Melbourne Festival

Melbourne Festival of the Creative and Performing Arts takes place in September each year at Melbourne in South Derbyshire. Melbourne Festival was established in 2005 and, after a year off in 2020 in 2021  we went ahead with a slimmed down version of the Art and Architecture Trail with over 100 professional Artists and Makers exhibiting in public buildings and gardens in the historic heart of Melbourne and it was wonderful to welcome all of the artists and people back again. Last year we were back up to 150 artists in 60 venues and in 2024 it will be even better!  We will be exhibiting houses again next year with a full scale event on 14th and 15th September.

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! If you thought Melbourne Festival was just for the creative arts, think again.

Entry is £5 per adult (under 18’s free) to enter the venues visitors will need a Trail Guide and wristband available around the Trail over the weekend or reserved via our Facebook page TheMelbourneFestival.

For up to date details please visit our website and social media.

In previous years Melbourne Festival has had an extensive  Performing Arts programme which has become more adventurous and more successful each year including an eclectic mix of music, theatre and comedy and sometimes all three at the same time! This year we have a small programme of Comedy, Jazz, a string quartet and maybe a few surprises!

Melbourne Festival has been run by a small group of enthusiastic volunteers since its inception in 2005 and has established itself as one of the highlights of the Midlands cultural calendar. The team also organise other community projects and exhibitions throughout the year at Creative Melbourne, Wellington House, Church Street, Melbourne DE73 8EJ.

Details will be posted on the Melbourne Festival website www.melbournefestival.co.uk and on www.artsderbyshire.org.uk as they are confirmed.