Bands and barbecues, cruises and culture all on your doorstep

If you think you know everything about your local area, September’s third annual Open Chiswick event might just prove you wrong!

Coordinated by the Thames Strategy (Kew to Chelsea), it provides a fantastic opportunity to explore your own backyard and celebrates W4’s historic, cultural and natural heritage with a fun programme for all ages. Almost all events are free.

On Sunday the 7th, come and enjoy the Chiswick Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show at Duke’s Meadow’s Community Association Hall. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, why not take part in a free Canoe Club taster session at Chiswick Pier?

Saturday the 13th sees two exciting events on the Thames – The Great River Race and the Great River Swim. Chiswick Pier House is the perfect vantage point to enjoy the Great River Race from Ham to Greenwich. Over 300 crews take part in this prestigious event. And if you arrive early (at 1pm), you can also watch the Great River Swim from Chiswick Pier to Chiswick Eyot and back. Enjoy the day with live music, a barbecue and a Fuller’s bar.

On Sunday the 14th you are invited to join us on an unforgettable free boat trip from Chiswick Pier to central London to enjoy the spectacular fireworks as part of the Thames Festival. Booking is essential - visit www.openchiswick.net

A first for Open Chiswick, on Saturday 21st you can have a look around Fuller’s Griffin Brewery. Free tours will be running between 11am and 2pm (spaces are limited), with lots of other activities besides.

Sunday 21st is a day packed full of exiting events. Discover the inside story of W4's Palladian jewel, Chiswick House. While here you can visit the Chiswick House Kitchen Gardens – bursting with Autumn colour. And then why not pop next door to Hogarth’s House, a unique survivor of Chiswick's rural past that hosts a fascinating exhibition of the artist's works. You can also take a tour of St Nicholas Church or take part in a taster session with the Canoe Club at Chiswick Pier.

To close Open Chiswick, Sunday the 28th sees another packed day of events. In the morning children can explore the foreshore at low tide. In the afternoon, why not enjoy a barbecue or cream teas while watching the Friends of Chiswick House's annual Dog Show? You can take part in a fascinating guided historical walk through Chiswick Old town, or take a leisurely boat trip upstream to Hampton Court (booking essential - visit www.openchiswick.net).

Another exciting addition to Open Chiswick this year is our exciting photography competition – capture the spirit of Open Chiswick and you could win £300.

Full details of all the Open Chiswick events are available at www.openchiswick.net

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September 4, 2008