FESTIVE blue and pink balloons signalled the start of Farnham’s blockbuster Heritage Open Days event last Thursday and blue skies guaranteed a record number of visitors took up the invitation of free admission until Sunday, to get a closer look at a wide variety of landmark venues.

Many were attracted by this year’s special theme of hops and brewing, the great industry that for many centuries brought prosperity to Farnham and gave the town its handsome Georgian buildings.

Although the main industry died out in the 20th century, the recent popularity of craft breweries has brought about a welcome revival, and Bill Biddell of Hamptons Estates, together with Rupert Thompson of the Hogs Back Brewery, gave a very entertaining talk at the Maltings about their work, delighting their audience by showing off long sprays of aromatic hop bines with their delicate green flowers, as well as bringing in samples of beer to taste.

Hones Yard in Downing Street with its old hop kiln opened to the public and Robert Simpson of Farnham Hoppers Group put on exhibitions and gave a talk at the Farnham pottery,. The long history of hop growing in Farnham was beautifully researched and illustrated by the Museum Society with an exhibition including old film and photographs in the museum’s Garden Gallery.

Another highlight of the four-day event was Farnham Castle, where visitors including the mayors of Waverley and Farnham enjoyed tours and teas in the Great Hall, chamber music and costume displays.

Farnham Pottery, which boasted a row of hops in full flower in front of the building, offered the chance to admire the fine restoration of its historic buildings.

Heritage Open Days walks guided by experts proved to be a big attraction with trails exploring the town’s history and architecture, trees in the town centre, the history of Farnham Park, the Bourne Conservation Area and the ruins of Waverley Abbey.

In the wood-panelled Culver Room at Farnham Library, where Charles I reputedly spent a night on his way to his trial and execution in London, players from Farnham Rep staged rousing performances in tribute to beer, in word and song, with their production of ‘Jolly Good Ale and Old!’.

Morris Dancers also created a party atmosphere in Lion and Lamb Yard and at the Hop Blossom in Long Garden Walk.

“All this and much more made Farnham’s Heritage Open Days 2015 one of the most successful ever,” Farnham Society member Sue Farrow said. “It was presented by the Farnham Society with support from Farnham Town Council. The voluntary group of organisers, Simon Bradbury, Cathy Cook, Gloria Dyche, Sue Farrow, David Lang, Roger Steel, Gillian Ward and Erica Wilkinson said afterwards that they were exhausted but happy.

“Visitor numbers were up, and everyone was having a very good time. Farnham was seen at its best.”