New High Street Heritage Action Zone exhibition opens in Weston

The free exhibition launched today (Thursday, January 18) in unit 27 of the Sovereign. Locals can visit from 10am until 3pm from Thursday to Sunday every week up until Sunday, February 11, 2024.

The exhibition, a preview of which was held yesterday, showcases many of the town's buildings which have been restored to their former glory and upgraded, including Walker & Ling on 84-86 High Street.

Weston had two Heritage Action Zones in its town centre thanks to a combined investment of £2m from Historic England. The Great Weston Heritage Action Zone ended in September 2022, while the High Street Heritage Action Zone will end in March 2024.

Artwork and stories behind Super Culture's programme, 21st Century super Shrines, are also featured. The focus behind this programme is to celebrate the people of Weston and the town's sense of community.

Everyone is welcome to attend. (Image: NQ staff)Shoppers may have already noticed a large colourful pigeon illuminated at the front of the exhibition, which was created by Chila Kumari Singh Burman MBE and showcased at last year's GLOW Light Festival.

The PIGEON illumination is unmissable. (Image: North Somerset Council)

The stories and inspiration behind Megan Clark-Bagnall's pet-focused You Shrine, Morag Myerscough's Super Wonder Shrine and Tom Marshman's Queer Tales of Weston can also be explored.

The legacy of the heritage scheme is celebrated at the exhibition. (Image: NQ staff)Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member responsible for Heritage Action Zones, said: “Weston has seen significant improvements as a result of the interest Historic England has shown in our town, and the funding it has provided to restore and preserve our heritage for current and future generations.

A launch event was held yesterday. (Image: NQ staff)The event finishes in February. (Image: NQ staff)

"We’re very grateful and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Historic England. Without them this work would not have been possible. I’d also like to extend my thanks to everyone involved in delivering these projects."

Local councillors attended the event. (Image: NQ staff)

Fiona Matthews, creative director at Super Culture, said: “21st Century super Shrines has been a glorious creative adventure on the high street. Hundreds of local people have worked alongside a host of brilliant artists to make a series of unique creative tributes to the town and its people.

"Over the past four years, we’ve explored Weston’s rich heritage to create distinctive experiences that encapsulate the energy and passion of the people here and now."

Councillor Mike Solomon thanked everyone involved. (Image: NQ staff)

Rebecca Barrett, Regional Director at Historic England, said: “’All Together Now’ is a fantastic celebration of Weston’s High Street Heritage Acton Zone and all it has delivered – from beautifully restored historic buildings to a programme of vibrant cultural events that Weston excels at."

Visitors can also learn more about future developments in the town, including plans for Birnbeck Pier.