image: Claudia Kenyatta (left) and Emma Squire (right). © Historic England
The IHBC has welcomed 2026’s Heritage Day, themed on #HeritageConnects, with ‘resources and reflections’ now out.
The Heritage Alliance writes:
On 4 March 2026, Heritage Day brought together organisations, policymakers, practitioners, academics and volunteers from across the sector at the iconic One Great George Street to celebrate the theme #HeritageConnects. Through a dynamic programme of talks, panel discussions, awards and networking, the event explored the powerful role heritage plays in bringing people and communities together. From promoting wellbeing and strengthening connections with nature, to fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging knowledge sharing across borders, the day showcased the many ways heritage serves as a vital connector.
Ministerial Address
We were delighted to welcome Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross, who delivered the day’s annual ministerial address. She celebrated the indispensable role of volunteers in sustaining heritage across the UK, emphasised the value of apprenticeships in passing on traditional skills, and outlined the government’s ongoing support for the sector – including the recent announcement of £1.5?bn in new capital funding for heritage and culture. Encouraging organisations and communities alike, she called on attendees to contribute to the UK’s evolving Living Heritage Inventory, highlighting how collective action can preserve and showcase the nation’s rich and diverse heritage for future generations.
Keynote Address
We were also delighted to welcome Claudia Kenyatta and Emma Squire for their first joint keynote as Co-CEOs of Historic England. Their talk celebrated heritage as a vital source of learning, enjoyment, and connection, and highlighted its far-reaching impacts – showing how heritage can spark creativity, boost local economies, revitalise high streets, support wellbeing, and offer solutions to pressing challenges such as the housing crisis, skills shortage, and climate change. Looking ahead, they outlined how Historic England’s new Strategic Plan will focus on bringing heritage into national discussions about growth and place, and on collaborating across the sector to maximise its positive impact.
From Local to Global Report Launch
A key highlight of the day was the launch of our new report, From Local to Global: Heritage in a Changing World, produced in collaboration with Europa Nostra UK and supported by World Monuments Fund Britain.
Drawing on over 30 case studies from organisations worldwide, the report explores how the UK’s heritage sector strengthens international collaboration – showcasing successful initiatives in climate resilience, peacebuilding, and community cohesion, and highlighting opportunities for further impact through increased investment and support. It also underscores the sector’s role in strengthening the UK’s influence on the global stage, in anticipation of the government’s forthcoming Soft Power Strategy.
Emma Collins (lead report author), Magnus von Wistinghausen (Executive Director, WMF Britain), and Rob Woodside (Chair, Europa Nostra UK) shared insights on the findings, highlighting actionable lessons, innovative approaches, and the transformative potential of heritage in global collaboration.
See more on the Living Heritage Inventory
