Newark and Sherwood is holding free events for Heritage Open Days festival of culture and history this week

This weekend saw success as hundreds of people attended events across the district as part of a festival of history and culture.

Heritage Open Days is England's largest community-led festival of heritage and culture, led entirely by volunteers and organisations putting on free events in their area.

This year, between September 8 and 17, venues from museums to railway signal boxes will be opening their doors for special tours and activities.

On Saturday, September 9, Newark Castle held sessions of stories with Nicky Rafferty, eco-friendly rafts and explorations.

The event organised by Newark and Sherwood District Council allowed people to explore inside the castle with the Friends of Newark Castle.

The Leicester Trader, on Riverside Park, Newark was opened to visitors on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and will open again next Friday and weekend.

The museum provided a learning resource about life and work on the River Trent barges, with a collection of models, tools, equipment, photographs and films on board.

Newark town hall held a tour to explore crime and constabulary in the Victorian cells, fashion and fans in the Georgian Ballroom, and inspiring images of Newark's iconic town hall in the Spotlight Gallery last Friday and Saturday.

On Saturday 9 and Sunday 10, the National Trust opened doors for visitors to discover what life was like for people who sought refuge at the Workhouse and Infirmary, Southwell.

The event also marked the launch of its new genealogy research, showcasing stories and discoveries linked to the 1921 census.

There were costumed interpreters, a children’s trail, a chance to dress up and write on slate in the Victorian schoolroom, play old-fashioned games and explore The Midlands Forum Textile Exhibition.

Kevin Winter led Civil War tours of Newark, from the castle to the Queen’s Sconce, on Sunday, 10.

It explored key players in the war, including Baron Dohna, Hercules Clay and Prince Rupert.

The event will also take place next Sunday, September 17.

Nottingham Trent University invited people to visit the original Bramley apple tree in Southwell last Saturday.

A member of the university’s staff will be on hand to explain why the tree is so special and discuss ongoing research into the quality components of the world-famous apples it produces.

Lowdham Signal Box on The Sidings opened over the weekend and will continue on Tuesday, 12, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17.

Visitors were able to visitors try the levers and learn about the history of the signal box and signalmen’s work.

The venue also held signalling demonstrations with virtual trains in the restored box.

St Mary’s Church in Lowdham also offered tours on Saturday. It was an opportunity to see ancient graffiti, the work of Victorian Gothic Revivalist Sir. George Gilbert Scott and learn about the history of the church.

From today, September 11 until Sunday 17, excluding Saturday 16, the National Holocaust Centre and Museum at Laxton is hosting an immersive exhibition.

The Journey – details the life of a young Jewish boy in 1930s Berlin who escapes on the Kindertransport.

The centre also has a number of reflective memorial gardens and exhibitions for visitors to explore and learn about the Holocaust.

On certain days there will be special events including guided tours, viewing of unseen artwork and a chance to create your own art inspired by the exhibitions.

The National Civil War Centre allows residents to discover some of the 95,000 objects of the reserve collection as they go behind the scenes of a working museum on September 13.

The civil war centre also invited artist Samantha Jayne to showcase her virtual reality world which brings her art to life on Saturday, September 16.

A demonstration of building skills used to preserve historic buildings will be held in Newark Market Place on September 16.

It is run by Nottinghamshire Buildings Preservation Trust and Newark Civic Trust, in conjunction with the High Streets Heritage Action Zone team at NSDC.

Visitors will also be able to have a hands-on go at some of the skills.

At Newark Masonic hall and museum visitors will be able to see artefacts related to the history of the Masons in Newark, including regalia and objects related to past members of the lodge on September 16.

There will be talks on the history of Masonry in Newark, and notable Freemasons from the area, as well as an opportunity to tour the hall.

On Saturday, September 16, a theatre performance exploring the power of music will take place at Collingham’s The Cat Asylum Brewery.

It follows the recollections of musician, luthier, and Holocaust survivor Ari Vander.

There will also be discussion from members of the Newark International School of Violin Making.

All events are free but some require pre-booking due to the limited number of places.