Borough's popular Heritage Festival to return this May
St Helens Heritage Festival is set to return this May, bringing together local heritage and community groups for a day that celebrates the fascinating stories, people and places that have shaped the borough.
Article date: 23 April 2026
Taking place in St Helens Town Hall, the hugely popular free, family-friendly event will celebrate the varied and interesting heritage of the borough with stalls, craft workshops, performances, tours, displays and more besides.
St Helens Heritage Festival will take place on Saturday 30 May, 10am-3pm.
As well as the usual vast number of fascinating local heritage and community groups in the town hall which will include St Helens Archive Service, Sankey Canal Restoration Society and Rainhill Railway & Heritage Society to name just a few - the day will also feature a vintage bus, courtesy of Northwest Museum of Road Transport, St Helens Classic Car Association and performances by St Helens-based Mucky Mountains Morris dancers which visitors can take part in.
Attractions and activities new to this year's lineup include a free and fascinating talk celebrating the 150th anniversary of the opening of St Helens Town Hall, delivered by the St Helens Archive Service. Why not dust off your paints or pencils and join local artists from another centenarian institution, the Art Club of St Helens, at their weekly meeting at the town hall.
Residents can embark on a captivating journey through the historical town centre with St Helens Rotary's unique "sit-down walk." And check out 'House of Memories On The Road,' the touring mobile museum hosted by National Museums Liverpool that opens up into an immersive cinema and activity space, and will be bringing a St Helens experience to the Heritage Festival.
Using digital technology, House of Memories On The Road recreates the sights, sounds and smells of the past through a virtual 'front door'.
And a range of tasty refreshments will be available to purchase during the event from the town hall catering team.
Encouraging residents and anyone with an interest in local heritage to attend, Tanya Wilcock, Director of Communities for St Helens Borough Council, said: "
"Our borough is steeped in rich history and heritage, being the birthplace of the railway, England's first industrial canal, as well as world leaders in glass, pharmaceuticals, and sport.
"This day is dedicated to celebrating our identity and what makes us proud, so come along and maybe discover something new about our great borough which has more than played its part throughout British history."
For a full guide to this year's festival and a full list of exhibitors and activities, visit: https://www.sthelensheritagehub.org.uk/heritage-festival