The festival runs from Friday 12 Sept until Sunday 21 Sept inclusive.
Please see below for specific event dates and times.

OSWESTRY TOWN MUSEUM EVENTS

Oswestry Museum Displays
Location: Oswestry Town Museum, Guildhall, Bailey Head
Dates: Open every day 12–21 Sept, 10am–3pm
Visitors are invited to explore the heritage and history of Oswestry and the surrounding area.

Building Blocks Challenge
Location: Oswestry Town Museum, Guildhall, Bailey Head
Dates: Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September, 10am–3pm; Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September, 10am–3pm
Inspired by the Heritage Open Days theme of architecture, this challenge invites participants to create a structure in 30 minutes. Open to children of all ages, the challenge offers the opportunity to build a creation, have a photo taken with it, and potentially win a prize. At the end of the festival, a panel of three judges will select the top three creations in two age groups: 4–14 and 15+.
Great prizes are available – participation is required to be eligible.

Connect 4 Life
As part of Oswestry Museum’s Heritage Open Days, Connect For Life, a local Oswestry-based charity supporting individuals with memory loss and dementia, is showcasing a collection of art inspired by Oswestry’s iconic landmarks.
Using various creative techniques, service users collaborated to produce a unique artwork reflecting both the town’s heritage and their own personal expression. Engaging in art offers numerous benefits for people living with dementia—stimulating memories, sparking conversations, boosting confidence, reducing anxiety, and creating a joyful sense of achievement.
The museum extends thanks to Nichola Ethelston for her artistic guidance, and to the dedicated volunteers who made the project possible.
Location: Oswestry Town Museum, Guildhall, Bailey Head
Dates: 12–21 Sept, 10am–3pm
Available to view daily.

The Gilbert and Gordon Story
This touching story shares the love between Gilbert and Gordon through a collection of queer love letters written during World War II. Visitors can learn what has happened since the letters were discovered and shared by the museum — including interest from Hollywood.
A short film dramatizing their story will be shown on 13, 14, 20 and 21 Sept at 2pm.

Oswestry Museum Finds Day
Location: Oswestry Town Museum, Guildhall, Bailey Head
Date: 21 Sept only, 10am–3pm
Those curious about mysterious objects they’ve uncovered are encouraged to bring their finds for expert appraisal by the PAS Finds Liaison Officer for Herefordshire and Shropshire.
Pre-booking is not required; drop-in available.

Park Hall Camp Display
Location: Oswestry Town Museum, Guildhall, Bailey Head
Dates: 12–21 Sept, 10am–3pm
This display explores Park Hall Military Training Camp, the soldiers who trained there, and their global connections.

The Penson Dynasty
Discover the story of one of Oswestry’s most famous architectural families. Created in collaboration between Oswestry Town Museum and Y Dolydd Workhouse in Llanfyllin (2019), this exhibit delves into their legacy.
Dates: 12–21 Sept, 10am–3pm
Location: Oswestry Town Museum

BEYOND EVENTS FOR 2025

Melverley Church
Location: St. Peter’s Church, Church Lane, SY10 8PJ
Dates: 12–21 Sept, 10am–3pm
St. Peter’s Church, a beautiful 12th-century church on the Welsh border, will be open daily during the festival. Learn more at a special open event on 13 Sept (10am–3pm). Talks will take place on 20 Sept at 11am and 2pm.
No pre-booking required; drop-in available.

Picture credit: John Guest

Tanat Valley Light Railway
Location: Tanat Valley Light Railway, Nant Mawr Visitor Centre, SY10 9HW
Dates: 12–21 Sept, 10am–3pm
This small heritage railway offers activities for the whole family—nature walks, quirky railway vehicles, monorail rides, and more.
Visitors can be among the first to see a former fairground ride inspired by the monorail collection. Volunteers will be on hand to discuss future plans, including the 507 group and the restored MonoLoco steam engine—believed to be the only true steam monorail engine in the world.
The site also includes awe-inspiring lime kilns, reputed to be the tallest in the UK, and features displays of engineering drawings, coach and wagon designs, and railway plans created especially for Heritage Open Days.
Refreshments available.