Iconic York landmarks are set to be featured in this year's Australian Heritage Festival.
This year York will open its doors to many of its historic properties with free weekend entry at the Old Courthouse Complex and a range of walking tours.
Hosted by the National Trust of Western Australia, the festival will host a behind the scenes tour of the courthouse complex on Sunday, April 28.
With more than 150 events across WA, the Australian Heritage Festival will highlight a variety of stories that have shaped Western Australia.
National Trust chief executive Julian Donaldson said the festival provides locals with exciting and enriching ways of learning about Australian heritage and culture with a variety of events to suit everyone.
"Western Australia has a very colourful history and The Australian Heritage Festival provides the opportunity to celebrate the cultural significance and diversity of that history," Mr Donaldson said.
"We have local government, heritage and tourism organisations who will share their history and culture through an array of diverse and unique events to celebrate Australia's rich historic, natural and Indigenous heritage."
This year's focus is of our connections to place, people and the past and how understanding their significance helps us to approach our future with a sense of purpose and identity.
See a list of events in York below:
EVENT: Arts and Crafts Buildings in York
DATE: Sunday, May 5
HOSTED BY: York Arts Events, Inc.
A walking tour of six arts and crafts buildings in York. York is fortunate to have six splendid Arts and Crafts buildings, all designed by Government Architect. George Temple-Poole. Tour guide Rob Garton-Smith will discuss the Arts and Crafts movement and architecture, and take the group on a walk to each of the six Arts and Crafts buildings in York.
EVENT: York Antique Collectibles Fair
DATE: Saturday, April 20, Sunday, April 21 and Monday, April 22
HOSTED BY: York Friendship Club Inc.
Old wares and collectables in the state's oldest and most majestic Town Hall, the best little Antique Fair in the West has been running for nearly 30 Years. This will be the 4 th year run by the York Friendship Club, with door proceeds directed to the Fred Hollows Foundation.
EVENT: Spooky Tour of York
DATE: Saturday, April 27
HOSTED BY: Shire of York
A meander by lamplight around the heart of historic York will send chills down your spine as you discover the darker side of those beautiful heritage buildings. Meet the nineteenth century Widow in Mourning on the steps of York Town Hall and be prepared to tread where others dare not go!
EVENT: Buttons and Bones - York Convicts
DATE: Sunday, April 20 - Sunday, May 19
HOSTED BY: York Residency Museum, Shire of York
The lives of convicts stationed at York Convict Depot are revealed in a fascinating new display that draws upon recent archaeological excavations and the Residency Museum collections. Opening on Saturday 20th April at 2pm, there will be an archaeologist's talk about the exhibits and digs on the site.
EVENT: York's Art for Anzacs
DATE: Thursday, April 18 - Sunday, May 19
HOSTED BY: Shire of York
Silhouettes of York Anzacs were painted by local artists for the Centenary of Anzac, commemorating the sacrifices and hardships endured by the people of York. A selection of these unique creations are being displayed during the Heritage Festival, together with interpretation of their stories.
EVENT: Free Entry Weekends at York Courthouse Complex
DATE: April 20 - May 19 (Weekends only)
HOSTED BY: National Trust of Western Australia
From the lofty grandeur of the court room to the stark confines of prison cells, the York Courthouse Complex tells the intriguing story of country policing from the days of the first convicts to the late 20th century. Enjoy free entry weekends to National Trust Properties in WA during the festival.
EVENT: York Courthouse Complex Guided Tour
DATE: Sunday, April 28
HOSTED BY: National Trust of Western Australia
Enjoy a behind the scenes tour of this unique building, with stories of country policing from the early convict days to the late twentieth century.
EVENT: Holy Trinity Open Day
DATE: Saturday, May 4
HOSTED BY: York Parish Council Diocese of Perth
A very special opportunity to see the historic Holy Trinity Anglican Church. Admire the beautiful Robert Juniper stained glass windows and what is believed to be the last 1898 Albert Pease pipe organ in use in Australia. Delicious teas and bell ringing demonstrations are included.
The Australian Heritage Festival will run from 18 April until 19 May and for further information please head to www.nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/
