Get ready for a day of education and exploration.

Venues around Macclesfield are preparing to throw open their doors for Heritage Open Day 2025.

Taking place on Saturday, September 13, the event will feature an artisan market, a hobby and volunteering fair, and the chance to explore various historic buildings across town.

Rachael Higham, events officer at Macclesfield Town Council, said: "Heritage Open Day is a national programme that normally takes place over two weeks in September but in Macclesfield we always like to do things a little differently.

"We wanted to offer our visitors and residents a more festival-like experience, where they can spend the whole day in town and enjoy a wide range of experiences; whether it's visiting Paradise Mill for the first time, going backstage at MADS little theatre or finding out about the rich history of St. Michael's Church.

"At the Town Hall we're excited to show off the creativity and variety of Macc by holding a hobby and volunteering fair of local groups and hosting the Made in Macclesfield makers market.

"Our volunteers will be on hand to offer maps and directions to everything that's on around town and we can't wait to welcome you to another great day in Macc."

The Town Hall will play host to a craft market and hobby fair (Credit: MTC)

Macclesfield Town Hall will be hosting the Made in Macclesfield craft market upstairs in the Assembly Room, along with a 'grown-up freshers fair'.

 Elsewhere, from 9am to 1pm Macclesfield Library will be taking part in the family Heritage Open Day trail, with participants in with a chance of winning a prize.

The Silk Museum, meanwhile, will be open from 10am to 4pm with past employees and their relatives on hand to share their memories of Paradise Mill's weaving floor.

Free visits to Paradise Mill can be booked here.

MADS Little Theatre will open at midday, coinciding with the first play of their 2025-26 season.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see the building from top to bottom, front of house and back stage, as the cast and crew prepare for the final night of their production, The Ballad of Maria Marten.

The day will offer the chance to learn more about Macclesfield's history (Credit: MTC)

 Several religious buildings will also be taking part in Heritage Open day.

St Paul's will be serving up free full English breakfasts and sharing details of their refurbishment plans while King Edward Street Chapel, which dates back to 1690, will be be opening its doors as well.

Visitors to Christ Church will be able to explore the archives and meet the volunteers from Roe-naissance who are helping preserve the building for the next generation.

Last but not least, St Michael's will be open from 10am to 4pm, with knowledgeable stewards running tours of the Grade II-listed building which dates back to the 15th century.

There will also be art workshops at 11am and 1.30pm for anyone aged &+ based on the church's stained glass window. This should be booked by contacting the church directly.

Several religious buildings are taking part in the event (Credit: MTC)