Christchurch’s annual Heritage Festival begins on Friday, bringing 11 days of walks, talks, open days and exhibitions to the city and Banks Peninsula.

This year’s programme runs from 16 to 26 October and uses the theme “Connections”. The festival is framed as a chance to explore the stories that link people to place, with activities spread across the city rather than concentrated in a single venue.

The programme includes heritage walks, exhibitions and opportunities to engage with local archives. Christchurch City Libraries is also promoting events that invite people to explore the city’s built history and share personal connections to the region.

For families and residents with their own local history to contribute, the Christchurch Photo Hunt is running through October. Participants can submit old and new images, adding a contemporary layer to the festival’s focus on memory and place.

The festival arrives as the city moves toward Labour Weekend, when several heritage sites and community venues will open their doors or host special sessions. Details and bookings for individual events are available through the official programme.