BLACKPOOL's historic Grand Theatre is among hundreds of fascinating, curious and sometimes hidden attractions in the country to be opening doors to the public this weekend, (September 13-16).

Heritage Open Days 2002 is a national celebration of the wonderfully varied architecture of this country and offers free access to more than 2.000 properties.

These range from private homes, castles and churches, football clubs and windmills to contemporary design classics, transport, industrial and military buildings plus factories, jails and tunnels.

The event, which is co-ordinated by the Civic Trust and sponsored by the English Heritage, is expected to attract 800,000 people.

"This is an opportunity for people to see inside historic places not usually open to the public and to gain an understanding of their individual attractions," said Peter de Figueiredo, historic buildings inspector, English Heritage north west.

The Grade 11 listed Grand Theatre, which opened in 1894, was chosen for the regional launch of Heritage Open Days in the north west.

It has survived flames - a big fire in 1940 - and defended demolition. A mid-1960s town centre redevelopment plan proposed a department store instead and in 1976 the Grand faced and fought off a bleak future as a bingo hall.

"The Grand is a gem of the north west," said Peter de Figueiredo.

"It's a wonderfully vibrant building with a beautiful, elaborate interior and incorporates all the spirit and gaiety of an entertainment centre like Blackpool."

The theatre was dubbed 'Matcham's Masterpiece', in honour of the work of leading Victorian theatre architect, Frank Matcham.

Some of the country's best-loved actors and actresses, including Lily Langtry, John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson, Vivien Leigh and Thora Hird, have trod the boards and used the dressing rooms at The Grand.

In 1910, the Grand underwent a major transformation when it was repainted, redecorated and re-upholstered from floor to ceiling.

Great stars like Evelyn Laye, Carl Brisson, Tallulah Bankhead, Olga Lindo, Matheson Long and husband and wife team, Cicely Courtneidge and Jack Hulbert appeared at the Grand in the 1920s. Most famous of the 1930s attractions was Gracie Fields.

The theatre was nearly destroyed by fire in 1940 when a night shift of cleaners found a section of seating alight in the gallery. The fire brigade quickly extinguished the blaze which was caused by a cigarette end.

1950s and 60s holidaymakers remember the summer season comedy favourites such as Arthur Askey, Glenn Melvyn, Danny Ross, Hylda Baker, Freddie Frinton, Sid James and Jack Douglas.

In 1972 The Grand was made a Grade 11 listed building and soon afterwards The Friends of the Grand Theatre group was formed. WW11 veteran A Burt Briggs, barrister John Hodson and other local theatre lovers banded together to resist an application to demolish the theatre as part of a town centre redevelopment plan.

The Theatre Trust bought the theatre from EMI in 1980 and following refurbishment in 1981, re-opened with a production of The Merchant of Venice with Timothy West and Prunella Scales.

A major five-year restoration project began in 1988 and further fund-raising appeals and grants were used to instal a new iron canopy on the outside of the building and to make other structural improvements.

The 2001 Glorious Grand Appeal raised £250,000 towards restoring the theatre to its pristine 19th century condition which was ultimately revealed in all its glory on a Gala Celebration Evening in January this year.

Heritage Open Day at the Grand is on Saturday - doors open 10am. To book a guided tour, call 01253 290190.

Another Fylde Coast attractions Thornton's Marsh Mill's heritage and history exhibitions and games. See and try the crafts of yesteryear - spinning, Victorian needle and lacework, plus working model engines. Open Sat and Sun tel 01253 860765.

For details of all attractions visit the website www.heritageopendays.org or tel your local Tourist Information Office. There is also a public information line - 020 7930 9294.