DACRES BACKS KNARESBOROUGH’S RENAISSANCE EVENT

An event that will see Knaresborough’s rich historic roots showcased to a huge audience, is taking place on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September. 
Autumnfest has been organised by Renaissance Knaresborough, a group that is campaigning for a new Town Museum for Knaresborough, and it will include two packed days of exhibitions, activities and a pop-up museum. 

Kathy Allday, who is a Renaissance Knaresborough volunteer, explained: “The launch is taking place at the Centre on Gracious Street (COGS), which is to be the Heritage Hub during Autumnfest. An exciting exhibition and pop up Museum will showcase the geology, archaeology and history of Knaresborough with wonderful exhibits including a medieval gargoyle, Roman and medieval ceramics, fossils, and lots of wonderful artefacts from the Second World War.” 

The mysterious gargoyle was found locally at a property previously marketed for sale by Dacre, Son & Hartley. Senior Associate Nick Alcock, who is the branch manager at Dacres in Knaresborough, said: “I have really enjoyed putting Kathy in touch with a number of local property owners – all with very interesting stories to tell.
 
“Knaresborough will be a real hub of activity throughout the weekend, with the Autumnfest and the World Cycling championships, which can be watched on big screens in the Market Square, and we are delighted to be a part of two very exciting events.” 

Kathy Allday, who has been working on the exhibition for six months, added: “I have met so many wonderful people who have helped me put this ambitious exhibition together. Local people are really interested in Knaresborough’s history and many, like me, feel that without a Town Museum we are underselling the town’s unique and rich heritage. Imagine what benefits a new Town Museum and Art Gallery would bring to Knaresborough. It would encourage investment in the town, increase visitor numbers and be a fantastic resource for local children.”

The exhibition has a big display on the impact of the Second World War on Knaresborough with a particular feature on the role of women in the war. Kathy interviewed people including Hetty Launchbury, Ruth Walker and other local people, who remember life during the war, with their stories bringing the exhibition to life.  Kathy explained: “Many school children are currently studying World War Two as part of the National Curriculum, so there is a lot to interest them.  There will also be a museum quiz and kid’s corner at the exhibition.”

As well as the exhibition, COGS is hosting a series of workshops including “The Knaresborough Forest, Past, Present and Future” by David Rhodes and Bernard Higgins’ talk on “John Metcalfe - Blind Jack of Knaresborough – his heritage and vision”. On Abbey Road, “The Harrogate Hermit” will provide a wry look at historic characters in a guided walk through the town. Hautbois will be playing music from the time of Blind Jack at St Mary’s Church Hall. Heritage themed activities are taking place in the Castle grounds including a live painting of the Castle as it would have looked in the 14th century by renowned artist James McKay.  Another feature of the exhibition can be seen at Knaresborough House, where a model railway and a “Knaresborough in miniature” will be on display. 

Nearly all the events, including the exhibition and talks, are free and taking place all day on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September. A full programme of heritage and environment themed Autumnfest events including a commissioned map will be available in shops and the library from Wednesday 11th September. 

If you aret thinking of moving house why not contact Knaresborough's property experts by clicking here https://www.dacres.co.uk/branches/knaresborough

To find out more about the AutumnFest 2019 event click here https://renaissanceknaresborough.co.uk/projects/past-projects/knaresborough-festival