IT WAS a malt house for the brewery then barracks during World War II, and now when we look at Olsen's Produce on Lyons St we see an agricultural supplies store.

Olsen's Produce will be one of the stops on Town Crier Bob Townshend's new historical tour of Warwick, just one of about 30 events to take place during the Southern Downs Heritage Festival.

The festival will peel back the layers of our region's history to reveal a time when Warwick was a social hub for politically important people and graziers were just getting started on the land.

Festival co-ordinator Janice Flood said knowing the history helped to prevent the repeat of mistakes but also enables people to be inspired.

"It really helps people to feel remembered and not left behind, and for people to know there's more to the older person who's walking down the street slowly,” she said.

Following the theme, 'My Culture, My Story', the festival will run from April 20-29.

Some notable events include:

St Mark's Anglican Church

Launch of commemorative book Living Stones - 150 years of St Mark's Church, Warwick, and historical display on Friday April 20, 5.30-7pm. RSVP via southerndownsheritagefestival@gmail.com

Guided tour of church and historical memorabilia display. April 21-27 at 2pm. Gold coin donation.

Abbey of the Roses

Self-guided tours of downstairs, antiques and grounds on April 20-28 from 10am-2pm. Bookings essential by phoning 4661 9777. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10.

Glengallan Homestead

Visit the homestead and see a tribute to pioneer spirit. April 20-22 and April 26-29 at 10am-4pm. Adults cost $10 and children free.

Exhibition

Official opening of the Policing and Justice in Allora: Celebrating 150 years of the Allora Courthouse exhibition, April 24 at 11am. Exhibition open 1pm-4pm on Anzac Day then 9am-noon and 1pm-4pm April 26-29.

Guided Walking Tour

Hosted by town crier Bob Townshend, walk through Warwick town centre starting from the town hall. April 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 11am. Gold coin donation welcomed.

Tour the Southern Downs Steam Railway, Goods Shed and historic Lyons St with town crier Bob Townshend. Meet at 1.15pm on Anzac Day on corner of Lyons and Grafton Sts.

Potters place

Warwick potters uncovered historic floorboards at the clubhouse in time for the exhibition Across the Boards. Launched April 27 at 6.30pm then open April 28-29 at 10am-4pm. Free to enter.

For a full program visit Southern Downs Heritage Festival Facebook page.