National Heritage Week events being organised

Clare people are being encouraged by the Heritage Council to get involved in National Heritage Week by organising an event in their community. It takes place nationwide from August 20 to 28. Online registration is now open and all events must be registered by May 31 for inclusion in the National Heritage Week Event Guide.

Rebecca Reynolds, national coordinator of the week at the Heritage Council said, “With over 1,300 events taking place during 2011, National Heritage Week is not only a chance for family fun and to spend quality time outdoors but a fantastic opportunity for people to learn new skills and get involved in their local community and heritage. Times are tough for many people at the moment. It costs nothing to take part in National Heritage Week and the resulting feelgood factor on a personal and community level is priceless, not to mention the benefits to all aspects of our heritage. The week is open to everyone. You can get involved by organising your own event, attending events or volunteering with local groups in your area.”
To register your event, log on to www.heritageweek.ie. All events registered by May 31 will be listed in the National Heritage Week Event Guide, which will be available free at OPW Sites, heritage centres and historical societies, Fáilte Ireland tourist offices, libraries, CNCI members, NPWS sites, heritage officers and county councils, An Óige hostels, various individual museums (MSPI participants), Bus Éireann stations and some hotels across the country.
In 2010, over 1300 events took place, ranging from medieval fairs, night-time bat walks, wildlife walks and lectures, classical music and poetry recitals, traditional music sessions, storytelling, historical re-enactments and local history walks and talks. This year, the Heritage Council, coordinators of the week, are once again hoping to increase the number of events taking place nationwide. Many events organised are free of charge and National Heritage sites also offer concession rates during the week itself.
“National Heritage Week is a fantastic opportunity for communities to showcase the natural and cultural heritage in their area, attract visitors and raise revenue for their town or village. Once registered, event organisers will receive information packs from the Heritage Council, which will offer support on how to promote their events in advance of the week. There is also information on the National Heritage Week website for event organisers who may be looking for ideas or  support on how to go about hosting an event,” added Ms Reynolds.
For further information, log on to www.heritageweek.ie, email events@heritagecouncil.ie or CallSave 1850 200 878
Heritage Week is co-ordinated by The Heritage Council and funded by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 40 countries across Europe.