Anyone based in the ACT and surrounding region can now register to host an event as part of the 2024 Canberra and Region Heritage Festival.

The 2024 festival will run from 13 to 28 April 2024, which includes the autumn school holidays and Anzac Day.

“It’s the perfect time for people of all ages to learn about our diverse heritage and our links to people, places, and the past,” Rebecca Vassarotti, ACT Minister for Heritage, said.

“Hosting an event is a great opportunity to connect with the community, and I encourage organisations, small businesses and individuals to get in early and register as hosts now.”

Registrations are due by 31 January 2024.

This year’s theme, ‘Connections’ – which is also the national theme for the 2024 Australian Heritage Festival – highlights the rich and diverse stories of our community, and strengthens our cultural and historical ties to place and to each other, Ms Vassarotti said.

“This year’s Heritage Festival is about uniting the community to celebrate the long and storied history of our region stretching back for tens of thousands of years,” Ms Vassarotti said.

“I also urge Canberrans to utilise this year’s heritage festival as an opportunity to contemplate the connection the Ngunnawal community has to the land here in the Canberra region.

“In a year marked by debates which have had a massive impact on First Nations people, heritage offers us a chance to recognise the injustices endured by First Peoples and take steps towards reconciliation.

“This year’s festival, which celebrated its 40^th anniversary, had more than 180 events including workshops, guided tours and exhibitions. We want next year’s festival to continue the trend by bringing in more voices and activities to celebrate our heritage.”

Register an event on the Canberra and Region Heritage Festival page on the ACT Environment website.