If you own or manage a mill, National Mills Weekend (11 - 12 May, 2024) is the perfect opportunity to engage local people, reach new audiences, and inspire the next generation of mill enthusiasts.  

If your mill isn’t normally open to the public, consider giving guided tours for a real ‘behind the scenes’ experience.  

If your mill is open throughout the year, think about how you can make this weekend extra special for your visitors. Activities could include:  

• Demonstrations – hands-on milling using a quern, baking (perhaps with a local bakery) or bread tasting 

• Talks and guided tours 

• Displays – explaining the journey from grain to bread, or showing old photos, drawings and videos of the mill 

• Competitions – guess the number of grains of wheat in a jar or the weight of a sack of flour 

• Plant sales, live music, vintage car displays etc. all help to draw the crowds 

It’s up to you whether you open for free, charge an entrance fee, or ask visitors for donations.

Before the event

1. Coordinate with other mills or heritage sites in your area

Consider joint events and promotion to reach a wider audience and make an even bigger splash. You can find the contact details for regional mill groups on our website.

2. Check your event is compliant

Make sure you’re following the latest health and safety guidance. You can get touch with your local council if you need more advice.

3. Spread the word.

Promote your event online and in print to reach the widest audience possible. We’ve put together some ideas and resources to get you started.

On the day

1. Share photos and videos on social media.

Tag us at @spabmills and use the hashtag #NationalMillsWeekend. You’ll need to get consent from anyone you’re photographing on the day.

2. Let visitors know how they can get involved with your mill.

You could ask them to follow your mill on social media or hand out flyers with future events and volunteering opportunities.

After the event

1. Complete our feedback form

We'll send you a feedback form to help us make next year’s National Mills Weekend even better.

2. Share your photos and videos with us

Please send your photos (with credits) to millsinfo@spab.org.uk by Friday 24 May for a chance to be featured in our event round-up and any future publicity.