Have you ever wondered what The Arcade in Broadmead would have been like in Victorian times? Well, you don’t need to imagine it - you can experience it first hand on the 12th September as The Arcade is transported back in time to 1875, 50 years after it was opened.

It’s all part of Bristol Doors Open Day 2009, which will see many of Bristol’s significant contemporary and historic buildings open their doors to the general public.

As part of the celebrations The Arcade will be brought alive with Victorian sounds, smells and visions which will entertain and inform the whole family. Performers in period costume will amaze shoppers and visitors, capturing their imagination and creating the bustle of a busy Victorian arcade.

The Arcade, situated between The Horsefair entrance to the new Primark store and The Greyhound walk entrance to The Mall Bristol (formerly The Galleries ) will come alive with street entertainers and musicians. There will be activities for children throughout the day as well as a display showing the history of the magnificent Arcade building. Organisers are inviting visitors to also bring along their photos of The Arcade from days gone by.

Jo Hawkins Broadmead’s Project manager said: “This is a great chance for Broadmead to showcase The Arcade in its full glory. It is such a different shopping experience to anything else on offer in the city and with all of the store managers actively involved in the event there really will be something to entertain the whole family.”

John Wesley’s Chapel, the oldest Methodist chapel in the world, next door is also taking part in the event.