Cornwall is to hold the important World Heritage UK Conference next year. 

Cornwall Council leader Linda Taylor revealed the news at last week’s full council meeting. 

She said: “I can confirm that the 2024 World Heritage UK Conference will, for the first time be hosted in Cornwall in October at Heartlands. 

“The event will not only help promote one of the of our key centres but the whole of the Cornwall and West Devon World Heritage Site. 

“There is plenty of work to be done over the next 12 months, however it is intended that this will be an event that all delegates will be able to remember for its content as well as the opportunity to explore our mining heritage first-hand.  

“I would like to thank Cllr Dave Crabtree for his work in negotiating with the World Heritage UK events team to bring this exciting conference to our Duchy.” 

Chair of the  Cornwall & West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site Partnership Board, Cllr Dave Crabtree said: “I am delighted that my discussions with members of the World Heritage Site UK executive at our summer workshop in the Lake District resulted in the events committee unanimously offering the annual WHS UK Conference to Cornwall.  

“This would not have being possible without the support from an early stage of Kate Kennally and Linda Taylor. 

“The event will not only help to promote the Cornwall and West Devon Mining World Heritage Site, it will also see one of our three key centres host the event, which will be held at Heartlands in October next year, so in full view of South Crofty and the work that is continuing there to re-establish mining in Cornwall. 

“The conference not only attracts delegates from around the UK, but also overseas and my aim, along with members of our small team is to give them a conference to remember and will hopefully be talked about for years to come.”