Your Guide to the Free to Visit Huge Yorkshire Heritage Exhibition to Take Place in Barnsley

Ever wondered about the stories behind the old buildings you walk past every day, or the history of the ancient woodlands in your area? It’s all part of our heritage – the cool collection of stories, places, and traditions passed down through generations. And this spring, there’s a massive, free event happening in Yorkshire that’s all about celebrating just that. Get ready for a day packed with discovery, as the Yorkshire Heritage Summit and a huge public exhibition are set to take place in Barnsley. This is big news for anyone curious about the past, present, and future of this amazing region.

A day of discovery in Barnsley

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, 25th March 2026. That's when the annual gathering of Yorkshire's heritage heroes is coming to the historic South Yorkshire town of Barnsley. The entire event, known as the Yorkshire Heritage Summit, is being hosted at Barnsley Civic. It’s a day of two halves, really. The morning features a 'Heritage Symposium' where experts and organisations get together to talk shop, but the afternoon is when the doors are thrown open for everyone.

From 1pm, a separate, free-to-visit Yorkshire Heritage Exhibition kicks off, and it’s the perfect opportunity for the public to get a real feel for what heritage is all about. This isn't some stuffy museum event; it's a vibrant showcase of the passion and hard work that goes into protecting and celebrating everything that makes Yorkshire, well, Yorkshire. The event is organised by The Yorkshire Society, a company dedicated to promoting the region, working alongside Barnsley Council and the Barnsley Civic Trust to make the day happen. It’s a fantastic chance to visit Barnsley and see what all the fuss is about.

What's actually on the agenda?

The main attraction for the public is the Yorkshire Heritage Exhibition, which runs from 1pm to 4pm. After being officially opened by The Mayor of Barnsley, the exhibition floor will be buzzing with activities. Think of it like a giant fair, but instead of candy floss stalls, you'll find people and groups who are passionate about history, nature, and local culture. It’s a chance for people from all over the regional area and beyond to meet the organisations that keep Yorkshire’s story alive.

Visitors can expect a really interactive experience. There will be all sorts of things going on, including:

• Presentations: Short, interesting talks that give you a snapshot of the amazing projects happening across the county.

• Demonstrations: This is the really fun bit. You might see experts showing off traditional crafts, or conservationists demonstrating techniques used to preserve local wildlife habitats. These demonstrations bring the work to life.

• Opportunities to get involved: If you’ve ever thought about volunteering or joining a local group, this is your chance to chat with people who are already doing it. They can tell you all about their activities and how you can be a part of them.

It's an event designed to be welcoming for all ages. Whether you're a student working on a history project, a family looking for an interesting day out, or just someone who loves Yorkshire, there's something here for you. The whole afternoon is designed to be a showcase for the incredible heritage work happening right on our doorsteps.

Who you can meet at the exhibition

The sheer variety of groups attending is brilliant. You’ll find big names that work across England alongside smaller, local heroes. The list of attendees shows just how diverse the world of heritage is. Organisations planning to be there range from national and regional bodies to passionate local groups. You’ll have the chance to meet people from:

• The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust: These are the folks who look after nature reserves and protect local wildlife.

• Historic England: The national organisation that champions and protects historic buildings and sites across the country.

• The Woodland Trust: A charity dedicated to creating, protecting, and restoring our native woodlands.

• Yorkshire Water: A company that plays a big role in managing the region's landscape and reservoirs.

But it's not just about the big players. The exhibition will also feature many local heritage charities and Civic Societies. These are often volunteer-led groups who are the lifeblood of heritage preservation in their communities. The Yorkshire Society, which itself is a registered company in England and Wales, sees this event as a vital networking opportunity. The society’s CEO, Phil Bell, commented:

“This is the perfect opportunity for all voluntary groups involved with protecting and celebrating Yorkshire’s regional and local heritage to get together to showcase their activities to each other and the wider public”.

This free event truly brings the entire heritage community together.

More than just an exhibition

Alongside the main exhibition hall, there are other activities planned to make the day even more memorable. The Barnsley Civic Trust, for example, will be running guided walks throughout the day. This is a brilliant way to explore Barnsley’s unique history and architecture firsthand. These guided walks offer a chance to stretch your legs and learn more about the town's culture and heritage from the people who know it best. It's a fantastic addition to the summit.

The human element is what makes this event so special. It’s a chance to connect with like-minded people who are passionate about their local area. Hearing a volunteer explain why they dedicate their free time to restoring a local landmark or clearing a footpath is far more powerful than just reading about it. The passion is infectious, and you might just leave feeling inspired to get involved yourself. This heritage summit is as much about people as it is about places, and the diverse range of activities reflects that.

Barnsley takes centre stage

Choosing Barnsley to host the Heritage Summit is a fantastic decision, and it’s something the local council is very proud of. The town has a rich and unique story, from its industrial past to its vibrant present, making it the perfect backdrop for a celebration of Yorkshire heritage. It’s an opportunity for the town to showcase its own incredible culture.

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said:

“We are excited for Barnsley to host this year’s Yorkshire Heritage Summit and showcase our unique culture and heritage. We’re sure that visitors to the summit will enjoy our incredible town centre, as well as the diverse range of cultural organisations we have on our doorstep.”

It’s a warm invitation to not only visit the event but also to explore what Barnsley has to offer. The mix of history, regeneration, and local pride makes it a brilliant host for this important regional event. It's the latest good news for a town that has a lot to offer.