Planning a Memorable National Heritage Week Event: Insights from Event Organisers

Where Did the Idea for Your Event Come From?

Andrea & Winifred from Mountcharles Heritage Group
Their events are rooted in personal passion. Sometimes, they stem from a quirky idea or a forgotten story that just feels worth telling. Their advice? "Don’t overthink it—if it excites you, go for it. Fun is the goal, and passion is the fuel."


Martha from Maharees Conservation Association
Martha and her team were inspired by simply browsing the NHW categories. They discovered "Living Heritage" and realised their community was full of living traditions worth celebrating. “Sometimes the best ideas are right under your nose—you just need the right prompt to find them.”


Emer from Ballycumber Tidy Towns
Emer’s inspiration came from a NHW theme, “Connections, Routes, and Networks.” They looked at the local geography and saw that bridges connecting towns along the Brosna River were a shared symbol. From this, a multi-town flag project was born.

What Makes a Good Heritage Week Event?

Fun and Sociability

Every organiser emphasized that a successful event is, first and foremost, fun. Martha said it best: “Make it fun and sociable. Celebrate your place and your people.

Inclusive Participation

Emer highlighted the importance of involving all age groups. “Workshops, especially with kids, are key. We also brought in local schools and Tidy Towns groups.

Creativity and Connections

Andrea and Winifred believe events should be creative and community-centred. “Engage artists, readers, young people. Tap into the talents around you and spark new connections.”

What Should Organisers Keep in Mind?

Build a Strong Core Team.

Mountcharles organisers recommend assembling a small team of “dreamers and doers”—people with both vision and organisational skills. “Trust, hard work, and instinct are your team’s foundation.

Planning & Safety First

From booking systems to insurance, Martha stressed being prepared. “Use email for RSVPs to keep it personal and manageable. And always check with your insurer.

Themes, Locations & Logistics

Emer encourages thinking ahead about the NHW theme, choosing a location, and involving as many people as possible. “Reuse materials, get sponsorship, and maximise value from funding.”

Go With Your Gut

Andrea and Winifred advise listening to your instincts: “If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. Trust yourself, and reach out for help when needed.”

Promotion Tips That Work

Start Early and Think Locally

Martha is clear: “Promote before and after. Understand how your local media works—some want their own photos; others will use well-taken shots. Build those relationships.

Use Social Media Smartly

All three organisers leaned on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and also promoted through parish or council pages. “It’s about making it easy for people to find your event,” says Emer.

Capture & Share the Moments

Good quality photos or even short videos make a big difference. “People love seeing pictures of themselves and their neighbours at events,” says Martha. “It builds connection and helps with future promotion.”

Final Words of Wisdom

Be Brave – “Take a chance on your idea,” say Andrea and Winifred. “If you’re having fun, others will too.”

Celebrate Community – “Let the event be about your place and your people,” says Martha.

Keep It Practical – Emer reminds us: “It’s educational, yes, but it’s also about sandwiches, flags, and fun.”Whether it’s ten people or a hundred, if you bring your community together around something meaningful, you’ve already succeeded.

To register your National Heritage Week event simply log into your events portal and go from there.