Portsmouth Open Heritage Days hailed a success

Hundreds of local people and visitors enjoyed access to Portsmouth’s historic gems and attractions as part of Open Heritage Days over the weekend.

Hidden treasures and well-known local attractions threw open their doors to offer an insight into the heritage of the city.

Last week, Portsmouth City Council appointed Councillor Stephen Morgan as the city’s first heritage champion. The aim of the role is to highlight the importance of the city’s historic environment in the council and the wider community.

Councillor Morgan said: “The weekend showed Pompey at its best. We should be rightly proud of our fantastic heritage and historic assets, and their potential, with suitable investment and care for the future.

“Though this year’s events were a great success, too few people knew what was going on. We can change that with the help of others. Next year I want to work with local groups to make Heritage Open Days in Portsmouth even bigger and better.”

Councillor Morgan joined local people on a tour around the city to see many of the sights open for the special weekend.

He visited the Kings Theatre in Southsea, the drill room on Whale Island, Wymering Manor, the recently-opened new stage area at the New Theatre Royal, and the Victorian pumping station at Eastney.

He said: “It was great to meet so many volunteers who had given up their time to open the doors of sites across the city and improve access for all local people. I thank all those involved over the Heritage Open Days for their hard work.”