Popular heritage festival opens doors to the past across Berwick

Throughout the weekend, the town was bustling with people eager to visit buildings rarely opened to the public and learn about the history of Berwick-upon-Tweed.

The Town Hall was a busy hub for the weekend’s activities, with photographs displayed in the main hall, while the old gaol upstairs was also open for visitors to learn about crime and punishment throughout the town’s history.

Around the Elizabethan walls, many sites were open exclusively for the weekend including New Tower, Cumberland Bastion, the Gunpowder Magazine and Bankhill Ice House.

Berwick Barracks was also a hub of activity during the weekend with re-enactments, exhibitions, photography and embroidery among the many events on offer.

Tweedmouth and Spittal were equally involved in the excitement, with walks to discover the history of the area and open studios such as Condottieri Glass and Old Brewery Artists Studios.

Linda Bankier, Berwick archivist and Berwick Heritage Open Days co-ordinator, said: “It has been another fantastic year for Berwick Heritage Open Days.

“Throughout the festival, we have welcomed hundreds of people to our events and open sites – many of whom were locals, but also plenty of tourists who came to explore the town this weekend.

“Seeing so many people appreciating our heritage is always a privilege and makes all the hard work worthwhile.

“None of this would be possible without the community of volunteers and building providers who give their time and enthusiasm to this festival. Without this support, we would not be able to run such a successful and enjoyable event.”