What's On: 2012 Festivals

Our friends at Visit Peak District have helped put together a fantastic leaflet showing the Festivals' Map for the coming season.  Download a copy of the map (PDF format) for yourself and start planning your summer of festivals!

They are also running a competition giveaway for the 2013 festivals season.  Enter online to be in the running for tickets for 2 to the 2013 Food and Drink Festival with accomodation at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield.

Runners up will win 2 tickets to the Matlock Bath Illuminations 2013.

February

18th Feb - 25th Feb
Four-Four Time Festival
Held annually in February, the Four-Four Time Festival of Live Music presents a diverse programme of the very best rock, pop, folk, blues, jazz and world music. Audiences can enjoy concerts in the splendour of the Opera House as well as the more intimate setting of the Pavilion Arts Centre next door.

March

1 March
World Book Day
Wolrd Book Day is a worldwide celebration of authors, books, and most importantly, reading! 

The main aim of World Book Day in the UK and Ireland is to encourage children to explore the pleasures of books and reading by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own. Millions of book tokens will be given away and there will be celebrations galore for young and old alike!

April

14 April 2012
Alt:Fiction
A yearly fixture on the science fiction literary circuit!

23 April 2012
World Book Night
World Book Night was introduced in 2011 in the UK and Ireland to bring attention to books for adult readers, and takes place on the date of Cervantes and Shakespeares deaths.

May

11-20 May 2012
Derbyshire Literature Festival
Join us for the 7th Derbyshire Literature Festival which takes place in libraries and community venues across the county. Exciting events will be happening throughout the Festival fortnight ranging from author talks and children’s activities, to celebrations linked to the bicentenary of Charles Dickens and Edward Lear, the 75th anniversary of The Hobbit and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
 
Featured authors include Claire Tomalin, Joanne Harris, Evan Davis, Gordon Corera, Isla Dewar, Carole Matthews, Edward Hogan, Jackie Kay, Abi Burlingham, Caryl Hart, Mills and Chimneys, Matt Black and Sara Sheridan.

Book your tickets at any Derbyshire Library or through Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 
For further information, visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/festival or pick up your copy of the Festival brochure from any Derbyshire Library.

18-20 May 2012
Bearded Theory Festival
Bearded Theory Festival will be celebrating its fifth successful year in 2012 and hopefully our fifth successive sell out too. 

Bearded Theory a record breaking party with Beards, Bands, Arts, Crafts, Weddings, DJs and general daftness, is a three day music festival that has now firmly entrenched itself as being the first "proper" festival of the season.  Our aim is pretty simple and that is to provide the best non corporate family festival experience in our price range and in safe surroundings.

16 May -24 June 2012
Holymoorside & Walton Arts Festival
10 events over 13 days 16th May - 24th June offering a wide variety of high quality performance and participation events in and around Holymoorside, 3 miles South West of Chesterfield. 

Programme includes 'Past Lives' a film screening with live music performed by Cipher and members of Sinfonia Viva, a Folk Night with 'Mills and Chimneys', and a Celebration Concert in St. John's Church, Walton featuring Harlequin Brass and a Jazz Supper Party with Karen Lake's Impressions Quintet.  ]

Full details at www.holymoorsidearts.co.uk or call 01246 567118 for brochure.

24 - 27 May 2012
ID Fest
International film festival created and hosted by QUAD featuring live appearances from key industry figures. Professional practice events and premieres of new films. There will be a retrospective exploring this year’s theme of heroes. The patron of ID Fest is actor, writer and Director David Morrissey. www.idfest.co.uk

25 - 27 May 2012
Off the Tracks Spring
One of the most precious, intimate, creative, and friendly festival weekends. You have two opportunities a year to become your own little piece of a truly magical jigsaw. It's like a blisteringly good weekend-long house party!

With great live music, 60 different Real Ales and Ciders, great camping facilities and loads of other things besides, you'll see why Off the Tracks has been named as a top 'Small is beautiful' Festival by the Sunday times!  


26 - 27 May 2012
Derbyshire Food & Drink Festival
The 2012 Derbyshire Food & Drink Fair will take place at Hardwick Hall on 26-27 May.  Around one hundred and fifty stalls will showcase the best local produce from Derbyshire and the Peak District region, as well as unique and exotic foods from further afield. 

The popular arts and crafts section will house around 50 local artists and crafts people displaying their wares, which will range from contemporary art to traditional craftworks.  Back by popular demand, TV chef Simon Rimmer will be the celebrity demonstrator in the cookery theatre, alongside renowned Derbyshire chefs, demonstrating their signature dishes. 

Entry Fee: Adults, £5, Concessions £3, Children under 16 enter for free.  Children will be accommodated for with a wide range of activities and spectacles for them to enjoy.

29 May 2012
Castleton Ancient Garland Festival
The Garland Festival is a tradition local to the Dark Peak town of Castleton. A huge garland of flowers is created and the King and Queen parade the town on horseback with the King festooned in the huge garland until they reach their destination in the main square and hoist the garland on top of the church spire.

4 May - 5 September
Summer Nights Film Festival
Following the success of outdoor screenings at Calke Abbey and Kedleston Hall in 2011, the Summer Nights Film Festival 2012 brings fantastic classic and contemporary films together with fabulous locations throughout Derbyshire, all presented on a giant screen by QUAD, Derby's centre for art and film. Various venues throughout Derbyshire including Hardwick Hall 1-2 June and Queen's Park in Chesterfield 27-28 July. Tickets on sale from March, see www.derbyquad.co.uk/summernights for more details.

June

27 May - 6 June
Ashby Arts Festival
Workshops for children of all ages, music from Derbyshire's Lucy Ward, visual arts exhibitions and a does of jiving all contribute to this year's festival. 

2 -5 June 2012
Derbyshire Open Arts
Derbyshire Open Arts is a free arts event taking place on Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend 2-5th June in over 100 venues all over Derbyshire. Artists and Craftspeople display their creations in a variety of houses, halls, farms and many other interesting places, inviting the public into their private world of art and craft. This year the event embraces the new 'Open Spaces' project where contemporary site-specific work will be on display in some of Derbyshire's best loved places.

Here's a selection of artists to give you a taste of what to expect. 

• Heather Arbon, Textile Artist will be showing her work in Dronfield

• Alive and Stitching, a group of artists working in textiles will be in Barlow

• Six local artists of different disciplines will be showing their work in Calver

• Six more artists will have their work on display in Darley Abbey

• Julie Whitham, animal sculptress will be showing her work in Dronfield

• Sheila Gill, watercolourist is holding her event in Newbold, Chesterfield

Pick up a free brochure at your Derbyshire library, tourist Office or Derby Arts box.

8-10 June 2012 
Dovedale Arts Festival 
Dovedale Arts Festival offers a wonderful weekend of art, talks and music by local, national and international names, including soprano Lucy Crowe, Matthew Parris and the Duke of Devonshire. Beautiful scenery and delicious food complete the winning combination. 

Website: www.dovedalearts.co.uk Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com or Tel 0800 411 8881

10 June 2012
Fringe First
A showcase of six of last year's Buxton Fringe awards winners.

15 - 17 June 2012
The Big Session Festival
A varied line-up of locak talent and major names including Oysterband, former Fairground Attraction singer Eddi Reader, the legendary June Tabor  and tubthumping folk/punksters Chumbawamba. In the grounds of Catton Hall (South Derbyshire), the event also boasts its own Real Ale and Cider Festival, an onsite Sculpture Village, impromptu music and singing sessions, morning yoga, on-site luxury camping and family-friendly activities. See www.bigsessionfestival.com 

22 June - 8 July 2012
Ashbourne Festival
Now in its thirteenth year, this year’s Ashbourne Festival features 17 days of music, drama, poetry, satire and great art in a variety of extraordinary locations – from 15th century churches to local allottments.

23 - 24 June 2012
Ashbourne International Streetfest
For the very best street theatre, visit Ashbourne on the weekend of 23/24 June. Performers from around the world gather in this picturesque market town for two days of free entertainment.

30 June - 1st July 2012
Chesterfield Canal Festival

30 June 2012
International Day of Dance 
25 dance groups will be performing at 6 outdoor venues throughout Bakewell. Watch, enjoy and then have a go - Free.
At the Town Hall between 11.30am and 3pm there will be 4 taster dance workshops -including French and Circle dancing.
No experience needed. Workshops £2 each. In the evening there will be a pick and mix of different dances you can join in -
at the Town Hall. Doors open at 7.30pm for dancing at 8pm. Tickets £5. 

July

4-22 July 2012
Buxton Festival Fringe 
The 2012 Buxton Festival Fringe runs July 4-22 offering a spectacular programme of theatre, comedy, music, film, exhibitions, poetry, children's events and more. One of the largest Fringes in England, it features some 500 events including a free afternoon sampler at the Pavilion Gardens on July 8. The Fringe is open to all with no selection or censorship. The programme is published in early June and on www.buxtonfringe.org.uk, where you can order a printed programme and find out how to become a Fringe Friend. For other queries email info@buxtonfringe.org.uk or call 01298 79351. 

7-8 July 2012
Mercia Marina Festival
There will be live music, firework display, great foods & drink stalls, children’s fun fair and entertainment plus several exciting NEW features in the lineup for 2012 festival.
Explore the 74 acre wildlife wonderland and enjoy the festival atmosphere. Times will be 12 – 22.00 Saturday 7th July. 12 – 18.00 Sunday 8th July.

7-25 July 2012
Buxton Festival
Buxton Festival is a 19-day arts event, running from 7 – 25 July. The Festival produces its own fully-staged professional operas, as well as showing touring operas, classical concerts and engaging literary events. Renowned for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, Buxton attracts national and international audiences, drawn by its unique and high calibre performances, complemented by the irresistible charm of Derbyshire’s historic spa town and beautiful Edwardian opera house.
Highlights of this year’s operas include the gorgeous Intermezzo, by Richard Strauss, Handel’s Jephtha, with Harry Christophers conducting the renowned Orchestra of the Sixteen, and a Festival Double Bill of Sibelius’s The Maiden in the Tower and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Kashchei the Immortal.

An exciting music series offers everything from chamber music, orchestral concerts, world music and ballet. With literary speakers such as Justin Webb, Michael Pennington, Edwina Currie and Joanna Lumley in conversation with Michael Morpurgo and Lucy Flemming, the 2012 Festival promises something for everyone.

10-15 July 2012
Ripley Music Festival
Ripley music festival is 11 years old and has grown from a one day event into a 10 day musical extravaganza.
We showcase unsigned original bands from all over the UK at indoor and outdoor sites.
You can listen to a full classical programme over 5 days.
Our outdoor brass spectacular with firework finale is an established 'must attend' for over 2000 people.

15 July 2012 
Belper Food Festival
This festival has been growing year on year bringing food, ale, crafts and music to the town of Belper.

19-22 Jul 2012
St. Peter's Church Flower Festival
A flower festival in Buxton in celebration of the Queen's Diamon Jubilee.

27-28 July
Summer Nights Film Festival, Chesterfield
Part of the Quad season of films on its touring big screen. 

TBC July
South Asian Arts Festival 
A one-day outdoor event in Derby held in July which brings people together from all communities to learn, share and celebrate South Asian arts and culture through various arts and craft activities, stage performance from local amateur groups to professional national and international headline acts and a themed bazzar full of exotic food, fashion and jewellery.  Date for 2012 TBC.

August

17 - 19 August 2012
Moira Furnace Folk Festival
A firm favourite on the family friendly folk lovers' circuit!

31 August - 2 September
Off the Tracks Summer
Now celebrating its 24th anniversary , Off the Tracks brings you two festivals each year from Castle Donington in the very heart of England.
With great live music, 60 different Real Ales and Ciders, great camping facilities and loads of other things besides, you'll see why Off the Tracks has been named as a top 'Small is beautiful' Festival by the Sunday times! 

September

1 September - 27 October 2012 
Matlock Bath Illuminations
The annual Matlock Bath Illuminations will run from 1st September to 27th October in 2012, with a lively entertainment programme on the bandstand in Derwent Gardens from 7pm every Saturday and Sunday evening followed by the unique parade of illuminated and decorated boats that takes to the river at 8pm.  Clifftop firework displays will take place at 9pm on 15th & 29th September and 13th and 27th October.

7-23 September 2012
Wirksworth Festival
Every September the historic market town of Wirksworth throws open its doors and warmly invites you to see some great art in a truly wonderful place. Inspirational work from both  international and local artists fill the streets, houses and historic buildings of this fascinating town.
During the fantastic opening weekend the whole town becomes a gallery.
Over 150 artists and makers show their work in every conceivable space; from cosy cottages to majestic churches, shop windows to disused quarries. A great chance to buy affordable art and take a peek at some of Derbyshire’s best interiors!
There are over 40 events including music, theatre, dance, film and much more.
The whole thing is rounded off by a Festival Finale, when the town's creative community puts on a show that will amaze and impress.
Tickets will be on sale at the end of July.

14 - 30 September
New Mills Community Festival
New Mills Community Festival has been in existence since the 1990s but was formally constituted in 2003. It is now a 2-week long event presenting an annual celebration of the town's community and cultural spirit and its manifestation in a diverse range of activities from talks and walks to concerts, gigs and exhibitions.
The overall aim is to enrich the community's experience of and participation in different creative activities. A cornerstone of the 3-weeks of events is the Lantern Parade in the Torrs (a gorge known locally as the 'Park under the Town') which attracts over 4000 visitors. 
  

15 - 29 September 2012 
Melbourne Festival
The 2012 Melbourne Festival gets off to a roaring start with innovation and inspiration combining to deadly effect on the Art and Architecture Trail on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th September. This is a great opportunity to see, and buy from, over 100 artists in 60 private houses, businesses and halls along an easy walking mapped trail through the historic heart of Melbourne. The trail showcases the best creative talents from across the East Midlands and much more besides. Expect a party atmosphere with music, food and fun activities for youngsters, and the young at heart, around every corner.
For those visitors with restricted mobility properties that can easily be accessed will be highlighted on the Trail Guide. A guide costs £5 and is valid for the whole weekend, children are free!
If you thought Melbourne Festival was just for the creative arts, think again. The two week long Festival of Performing Arts has become more adventurous and more successful each year.
The programme starts on the 15th September, when Musica Domun Dei will be performing at nearby National Trust property Calke Abbey. The programme continues for two weeks and includes music, theatre, dance, comedy and much more leading up to the end of September.
Further information is available by visiting www.melbournefestival.co.uk, emailing info@melbournefestival.co.uk or telephoning the Festival Office on 07765 819428 to request a leaflet.

21 - 22 September 2012
Derby Feste

October

7th October 2012
Bolsover Festival of Brass

 5 - 14 October 2012
Chatsworth Road Festival

27 October - 4 November
Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Discovery Days
The World Heritage Site Discovery Days Festival is the biggest annual event in the Derwent Valley Mills calendar. Held each year during the October half-term school break, it encompasses nine days crammed with over 100 activities which allow people to enjoy the World Heritage Site in unusual, entertaining and informative ways. Each year, the organisers ensure there’s a host of new activities and events for a wide range of ages and interests, so the programme stays fresh and enjoyable, year after  year. Launched in 2005, the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site’s Discovery Days have steadily grown from one to nine days with many activities free to enter.

November

1 - 3 November 2012 
Chesterfield Arts and Market Festival

9 - 11 November 2012
Derwent Poetry Festival
To be held in Masson Mill, Matlock Bath.

November
Derby Light
Join us for a spectacular multicultural Lantern Parade in Derby!
The Autumn evening comes alive as hundreds of people brighten up the  streets of Derby with illuminating lanterns, lively drummers, fire performers, mouth watering world cuisine and a spectacular live world music performances with fire scluptures by the river Derwent at the Cathedral Green. A dazzling family event not to be missed. 2012 Date TBC.

December

2 December 2012
Belper Christmas Food Festival