A celebration of the Port of Grimsby, operated by Associated British Ports (ABP), will be the highlight when it participates in the national Heritage Open Day 2023 on Saturday 16 September.
The open day within the historic area referred to as the Kasbah, whose name was first used in reference to The Square by those who worked there, will focus on family friendly activities, talks, and tours of this conservation area.
Simon Bird, Regional Director of the Humber ports said: “Grimsby and the Kasbah is a unique place with so much history and heritage with great progress being made in bringing it back to life.
There’s an opportunity to find out how it’s being used by the film and TV sector as a location and ABP’s ambitions to pursue this to make the place viable. It’s our catalyst in bringing a new identity to the location.
We’re supporting the many businesses on the port who are all passionate and keen to showcase what they do during this exciting time. Visitors can learn about the past but also about the future and the work being undertaken to preserve its identity.”
Cllr Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure, and Culture said: “The port was, and is, so key to the lives of so many families in our borough. Working with partners, we’re helping others to make use of the buildings on the port once again. I’d like to take the time to congratulate all those that have taken on buildings, bringing new life to the docks.”
Stella Jackson, Heritage Action Zone project manager at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “This event will be a great opportunity to come and see all of the fantastic project work that’s taken place over the last few months, and to find out more about the area’s heritage as well as its ongoing regeneration too.”
This year the port is celebrating the theme of ‘creativity unwrapped’ and its architecture, port design, food, crafts, artwork, music, and culture associated with maritime, ports and shipping. There will be demonstrations of net braiding and people can meet Phyllis the braider who will bring this skill to life.
Guided tours will focus on the history of the port, its historic buildings, and their future, while there will also be an opportunity to explore one of the port’s many smokehouses (Alfred Enderby Smokehouse) and a chance to visit some of the buildings undergoing renovation through the PSiCA grant scheme.
Volunteer archivist Garry Crosland, a former employee of ABP, will give a talk on railways and how they helped shape the port, and Emma Lingard, ABP’s Communications Manager and avid historian will give a talk on the architecture of the site.
The open day will take place on Saturday 16 September 2023 from 10am to 4pm on the Port of Grimsby. Admission is free.
