Heritage Open Days is England’s largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.
Eye Heritage Open Days Festival Events Program – Link to Heritage Open Days website
From Friday 6th until Sunday 15th September 2024 – Please use the link to download a map showing all the fantastic places and events Map
Abbey Hall, Creative Space, Eye, Suffolk
Abbey Hall is set in 10 acres of water meadows on the site of the Benedictine Priory of St Peter which was razed in 1530. The former Abbey Farm Barn was listed at Risk in 1974 but has now been revived into a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy.
The Dove River Church Eye Suffolk
The Dove River Church, Just off Church Street is an impressive building set back from the road linked to the Dove Hall. This Baptist Chapel was built in 1868.
Eye Town Hall Eye Heritage Pop up Museum
The Victorian building is Grade II * listed and is a meeting place for the Council also used as a Wedding and community hire. Paintings & artefacts are on display and a ‘pop up’ local history museum on Sunday September 8th.
Eye Parish Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
This beautiful Church is one of the grandest in Suffolk, not only on the outside, but also with regards to the treasures within. The great flint-encrusted tower was rebuilt in the second half of the 15th century and took over 40 years to build.
The Bank, Arts Centre Eye Suffolk
Originally built as a Midland Bank. To meet the banking needs of individuals and companies trading in Eye, Suffolk. Later in life, this building was rebranded as a HSBC bank, before closing as a bank serving the town.
Eye World War II Airfield, home of the 490 Bombardment Group Walks x 3
View the three runways of Eye airfield and see the memorials to the people of the 490th USAAF who gave their life in World War II.
Castleton Brass Band live in Eye Town Hall Suffolk
The renowned award winning Castleton Brass Band play live in Eye Town Hall
Eye Castle Suffolk
Eye Castle Suffolk is one of the few motte-and-bailey castles from the early Norman period. Built shortly after the Norman conquest of England in 1066, the castle was ‘sacked’ and largely destroyed in 1265. This is also the site of the Eye beacon.
Eye Twin Victorian Chapels and Eye Cemetery Suffolk
A pair of Victorian Chapels one each side of the gravel driveway. It is increasingly rare to have two chapels on the same site, one is still in use. Both are scheduled for refurbishment as part of a whole cemetery project by Eye Town Council.
Victoria Post Mill, Eye Suffolk
This post mill was built around 1799 and was used for grinding corn.A post mill is the earliest type of European windmill.The whole body of the mill that houses the machinery is mounted on a single vertical post.
Hartismere Place Motorbikes, Muisc & BBQ
Motorcycle enthusiasts will join the residents at Hartismere Place in Eye Suffolk for Music and a BBQ on Sunday the 15th of September.
Open Rehearsal – audience attendance
Eye Bach Choir welcomes members of the public along as observers to this open rehearsal which take place in the magnificent Eye Town Hall where the choir also performs.
Linden House Routes, Networks, Connections of Eye History Talk
Discover the heritage of one of the most important houses in Eye Suffolk. A talk will be given from the location of this unique building revealing the fascinating history.of Linden House now home to two ex mayors of the town of Eye.
Eye Heritage Open Days Festival Thank You
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Take action! If you are messaging visitors after the events, please encourage them to complete the survey:www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/survey
We look forward to seeing you in Eye again with NEW Events in 6 – 24 September 2024
You are invited to Visit Eye in Suffolk for the Eye Heritage Open Days Festival, Eye’s largest family friendly Free to attend history and culture event of the year.
This Year’s Eye Heritage Open Days Festival with the National theme of Creativity offers a wonderful week of Heritage events and entertainment, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the Eye Heritage Open Days Festival page to ensure you do not miss any of the fantastic attractions and events happening in Eye Suffolk.
Eye Heritage Open Days Festival Events Program
From Friday 8 th until Sunday 17 th September 2023
Friday 8th Eye Library creatives in our community, full event list online. 8th – 17th September
Friday 8th Exploring Eye Creative Walk.Maps available from The Handyman, Harrison Edge open from 8th -17th
Friday 8th Eye Castle Open 8th – 17th September Open 9 until dusk
Friday 8th Victoria Mill Open 8th – 17th September Open 9 until dusk
Friday 8th World War 2 Eye Airfield, Walks. Map available on 490th website Open 8th – 17th September
Friday 8th Eye Circular Walk, leaflet from The Bank – The Handyman Open 8th – 17th September
Friday 8th The Way of Healing Wood, Walk Open 8th – 17th September
Saturday 9th Dove Players Pantomime Workshop Saturday Eye Town Hall 11 until 1 pm
Sunday 10th Tribute to Queen Elizabeth Eye Town Hall Tony Diamond talks 7 pm
Wednesday 13th Eye Country Market Heritage Theme Food, Gifts and home ware, 1975 style 10 am Eye Town Hall
Wednesday 13th The Bank. Meet the Creatives, Talks and Demonstrations The FIGURE Exhibition 13th – 17th September
Wednesday 13th Linden House One of the most important buildings in Eye Suffolk. Informative talk on the house and Eye 2.30 pm
Friday 15th 490 th Bomber Group talk Eye Airfield, WW2 Presentation Eye Airfield Progress Way 490 th Mamorial 2 pm WW2 Vehicles, full uniform and Red Cross Uniformed volunteers
Friday 15th Eye Bach Choir Open Rehearsal Eye. Town Hall 7.45 pm
Saturday 16th Heritage & Creativity Coffee Morning Eye Woman’s Institute 10am – 12pm Town Hall
Saturday 16th Children’s Book club. Dress as your favourite book character with Prizes for most original Eye Library 9- 1 pm
Saturday 16th Mayflower Puritans at Eye Church Tony Diamond talks 4.30 pm
Sunday 17th LEGO Club whatever your age, most creative wins a prize 10am – 2.30 pm. Eye Library
Sunday 17th The Bank FIGURE Artist Talks 11.00 am until 14.00 pm pre book
Sunday 17th Pop up Museum Eye Town Hall 12 – 3 pm Creativity theme Make Do and Mend, Poppy Day the meaning of Rememberance Day and trips to Eye Airfield
Sunday 17th Ride to the Eye WW2 Airfield in a 1942 USAAF Jeep book in person on the day or pre book through 490thmemorial@gmail.com donation required for upkeep £10 per 4 people or less.
Sunday 17th Victoria Mill Open All Day
Sunday 17th Eye Castle Open All Day. The Dove Players Pantomime Workshop 12 – 3 pm
Sunday 17th Exploring Eye Creative Walk,Eye Library & Crafty Old Birds Studio and stands
Sunday 17 th The Bank Painting Exhibition …Figure… Creative Talks from 11 am, Cream Teas
Sunday 17th The Eye Parish Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Open 12 -3 pm
Sunday 17 th Eye Cemetery and Twin Victorian Chapels a chance to get involved with the Eye Heritage Project
Sunday 17 th Eye Community Centre,Eye Film Show archive from 2013 -2021 at 12.30pm
Sunday 17th Abbey Hall Creative Space, a Unique chance to visit the hall Open 12 – 3 pm
Sunday 17th Hartismere Place Country Music Festival 12 – 4 pm Line dancing, American food Country Dress encouraged.
Sunday 17th Eye World War 2 Airfield walks or travel in a 1942 Jeep, from Eye Town Hall
Sunday 17th The Vine Church. Creative activities for families & children. Refreshments 12 – 3 pm
Sunday 17th Eye Castle. Discover the Heritage and see the panoramic views of Eye and the surrounding landscape.The Dove Players in the Eye Castle grounds will deliver a Pantomime Workshop, do you think you could be the Pantomime Star of the upcoming Dove Players stage production of Puss in Boots this is for you. Open 12 – 3 pm .Castle Open dawn to dusk
Sunday 17th Eye Town Hall Council Chamber open, Council regalia, Paintings,artefacts and informative guide 12 – 3 pm
Sunday 17th Eye Town Hall. Pop up museum including the 490 th Bombardment Group USAAF uniforms and Airfield visits in an original 1942 World War Jeep to and from the Eye Airfield 12 – 3pm
Sunday 17th Linden House One of the most important buildings in Eye Suffolk. Informative talk on the house and Eye 2.30 pm
Sunday 17th Castleton Brass Band. Eye Town Hall 4 pm until 5.15 pm
Tony Diamond takes centre stage on Sunday September 10 th in this year’s Eye Heritage Open Days Festivel programme
Tony Diamond a renowned artist, author, public speaker and resident of Eye, Suffolk is a true creative and will take the lead and launch Eye events.From the stage of the historic Eye Town Hall in the centre of ancient market town of Eye on Sunday September 10 2023 at 7 pm Tony will deliver a tribute to Queen Elizabeth 2 on the first anniversary of her death. The tribute will be delivered in true Tony style and will cover the whole life of the late Queen, suitable for people of all ages, the doors will be open to all for this free event. The evening will include tea or coffee and biscuits to conclude the tribute to HRH Queen Elizabeth and a chance to meet Tony .
The free tickets to this event will be available from The Handyman,Eye and is open to all, entry to the Eye Town Hall and Tribute are free. Eye offers lots of free car parking in the Cross Street car park opposite the Eye Town Hall. Tony Diamond talks
The Queen’s Head icon is Boudicca, renowned queen of the Iceni tribe of northern East Anglia in Roman times. Her beautiful face on the inn sign is taken from a stained glass window in Colchester Cathedral.The Queens Head will be open for pre event drinks and meals prior to this event and throughout the Heritage week in Eye Suffolk.
The Theme for Heritage Open Days Festival 2023 is Creativity and Eye Town and surrounding area has an abundance of amazing creatives so look out for fantastic events in Eye Suffolk this September 8th-17th 2023
Eye Library joins Eye Heritage Open Days this year
Eye Library offers a week of Creativity Unwrapped for all visitors to Eye for Septembers Heritage Open Days Festival. This event overlaps the final days of Ready Set Read the National Children’s Reading Challenge over the Summer Holidays. This means children are more than welcome and should feel at home. Events will cover many forms of creativity as local artists display their creations and offer displays on how it is done. There will be lots of chances to watch, ask questions and get involved. Eye has a wealth of creative talents and there will be something for everyone during the Eye Heritage Open Days Festival.
Friday September 8th from 9am until 13.00 and 14.00 until 17.00
Saturday September 9th from 9 until 13.00
Sunday September 10 th -17th from 10am until 15.00
Tuesday September 12th from 9am until 13.00pm
Wednesday September 13th from 9am until 13.00 and 14.00 until 18.00
Thursday September 14th from 14.00 until 17.00
Join Sharon for an introduction to the wonderfully creative process of Cyanotype printing. Cyanotype (blue-print) is one of the oldest photographic printing techniques and by exposing objects placed on light sensitive paper to light, results in the most amazing art!
Designer, maker and artisan, Marcus Gilbert joins us to offer some fascinating insight into his work and the recent creation, in wood and resin, of the beautiful window tables at Caféye.
Saturday September 16 from 9 until 13.00 Children’s Book Club, dress as your favourite children’s book character with prize for the character of the Day.
Sunday September 17 from 10 until 15.00 LEGO Club extended to all day opening with the theme of Creativity with a prize for the most creative build of the day.
We’ve a specially extended Lego Club session as part of Creative at the Library 2023! Drop in to get building and enter your Lego creation into our ‘best build’ competition for a chance to win a special prize!
There will be something each day with the exception of Monday September 11 when the Eye library is closed all day. Once confirmed the days and times will be listed below, please come back later to see the updated list or if you are a Creative who would like to be involved please contact townclerk@eyetowncouncil.gov.uk Knitting, Crochet, Authors, Architects, Designer, Painter or Gardener, you are all creative.
Eye Country Market with the Eye Heritage Open Days Festival Creative Theme Back to the beginning 1975
The weekly market is held each Wednesday in the Eye Town Hall. This year they are taking up the challenge to be involved in the Eye Heritage Open Days festival. The Eye Country Market will have a Heritage theme and will also be offering their own slant on creativity unwrapped with a large selection of creative stalls. This is more than a market for Eye there is a superb cafe serving fresh tea, coffee and cakes made locally. This cafe is also a hub for the local residents to meet up and catch up. Do not be late for this as the town hall clock strike 10 am the doors open to the public and as the 11 am bell sounds the doors close for business for another week.
Linden House
Lambseth Street Eye Suffolk, steeped in history from Tudor house to twenty-first century home.
Through the kindness of the current residents,ex Mayors of Eye, you can learn about about the previous inhabitants who they were and what they did in their life. and how it changed the world
Linden House is one of the most important buildings in our historic town and we are offering a rare opportunity to visit on Wednesday 13th September and Sunday 17th September 2.30 pm for Informative Talk on the house and the town of Eye.
The Entrance to join the talk is located at the right of the property via a black wrought iron gate and the Talk will commence at 2.45 pm both Wednesday and Sunday please be prompt.
Please allow approximately 1 to 1.5 hours for the talk.
Women Suffragettes in London over 100 years a go winning the right for women to vote in England, what’s the link find out at the Linden House talk.
Eye Creativity Unwrapped Walk shows what links Eye has with Ballet, Bells and more. Walk open September 8 until 17th September
This is a self guided walk through the streets of Eye in Suffolk with the aid of a map and story boards. The walk can be taken on any day from Friday September 8 through to Sunday 17th at a time to suit giving you time for a coffee stop or lunch and then resume the walk. Just follow the map from one venue to another with the help of information board that will reveal the creative past and present of Eye. There are around thirty locations to visit around the streets of the old medieval market town and should take you between one to one and a half hours, the more tea shops you stop at the longer it will take.
Hartismere Day Care Centre Country Music Festival
Sunday September 17th from 12 – 4 pm all welcome just pop in as you pass along Castleton Way. You will find us behind the Police Station and the Hartismere Hospital. All the residents will be pleased to see new faces and old friends alike.
Eye Cemetery and Victorian Chapels
The Eye Cemetery located on the Yaxley Road to the West of the town dates back well before the 1800s and was opened when the Eye Parish Church yard was full to capacity. The home of rare Twin Victorian Chapels over one hundred years old the unusual pair of mortuary chapels sit astride the driveway and will be open for viewing on Sunday September 17th.
Just some of the Eye Heritage Open Days Festival team of wonderful Volunteers with Pop up Museum Exhibits in Eye Town Hall
If you are a visitor and take pictures of this event, please share them on our on Instagram @eye_suffolk or FaceBook pages @eye town council @eye town hall .
Never been to Eye in Suffolk take a quick tour now take a walk through the Church grounds
Eye Bach Choir Rehearsal Friday September 15th Eye Town Hall
Eye Bach Choir, founded by Merlin and Ann Channon in 1974, is one of Suffolk’s foremost choirs and proudly about to celebrate its 50th Anniversary Season.This is your chance to see and hear one of the most acclaimed choirs in the region as they are opening one of their Friday rehearsals to the public.
This rehearsal starts at 7.45 in the main hall of Eye Town Hall it is fully seated and the seat numbers are limited . If you have never seen the Eye Bach Choir in action this is your night and if you are a regular and you just want a creative fix you are welcome too.
Their repertoire covers works from the sixteenth century to the twentieth century, although they honour J.S.Bach in their title
This is Free Event open to all but please remember there are a limited number of seats. Please feel free to drop in for part of the rehearsal or stay for the full 2 hour session
Many thanks to the Eye Bach Choir for this rare opportunity.
Open Rehearsal of Eye Bach Choir 7.45 until 9.45 pm Visit Eye Bach Choir click here
All are welcome to drop into this free event, part of Heritage Open Days. Lovers of choral music will be offered a glimpse into our rehearsal process. The focus will be on Vivaldi Gloria – the magnificent feature work to be performed at our 50th anniversary opening season concert on November 11th at Eye Parish Church with professional soloists and orchestra
Eye Woman’s Institute Coffee Morning Friday September 16th Eye Town Hall
The Eye Women’s Institute join’s the Eye Heritage Open Days Festival to deliver their creative heritage, with an invitation to join them in the Eye Town Hall for a coffee from 10.00am until 12.00 on Saturday September 16th, all welcome. Come in if you think all we do is make jam, a visit will open your eyes to our long colourful and creative heritage. Eye has hosted a branch of the WI for over one hundred years serving Eye and the surrounding area.
The Women’s Institute inspire women on issues such as women’s rights, the environment, social issues and education. Joining the Women’s Institute may change your life you may find the passion for a subject that is close to your heart and help, support and inspiration of thousands of other women.
The Women’s Institute meet every Second Thursday of each month at 14.00 in the Eye Community Centre on Magdalen Street. If you are unable to make a visit on Saturday 16th September why not join us on our regular dates, it’s an open invitation to all women of any age.
Once in the Eye Town Hall you will find stalls of creative items, food and of course there will be that famous table of must buy cakes for sale to raise funds for the Eye Woman’s Institute.
Tony Diamond invites you to Eye Church narrating the story of the Mayflower link with Eye on Saturday September 16th, full details under Eye Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
This informal informative talk about the Puritan families will be delivered as only Tony Diamond can do it. Come along and take your place in the Eye Church pew before 4.30 pm when the talk begins in earnest. The talk will take some twists and turns over the afternoon, you will be able to ask your questions and make your own conclusions on this subject, as you join Tony for light refreshments after the talk.
The Bank Art Centre FIGURE Artist Talks
Artist Talks at The BankSunday 17th September. 11am – 2pmJoin us for a series of mini talks with The Bank’s Curator and Artists featured in our current exhibition – FIGURE. Meet the artists, learn about their practices & listen to discussions on representing the figure. Free to attend. Hot/Soft drinks available at our Café. Reserve a place online at - www.thebankeye.org/artisttalks
The Eye Film Show Sunday September 17th Eye Community Centre
The Video Artists Alistair Govan and Andrew Brown have been video recording in Eye over the past fourteen years.We present a special edit of scenes from all the films that will bring back memories of people, places and events over the years. This is a special showing of video for Eye Heritage Open Days on Sunday September 17th 2023 Featuring the creativity of video production in Eye and linking the Heritage of the town.The Eye Community Centre will open at 12.00, refreshments will be on offer before, during the interval and after the 12.30 showing in this all seated Cinema. This is a Free video, shown in the image is the advertising poster for the original showing.
Cars may be left in the car park while you explore the rest of the Eye Heritage Open Days, Please move your car by 16.30
The centre has a large free car park for you to start your visit to Eye Suffolk. On the B1117 or for your SatNav IP23 7AJ
HW LEAFLET 2023 Download and print Map
Eye Town Hall, Broad St, Eye, Suffolk, IP23 7AB
Eye and it’s surrounding villages are steeped in history. A visit is an opportunity to see the wonderful history that Eye Town has to offer and an invitation to explore the Town Hall and take a tour of the town.
You are invited to view a collection of historical displays from the building of our famous Norman Castle and medieval Church through to World War 2 .Indeed get a lift up to the old WW2 airfield the wartime home of the 490th BG(H)USAAF in a 1942 Jeep where there will be a display of other vehicles from that era.
No aircraft on the runway today however a collection of history students from Hartismere School will deliver a WW2 presentation weather permitting on Friday September 15th
Eye Airfield – The Memorial Trail
Eye Airfield Heritage walks by 490 th group. Take the choice of three walks
More about the 490th BG (H) visit the two memorials that can be found on the 2 Eye Airfield Walks
Travel to the WW2 Airfield wartime home of the 490th BG (H) USAAF in a 1942 Jeep, available on request book at the Town Hall on the day. Alternatively take the footpath and visit the Victoria Mill site on route to the airfield. Sunday 17th Ride to the Eye WW2 Airfield in a 1942 USAAF Jeep book in person on the day or pre book through 490thmemorial@gmail.com
Victoria Mill, Eye
Millfield, Castleton Way, Eye, Suffolk, IP23 7DE
This post mill was built around 1799 and was used for grinding corn.A post mill is the earliest type of European windmill.The whole body of the mill that houses the machinery is mounted on a single vertical post.
Mainly timber-framed, whose body, containing machinery and carrying the sail, rotates about an upright post.A tower-like structure of wood or brick with a wooden cap and sails which are driven around by the wind producing power to work the internal machinery.
In August 1889 the mill was damaged by lightning and then in the 1920s it was so severely damaged by a storm it was never repaired.Parts were used in restoration of other mills, Framsden Post Mill. 1990: and Thrigby Mill in Norfolk.
The Bank, Eye Suffolk
The Bank Cafe & Arts Centre, 2 Castle Street, Eye, Suffolk, IP23 7AN
Originally built as a Midland Bank. To meet banking needs of individuals and companies trading in Eye,Suffolk. Later in life this building was rebranded as a HSBC bank, before closing as a bank serving the town of Eye.
The Bank is the trading name of Eyes Open CIC, a not-for-profit Community Interest Company dedicated to bringing arts to the rural town of Eye. The Bank is a Community Arts Centre & Coffee House in an old HSBC Bank, a Grade II Listed building, The Bank embraces a wide range of creative arts, including visual arts, music, theatre, literature and performance There is a coffee house, exhibition space and educational centre, offering a wide range of classes and workshops, as well as other craft activities.The Vault under the Bank is a high spec digital hub hosting training,gaming and soon a sound recording/editing studio.
During the Heritage Day the Bank will be serving Afternoon Cream teas
Eye Twin Chapels and Cemetery
Eye Cemetery , Yaxley Road, Eye, Suffolk, IP23 7DP
A pair of Victorian Chapels one each side of the gravel driveway. It is increasingly rare to have two chapels on the same site. One is still in use. Both are scheduled for refurbishment as part of a whole cemetery wide project.
This event is a real opportunity to get involved with living history and a vision for the future. This site is not normally open directly to the public. It is to bring awareness of a very special project to restore and repurpose the chapels. You can get involved with living history by joining the group who are working on this prestigious history project and help it come to life. Your skills can help to provide a living memory and a place of heritage, history, reflection and regeneration.
A working Project you can join
This is a working project and as much input and information gained on the day will be taken forward and influence the work in coming years. The team will welcome any local historic information or links with the graves/memorials within the cemetery. A working party has already been born out of last years event, with volenteers who have been removing vegertation from the head stones and recording information from the inscriptions, it is hoped that links can be found with living day relatives who can offer information about life in the past that can be used in the heritage development of the chapels. Contact for the day: June Gould
Abbey Hall, Eye Heritage Open Day
Abbey Hall, Hoxne Road, Eye, Suffolk, IP23 7NJ
Abbey Hall is set in 10 acres of water meadows on the site of the Benedictine Priory of St Peter which was razed in 1530.The former Abbey Farm Barn was listed at Risk in 1974 but has now been revived into a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy.
The house (The Abbey), and the bake and brewhouse (The Hall) were built from the rubble of the Priory in 1580.
The original roof was thatched but was destroyed by fire in 1910.
The Hall is a Scheduled Ancient Monument (30593) It has been roughly treated over the years in its use as a cattle barn, and has now been lovingly restored in the spirit of honest craftwork begun by the monks, in a way that maintains and enhances the magical sense of space and time in the spirit of the English Picturesque.
Eye Castle
35 Castle Street, Eye, Suffolk, IP23 7AW
Eye Castle is one of the few surviving motte-and-bailey castles from the early Norman period. Built shortly after the Norman conquest of England in 1066, the castle was sacked and largely destroyed in 1265
Self Guided Walks around the castle. Within the site the town’s beacon is located this was last used on June 2nd 2022 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee.
With uninterrupted views across the Suffolk countryside offering a birds eye view of the towns church. The site is open all day and is an ideal place to picnic with the family or start your full Heritage day tour. End your tour here as the grounds are open beyond timed events in the town, Eye is not a place to hurry just enjoy.
Presenting the Dove Players
Saturday 9th Dove Players Pantomime Workshop Saturday Eye Town Hall 11 until 1 pm Free for all to view or take part.If you enjoy it you can do it all over again on Sunday September 17 in the Eye Castle Grounds.
In the Grounds of the Eye Castle on Sunday September 17th the fantastic local Dove Players will present a Pantomime Workshop ahead of their December production of Puss in Boots.Have you ever wanted to get dressed up and get on stage. Dove Players have got it covered from costume, wig and face paint. Young or old it is your chance to get involved and hit the boards for your performance in Panto Land. With Fun and laughter all afternoon, so make sure that you bring along those Pantomime lines ‘OH no he’s not, OH yes he is.’The Dove Players will be on hand to help you get it right and if you are the STAR of the Show you could join them on stage for this years Christmas Pantomime on your road to stardom.
Eye Parish Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
Eye Parish Church, Church Street, Hoxne Road, Eye, Suffolk, IP23 7BD
The church is one of the grandest in Suffolk, not only on the outside, but also with regards to the treasures within. The great flint-encrusted tower was rebuilt in the second half of the 15th century. The tower took over 40 years to build.
This is a premier church in a county of fine churches. The 101ft tower, with its array of elaborate flushwork, grand stone parapet, noble polygonal buttresses is a masterpiece of c.1450-88, displaying John De La Pole’s arms, as does the two-storeyed south porch, which has superb 15th century stone carving. The south doorway has Early English dog-tooth and stiff-leaf carving which is 200 years older. The fan-vaulting beneath the tower, the pinnacled, cusped and crocketed tomb recess of the 1300s, the south chapel parapet of Tudor brick and terra-cotta are just some of the architectural details to be savoured here.
Eye Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
This year sees a new addition to events at the Eye Church on Church Street Eye as the Church plays host to one of Eye’s leading Creatives author, painter and public speaker he does it all.He is of course the talented Tony Diamond.
On Saturday September 16th you can take your seat on the polished wooden church pew to hear how Eye is linked to the New World. The Mayflower Pilgrims sailed from Plymouth England to America in search of a new life but how were they linked with Eye in Suffolk, only Tony can give you the answer so don’t be late for this event as there is only the one performance at Eye Church during Eye Heritage Open Days Festival this year.
Showcasing the Queens Head our one and only remaining Public House in Eye. They will be serving traditional Pub Food with a great choice of beer, ale, wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee.
CAMRA website of lost Pubs in Eye gives a good history A Map of Eye showing locations of the lost pubs of Eye in Suffolk
The Vine Church
Find the Vine Church one of two on Church Street on the walkway by David Dunnett Butchers
Opens the doors for the first time joining the Eye Heritage Open Days Festival just after midday after the Sunday morning family service . However if you wish to arrive early and join the service please arrive before 10.30 when you will be welcomed.
The Baptist way of being the church is living together in community; in a family where everybody is equal because everybody has a part to play in the service of God. Equality by status, however, does not mean that all have the same role. Every local Baptist church appoints its own leaders to have particular responsibilities.
A Free Concert for all the community and visitors to Eye Suffolk
The Castleton Brass Band will perform at this years Eye Heritage Open Days Event in the Eye Town Hall at 4 pm on Sunday,September 17th
Live on Stage in the Eye Town Hall the Castleton Brass Band will perform a medley of favourites from 4 pm on Sunday September 17th This is an open event for all visitors and residents to Eye Suffolk on the final day of the festival.The cafe will be open for tea, coffee and cake
Castleton Brass Band originated as the Norwich-based Drayton Band in 1937. In the year 2000 they moved their rehearsals to Hartismere High School in Castleton Way Eye, and decided to adopt the new name of Castleton Brass. Following this, they moved to Mid Suffolk Business Park in Eye, and from May 2018 they have been based in Stoke Ash.
A Suffolk based Brass Band, they play for all kinds of events such as Village Fetes, Concerts, Birthday Parties, Wedding receptions, Church Services, Garden parties etc.
Castleton Brass Band have a large and varied repertoire, and can tailor their performance to suit all requirements.
Free tickets for this event are available from The Handyman Eye Seating is limited for this final event.
Walk around Eye Suffolk The Eye Circular Walk
Eye-Circular-Walks Download and keep your copy
Eye boasts so many listed and converted premises which have become homes. All have a history and a story to tell, from a Public House that was the scene of a murder is just one myth or true tale. You can take a walk to find the truth, discovering the history of this market town
Heritage Open Days ( click for further information )
Read the Eye Magazine or Join the Eye-to-Eye email service Eye-to-Eye, was established in October 2013 in order to provide a free email service to residents of Eye and surrounding areas whereby they can be alerted to events / incidents in a timely manner. The service complements parish magazines in that residents can be kept informed of things that occur (or change) between issues. If you would like to receive Eye-to-Eye “What’s On” emails, all you need to do is email your name and postcode to: JOIN-EYE-TO-EYE@OUTLOOK.COM to keep informed
For Social Media use hashtag #HODS or #Heritageopendays You will find us on FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram
Events may change on the day more events may be added come back soon.
Eye Heritage Open Day would like to thank Susan Whymark Funeral Service Ltd for banners and the roadside advertising boards for this event. We Thank all Supporters of this event
Thank you Abbie and the team at the Bank who with Students of Hartismere School helped with the research into the history of Eye Suffolk.