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Heritage organisations across Marlborough are preparing to welcome visitors as the Marlborough Heritage Festival gets underway next weekend.
The festival will run across two weekends and feature 36 events throughout the district, coinciding with International Museum Day on May 18.
Celebrating local history
The programme includes talks, workshops and family activities designed to showcase Marlborough’s history, culture and heritage sites.
One of the featured events is a wool bale stencil workshop at Marlborough Vintage Farm Machinery Museum at Brayshaw Park on May 15.
The session will be led by Annette O’Sullivan, who will discuss how research into early wool bale branding developed from the purchase of a single stencil.
Cultural storytelling
Also on May 15, visitors can attend Pakohe kōrero with Ngakau at Kete Aronui near the Pelorus Campground.
The event will explore the history and cultural significance of pakohe, or argillite, and Ngāti Kuia connections to the area.
Maritime history focus
The Edwin Fox Maritime Museum will also host a talk on the history of the Edwin Fox sailing ship and its place in Marlborough’s heritage story.
Family-friendly programme
Organisers say this year’s festival includes a strong range of events aimed at tamariki, helping younger generations engage with local history.
Visitors are being encouraged to register early, with some events already nearing capacity.
