Holme Valley Heritage Week

Ten days of events, exhibitions, open buildings, talks and walks will celebrate the rich heritage of Holmfirth and the Holme Valley this September.

Holmfirth and the wider Holme Valley are preparing to open their doors to the past as Holme Valley Heritage Week returns from 11th to 20th September 2026.

This year’s event takes the theme ‘Hearth & Holme’, exploring the idea of home and what it means to the people and communities of the valley.

Lawrence Baylin from the Hol who have planned and delivered important event said, “The event is about more than simply looking back at history. It is an opportunity to understand how the valley became what it is today, why its heritage matters and why local people continue to be proud of the area. The theme will look beyond traditional ideas of heritage to explore the houses, mills, farms, churches, workshops, streets and gathering places that have helped shape life in the Holme Valley”.

The ten-day programme will include open buildings, exhibitions, guided tours, talks, walks, activities and community events, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to discover places and stories that they may not normally have access to.

Holme Valley Heritage Week is brought together by the Holme Valley Tourism Partnership, a collaboration involving the Parish Council, Holmfirth Forward, Holmfirth Conservation Group and Holmfirth Library.

Lawrence Baylin partnership said, “The event is about more than simply looking back at history. It is an opportunity to understand how the valley became what it is today, why its heritage matters and why local people continue to be proud of the area. The theme will look beyond traditional ideas of heritage to explore the houses, mills, farms, churches, workshops, streets and gathering places that have helped shape life in the Holme Valley”.

“We’re really keen that Heritage Week should be a community event and we’d love lots of local residents, businesses, building owners, historians and organisations to get involved”, he added.

The ‘Hearth & Holme’ theme opens the door to a wide range of stories. From the history of individual homes and buildings to the development of local industries, crafts and skills, education, faith, entertainment and the changing lives of people in the valley.

A heritage celebration for residents and visitors

While Heritage Week celebrates the area’s past, it also has an important role to play in promoting Holmfirth and the wider valley as a visitor destination.

Holmfirth’s distinctive character has been shaped by its industrial heritage, stone buildings, surrounding countryside and the communities that have lived and worked in the valley for generations.

For visitors, Heritage Week provides an opportunity to see a different side of the area, while for local people it offers a chance to rediscover familiar places and learn more about the stories behind them.

Get involved

Organisers are continuing to welcome contributions from people across the valley, including owners of historic buildings, churches, factories, shops, restaurants and pubs, as well as individuals with collections, specialist knowledge or stories to share.

The aim is to make Heritage Week a celebration created by the community, for the community.

With ten days of activity planned across the Holme Valley, Hearth & Holme promises to be an opportunity to explore the places, people and stories that have made Holmfirth and its surrounding communities what they are today.

The full programme and information about how to get involved is available through the Holme Valley Heritage website.