FACTS
| Heritage Open Days 2003 contains a Children’s Activity Programme, which is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Opening times vary from building to building, a free leaflet giving more information is available from Coventry’s Tourist Information Centre, Bayley Lane, 024 7622 7264 / 7266.
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 |  | Say the word 'Heritage' to a teenager and they'd probably run a mile. But Coventry youngsters are in for an amazing treat with the free events organised for them this weekend in the city. Ask them if they want to learn sword fighting and you'll no doubt have their attention!
'Heritage Open Days' is part of a national scheme run by the Civic Trust to open buildings that are not normally open to the public or have an entry fee for free over this weekend (September 13th-14th).
This year there are seventeen separate sites and a dedicated young peoples activities programme on offer.
Swordplay workshops for teenagers
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Budding swashbucklers will enjoy two different swordplay workshops. Running 11.30am-3pm both days, The European Historical Combat Guild will be holding sword workshops in Priory Gardens, whilst the Sikh Gatkas will be holding their workshops in Castle Yard.
Both groups will be demonstrating their skills in the Cathedral ruins in half hour shows both days starting at 1pm.
Medieval medicine from the garden
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| |  | Sikh Gatkas will be giving workshops too
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This year there's a garden theme and people at the Priory Visitors' Centre will be invited to make a miniature garden or a lavender sachet, as well as meeting a Tudor apothecary to discover some curious cures.
Coventry’s Green Man will be around the Cathedral Quarter on Sunday to add to the garden atmosphere.
Visitors will be taken back in time to get a feel for monastery life at Whifefriars Friary, where they can try out a monk’s habit, take part in an I spy life in a monastery quiz and guess the mystery objects. There’s also an opportunity to make a brass rubbing as a memento of your visit.
Renaissance music and dance
Costumed characters around the route will explain the history of the buildings and there’s a chance to dress up too with the costume workshops at St Mary’s Guildhall, where you could make your own headdress.
Draper’s Hall will be hosting Renaissance music and dancing from Isambarde, providing a chance to learn some very old steps.
Free of charge
| |  | Try on a monk's habit and take part in the monastery quiz
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Most activities are designed for teenagers aged 14-16, but younger children are welcome to join in. All activities are provided free of charge, although some require pre-booking and parent supervision.
Event Manager, Jane Wynn, said, “The young people’s activity programme is all about bringing history to life, whether it’s the sights and sounds of a monastery or the rituals of Sikh culture.
This year’s programme has a good range of activities for both the girls and the boys - so bring the whole family out for free!”
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