PEOPLE are being given the chance to find out eveything they ever wanted to know about Burnley - in a weekend.

They can enjoy a guided walk linking three of the town's parks, learn about twin town Vitry-Sur-Seine at an exhibition in the town centre, take a tour around Hurstwood, where the Elizabethan poet Edmund Spenser once lived, or find out how the town's famous Pendle Witch Beer is brewed at Moorhouse's Brewery.

The events are just several of more than 26 taking place between September 7-10, when Burnley will take part in the biggest free celebration of England's architecture, history and culture.

Properties that are not usually open to the public will be welcoming visitors and attractions that usually charge will be allowing people in for free.

Many of the area's churches and places of worship will be open and several guided walks will be held.

At Towneley Hall, people can go behind the scenes from the attic to the cellars; visit the museum or meet Richard Towneley and his family and re-live life in the 1680s.

On Saturday, September 9, visitors will be able to "Meet The Authors".

Coun Roger Frost, a local historian and Burnley Council's executive member for leisure and culture, and Mike Townend, of Towneley Hall, will talk about their work.

Coun Frost said: "In addition we are inviting visitors to bring along their own photographs - especially those which have a relevance to the town's history"

On Sunday more than 50 vehicles will be taking part in a Vintage Vehicle Cavalcade to Towneley Hall, stopping off at the Weavers' Triangle Visitor Centre and Queen Street Mill Textile Museum, both of which are open for free.

In Padiham, the town hall is opening for guided tours and there will be an exhibition on the town's history.

Heritage walks in Burnley and Padiham

Three Parks Walk
Bank Hall Park Car Park 7th Sept. 2.00pm

Victorian Burnley
Burnley Town Hall 7th Sept. 6.30pm

Padiham Town Trail
St. Leonard's Church, Padiham 8th Sept. 6.00pm

Historic Hurstwood
At the Car Park 9th Sept. 11.00am

Burnley Public Arts Trail
Mid Pennine Gallery, Yorke Street 9th Sept. 12.30pm

Guided Towpath Walk
Weavers' Triangle Visitor Centre 9th Sept. 2.15pm

Towneley Heritage Walk
Outside the gift shop, Towneley Hall 10th Sept. 2.00pm

Open days at places of worship

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
7th - 9th Sept. 10.00am - 5.00pm

Towneley Methodist Church
8th Sept. 10.00am - 4.00pm

St. Catherine's Church
9th Sept. 10.00am - 4.00pm

Church of St. John the Evangelist, Worsthorne
9th Sept. 10.00am - 2.00pm

Church of St. John the Divine, Cliviger
10th Sept. 2.00pm - 4.00pm

For further details ring Burnley Tourist Information Centre on 01282 664421 or visit the website www.burnleytourism.co.uk.