Holme Valley Parish Council extends warm congratulations to everyone who took part in this year’s Holme Valley Heritage Week (12–21 September).
The 2025 programme, themed Working Lives, formed part of the wider Kirklees and national Heritage Open Days. Across the Valley, residents and visitors enjoyed a varied schedule of open buildings, exhibitions, talks, tours and demonstrations.
Highlights included:
- Helen Bray’s Working Lives in Pictures window display in Holmfirth
- Drystone walling demonstration at Holme led by Ian Spiers (despite the weather!)
- Open day at Th’Owd Towser, Holmfirth’s historic lock-up
- An exhibition at the Carding Shed, exploring the heritage of Washpit Mill
- Sculpture Lounge tours at Holmbridge Mill, showing how industrial spaces are being reimagined through art
Together, these and many other events gave people the chance to step inside historic spaces, discover craft skills, and reflect on the Valley’s industrial and social past.
Early estimates suggest over 1,000 attendances across the full programme. Holme Valley Parish Council played an active role via the Holme Valley Tourism Partnership, working with Holmfirth Forward, Holmfirth Conservation Group and Holmfirth Library to help coordinate and support the week.
