Shrewsbury’s annual contribution to the national Heritage Open Days programme begins this week with special exhibitions and the chance to see several historic properties and collections not normally open to the public.

The four-day local programme, which starts on Thursday, is being co-ordinated by Shrewsbury Civic Society with support from Shropshire Council.

It will reflect the town’s heritage from the 11th Century to the 20th Century.

From Thursday to Sunday the restored Greek Orthodox Church at Sutton Farm (off Oteley Road) opens its doors for visitors to see fragments of the medieval wall paintings, while at the Radbrook college campus culinary museum artefacts and photographs from the 1900s to the 1960s will be displayed by former students.

At the same time, an exhibition at Bear Steps Gallery will explain how conservation areas are chosen.

On Friday, heritage and humour will be brought together as Darwin and the Dodo, a comic street theatre act, is performed in the town centre.

The weekend also brings the last chance to see a series of dramatic re-enactments of scenes from the life of the young Charles Darwin. These will be performed on Saturday by Shrewsbury Heritage Celebrations.

The scenes take place at Old St Chad’s in Bellstone, the Unitarian Church and the library and are free to watch. They link to a Darwin walking tour of the town which can be booked at the Shrewsbury Visitor Information Centre.

David Roberts, council cabinet member for local environment and economy, said: “There is much on offer in Shrewsbury over these few days and I hope people will take the opportunity to visit these properties, see these collections and watch the street theatre.”