Working class heroes

Boost for projects spotlighting hidden history in everyday communities.

- Cyann fielding

Historic England has announced funding for 30 new projects across the country to highlight the UK's working-class heritage.

The money will help tell the stories of holidaymakers at Pontins Holiday Park in Norfolk and bring to life the history of a cherished community rural lido in Yorkshire, among much else.

Each project will explore untold stories and celebrate unsung people and places, with a focus on rural and coastal communities.

The Everyday Heritage grants for 2025 will total almost £500,000, and projects benefiting include:

Gentle Waters, Amelia Hawk

Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool, North Yorkshire

The Gentle Water project will delve into the history of rural lidos, looking at how swimming has long been an accessible working-class leisure activity.

Artist Amelia Hawk will co-create a series of workshops with the local community, capturing oral histories and historic photographs.

The resulting project will help inspire a permanent artwork made for the pool, and contribute to local archives.