The Heritage Network, the UK's membership organisation for not-for-profit organisations dedicated to rescuing and managing historic buildings, has announced its annual conference will take place in Medway. The charity will collaborate with the council to stage the three-day event.
This pivotal conference in the heritage sector convenes more than 300 community heritage leaders, major heritage agencies, funders, local authorities, heritage businesses, and early-career professionals. The event aims to highlight the work of those involved in community heritage, both locally and nationally, making the choice of location crucial for offering diverse learning and engagement opportunities.
Izabella Maar, Conference Organiser at the Heritage Network, stated: “Medway is a fantastic location for our 2027 conference; it's a place with lots happening across heritage and culture. The well-known heritage in the area includes the maritime history of the area, the links to literature and Dickens, the historic castle and cathedral; but the community heritage is what we're keen to see. With an active heritage development trust, lots of community activity, and plenty to discover, we're really looking forward to bringing the Heritage Network conference here in 2027."
The conference programme will feature tours and visits to key historic sites within Medway, a plenary session, breakout sessions, an exhibition for heritage sector suppliers, and dedicated networking opportunities. Social events will include a Welcome Reception, Conference Dinner, and Farewell Lunch, all hosted at different historical venues.
The annual programme typically reflects relevant sector themes such as funding, governance, youth engagement, accessibility, and partnership working. Previous conferences were held in Bradford in 2025 and Belfast and Armagh in 2026.
Cllr Nina Gurung, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure, expressed her delight: “We are extremely delighted that Medway has been chosen to host the Heritage Network’s annual conference in 2027. We are incredibly proud of Medway’s rich heritage, and in particular the passion of the organisations, volunteers and communities here who help bring that history to life for people today."
She added: “Hosting the conference gives us a fantastic opportunity to put that work on a national stage, including grassroots projects in our communities, and those being developed through our Heritage Place programme. Just as importantly, it will connect people working across Medway’s heritage sector with colleagues from around the country, creating opportunities to share ideas, learn from each other and build lasting relationships."
“We are really looking forward to welcoming delegates to Medway and showing them everything our area has to offer,” Cllr Gurung concluded.
