part of Heritage Open Days.

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"It is a wonderful opportunity to discover the stories, people and places that have shaped our town, while appreciating the heritage that continues to be part of everyday life in our community.

"Maldon's history is a source of great pride, and I hope residents and visitors alike will take the opportunity to explore and perhaps uncover something new about our town.

"On behalf of Maldon Town Council, I would like to thank the dedicated staff and volunteers whose time and enthusiasm have helped bring these events together.

"I encourage everyone to enjoy the programme of free events and discover some of the fascinating 'everyday histories' that make Maldon unique."

To find out more details about these events and activities, visit the Heritage Open Days website: www.heritageopendays.org.uk.

"Alternatively, call Maldon Town Council on 01621 857373