Retro: Fascinating look into town history

For anyone interested in tracing the heritage of Doncaster, an exciting history event is returning to the borough.
Cusworth HallCusworth Hall
Cusworth Hall

The annual Doncaster Heritage Festival is back with a packed programme of events, talks, walks, exhibitions and workshops lined up at a variety of venues and times.

From Saturday, April 28 to Sunday, May 13 there are activities and events to suit all interests, whether you want to learn more about the borough’s Rebel Daughters and suffrage history, delve into Doncaster’s stories from the First World War, get an insight into crime and justice in the 19th century, or step inside Hooton Pagnell Hall, which was transformed into a hospital during the First World War.

Caroline Flint visited The Point and was given a guided tour by assistant director, Helen Jones, of the Rebel Daughters exhibitionCaroline Flint visited The Point and was given a guided tour by assistant director, Helen Jones, of the Rebel Daughters exhibition
Caroline Flint visited The Point and was given a guided tour by assistant director, Helen Jones, of the Rebel Daughters exhibition
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Writer and producer Philippa Langley will be delivering this year’s David Hey Memorial Lecture – The Looking for Richard Project.

You can hear her incredible story at Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery on Sunday, April 29. Tickets £8.

Just ahead of the Tour de Yorkshire visiting the borough, writer Chris Sidwells will present a talk about The Life and Times of Doncaster cyclist Tom Simpson on Tuesday May 1. Tickets £3.

Launching this year’s festival is the Local History Fair, organised by Doncaster and District Heritage Association, on Saturday April 28, from 11am-4pm at Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery. The event gets bigger and better each year with stalls, displays, family activities, craft demonstrations, re-enactments and entertainment. Entry is free.

Caroline Flint visited The Point and was given a guided tour by assistant director, Helen Jones, of the Rebel Daughters exhibitionCaroline Flint visited The Point and was given a guided tour by assistant director, Helen Jones, of the Rebel Daughters exhibition
Caroline Flint visited The Point and was given a guided tour by assistant director, Helen Jones, of the Rebel Daughters exhibition
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Other highlights include Helen Cox speaking about the History of Chocolate – with samples! Saturday, May 5, 10.30am-noon at Doncaster Museum & Art Gallery. Cost £3.

A free May Day event at Cusworth Hall event will be held between noon and 4pm on Sunday, May 6. People can try their hand at maypole dancing and have a go at family trails inside the hall.

For further festival details, visit Doncaster Heritage Festival