Discover Doncaster’s heritage at this year’s Doncaster Heritage Festival, taking place from Saturday 4th to Sunday 19th May. The 2019 Doncaster Heritage Festival will be launched on Saturday with two fascinating talks — Helen Cox asking the question who was the rightful king, Edward IV or Richard III? And TV historian, Michael Wood, talks about Doncaster’s connection to the decisive Battle of Brunanburh in AD 937, which triggered the making of a united England.
Other Doncaster-focused highlights of the festival include ‘An audience with Brian Blessed’, Doncaster’s heritage ambassador comes home to CAST recalling growing up here and filming ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ at Doncaster Archives.
In 2017 Heritage Doncaster purchased the Conisbrough Court Rolls, 1265 to 1935, and there will be two full days of related events including a number of talks about how you can get involved with the Heritage Lottery Fund-funded project — including an insight into the Manor courts and their evolution through time, entertainment from the Doncaster Waites and many free events are being held throughout Conisbrough and Denaby Main.
Doncaster Market Place sees the start of the 2019 Tour de Yorkshire and to celebrate Doncaster’s cycling history, local broadcaster and author, Chris Sidwells talks about Doncaster’s cycling legends including Tom Simpson, a local lad who was the first Englishman to wear the yellow jersey.
The festival has an exciting programme made up of a series of enthralling talks, workshops, walks and events that explore the history of the borough and beyond. Events will be at a variety of different venues and location from morning to evening, so why not discover something new?
The festival is organised by Heritage Doncaster and is supported by heritage groups across Doncaster for the enjoyment of all. For full event details see www.heritagedoncaster.org.uk/festival or contact Doncaster Local Studies on 01302 734307.