THE historic engine shed within Portland Port is to open up to visitors.

It is part of the annual Spirit of Portland Festival, a week-long series of events celebrating Portland’s unique heritage, culture and natural environment.

This year the festival will be held from July 26 to August 4 and includes some great events for everyone to enjoy from the Chesil Beach Centre at the start of Portland Beach Road across the island.

Andy Matthews from the Portland Community Partnership said: “Portland is a wonderful place and has so much to offer. Please visit our website for further details on the events and activities and we are always open to new participants so please do get in touch.”

Portland Port will open the Grade II Listed mid-C19 Engine Shed on Monday, July 29 between 11am and 3pm as an opportunity for people to see inside and find out more about the port and businesses.

The building’s history is interesting in that it comprises three locomotive sheds built to serve the Admiralty Incline Railway, transporting stone from the Admiralty Quarries to Portland Harbour for the construction of breakwaters.

Sandie Wilson of Portland Harbour Authority said: “This year will be the third year we have held the open day.

"We are really pleased to be part of the Spirit of Portland Festival again and hope this year will further build on the success of previous years.”

There will be informative display boards, along with a range of artefacts inside and outside, from dinosaur footprints and a circa 1875 canon to the harbour master's rib. It is an opportunity to have a look around and enjoy the refreshments available from The Friends of the Grove Telephone Box.

To find out more about the festival visit portlandcommunitypartnership.co.uk