Explore the heritage trades at The Heights

THE Geelong community will have the opportunity to celebrate heritage trades, skills and crafts at The Heights Heritage Skills and Traditions Autumn Fair on April 26.

The Heights House and Garden will open its doors for the event, inviting visitors to explore the grounds and enjoy a range of different demonstrations throughout the day.

Held in conjunction with the Australian Heritage Festival, a range of trades and skills will be on display, including from the Geelong Beekeepers Club, Geelong Lace Makers, the Hidden Hands Workshop and more.

Visitors will also be able to take tours of the historic house and learn about the history of the grounds.

The festival celebrates The Heights Heritage House and Gardens, which is 171 years old and was acquired by the National Trust 50 years ago.

National Trust Australia Victoria’s Geelong properties co-ordinator Matthew Barmby said the event is normally held in Spring, however, was moved to autumn to celebrate the 50 year anniversary.

“The purpose behind it is to create a little bit more awareness about The Heights itself and its amazing gardens and history.

“A lot of the money also goes towards the National Trust, and it goes back into looking after and preserving our history that we have here, so for years to come, we can support and show off what we’ve got,” he said.

Previous fairs have focused on the gardens and plants while the 2025 event will showcase heritage, skills and trade.

“We’re really shining a light on some of these lost trades or different skills…and show people something they probably wouldn’t see in their day-to-day life,” Mr Barmby said.

“We hope that they really learn something new and gain an appreciation and awareness of what we do here.”

Entry into the event is a gold coin donation, with the festival running from 11am until 4pm.

For more information, head to nationaltrust.org.au