Go behind closed doors at local landmarks this weekend

Heritage enthusiasts are getting their chance to go behind closed doors at local landmarks this weekend.

For Swansea Council is revealing several of its buildings as part of the annual Ty Agored Abertawe Open House event taking place across the city on Saturday September 12 and Sunday September 13.

Heritage enthusiasts will be getting the chance to see what effect millions of pounds of improvements at the Guildhall in Swansea have had on the grade one listed building so far.

There will also be an opportunity to explore how the Tawe lock gates work at the Tawe Lock House as well as a chance to go behind the scenes at the Mansion House, Swansea Museum's Collections Centre, Bishop's Wood Nature Reserve and the Civic Centre.

Ty Agored Abertawe/Swansea Open House is now in its sixth year and is growing steadily with 2009 the biggest year yet.

Organised by Swansea-based not-for-profit design service Sylfaen Cynefin, the event is a part of the European Open Doors initiative coordinated in Wales by the Civic Trust for Wales with the backing of Cadw and the Welsh Assembly Government.

Non-Council buildings also throwing open their doors include the former Reading Room at the old Central Library, which is now home to the Welsh School of Architectural Glass.

Other buildings included in the event are Morgan's Hotel and the Coastal Housing Association development in SA1 and a range of guided walks are being made available on the Tawe Navigation Trails.

Full details of the Ty Agored Abertawe/Swansea Open House event are available in a brochure from Tourist Information Centres, participating venues and Council buildings as well at www.swanseaopenhouse.com or www.tyagoredabertawe.com