BRIERLEY Hill will reveal secrets of its past as six venues take part in the Heritage Open Days initiative this weekend.

Visitors will be able to explore parts of buildings normally closed to the public in four of the town’s churches on Saturday September 14.

Ringing demonstrations, stained glass viewing, tours, and historic exhibitions will be available. The town’s library will also hold a poetry writing session and walking tour and the market will hold a 1940s day with music, fancy dress and performances from the Bluebelle Birds.

Tim Sunter, chairman of Brierley Hill Community Forum, said: “This is the first time that six venues have come together to promote the town’s heritage.

"I’m really looking forward to the day and would encourage anyone who loves art or has an interest in history to come along to some, if not all, of the events."

More details about the events can be found on the Heritage Open Days website - www.heritageopendays.org.uk.

St Mary’s will be revealing its beautiful interior, offering tours and revealing secrets about its past.

The parish church of St Michael’s will be highlighting the stories of soldiers on its war memorial and celebrating the 100th anniversary of its stained glass windows commemorating the signing of the Versailles Treaty in 1919. Visits to the ringing room and ringing demonstrations will also be available.

St John’s Brockmoor will be holding an exhibition on its history; and also opening its doors is Christ Church, Quarry Bank, where parishioners are researching the history of its former Sunday School.

Brierley Hill Library will also be exhibiting maps and ephemera from its local history collection and poet Emma Purshouse will lead a walking tour and poetry writing session from noon.

Mr Sunter added: "I have had my breath taken away with the beauty of the interior of many of the buildings. They really have to be seen to realise what fantastic and unexpected art we have in Brierley Hill - usually hidden from the public."