People will be able to enjoy exploring Felixstowe’s history and heritage this weekend with a chance to focus on the men and women who shaped the town.

Organisers of Felixstowe`s third Heritage Open Days Weekend promise it will be bigger, better and longer than last year`s event.

There are 53 different activities between Friday and Sunday – including exhibitions, talks, guided walks, and open buildings.

Phil Hadwen, vice chairman of the Felixstowe Society, said: “The Heritage Hub this year is situated in Walton Parish Church Hall, opposite Walton Church, where there are at least 12 different static displays all related to Felixstowe and its rich heritage – including Felixstowe Photographic Society, the Beaker Folk, the Walton Hundred project, memorabilia from Orwell and Deben high schools and much more.

“There will also be displays at the Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club and Felixstowe Tennis Club, and prominent among the events offered will be the two displays about pirate radio at the Cotman Hall and Radio Caroline at Fish Dish, Undercliff Road West, and the chance to learn the part Felixstowe played.

“As always there are a number of interesting, guided walks – nine in all – and a large number of our local churches will also be open to visitors.”

Four private residences will be open to view – a Walton cottage, a Georgian terraced house, a Victorian property and a delightful art and crafts cottage designed by local architect Thomas Cotman. Small tours will be permitted throughout the weekend.

Other interesting properties open include the modern China Shipping House and new Felixstowe Academy, plus the Felixstowe Fire Station, the Walton Smock Mill and the Orwell Hotel, and Landguard Fort and Felixstowe Museum will open their doors on Sunday.

Historic coaches will provide free transport around the town Saturday and Sunday from Trimley Station to Felixstowe Ferry and then up through the town and down to Landguard Fort.

There will also be six talks covering a different aspect of Felixstowe`s heritage.

Details of all activities are available in a 16-page colour booklet available from the Ipswich Star/EADT office in Hamilton Road, or the Tourist Information Centre on the seafront.