New Buxton History Festival Brings World-Class Historians to the Town

Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust is organising and hosting its first Buxton History Festival, a three‑day programme of talks, performances and creative workshops running Friday 17– Sunday 19 April 2026 at the Buxton Crescent Assembly Room, and the Grade II listed Pump Room.

Sponsored by Yale University Press, the festival brings leading historians, writers and performers to Buxton to explore stories of bravery, creativity and human ingenuity — from medieval manuscripts and Georgian masquerades to Victorian artists, atomic pioneers and the making of early England.

Simon Wallwork, CEO of Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, said:
“Buxton has always been a place where people come to learn, reflect and be inspired. The History Festival builds on that tradition by bringing exceptional speakers to our town and opening up stories that still shape the world around us. We’re delighted to launch a new cultural event that celebrates curiosity and supports the Trust’s work to ensure it protects and provides access for all to Buxton’s remarkable heritage.”

Through the weekend, visitors can enjoy fourteen different talks on topics ranging from Georgian high society and Victorian philanthropy to early 20th‑century literature, radical politics and the origins of industrial Britain. They are all being delivered by renowned experts including Dr Meg Kobza, Professor Rory Naismith, Professor Gareth Williams, Dr Serena Dyer, Melanie McDonagh and Professor Nick Higham.

Programme highlights include:

Friday 17 April

• Dr Meg Kobza on the dazzling world of Georgian masquerades
• Kathryn Ecclestone on Vera Brittain, faith and social class in Edwardian Buxton
• Sienna Wells uncovering the hidden lives of medieval manuscripts
• Professor Rory Naismith reassessing Offa of Mercia and early English kingship

Saturday 18 April

• Dr Richard Gaunt on rediscovering Victorian artist Emma Wilmot
• Professor Gareth Williams on Britain’s pioneering atomic programme
• Dr Ruth Larsen on the political and philanthropic life of Lady Knightley
• Dr Caroline McCaffrey-Howarth on the extraordinary collector Lady Charlotte Schreiber
• Dr Serena Dyer exploring what it felt like to wear the clothes of the past

Sunday 19 April

• Melanie McDonagh on early 20th‑century literary converts
• Geoff Andrews tracing Labour’s radical roots
• Professor Edmond Smith on rivers, rocks and the making of industrial Britain
• Professor Nick Higham on the transformation from Roman Britain to Anglo‑Saxon England

Also, as part of the History Festival, the travelling Makory Maker Space will be in Buxton on Sat 18^th and Sun 19^th April to celebrate Buxton’s rich craft heritage and the creativity that continues to shape the region today. The Makory Tour brings artists from across Derbyshire to share hands‑on making inspired by the county’s long history of innovation.

Milliner Claire Brown will host drop‑in workshops during these two days exploring ‘Ribbons and Regency’, where visitors will learn how to create Regency‑style cockades, decorative ribbon rosettes worn to show fashionable flair, personal identity, or political allegiance.

All proceeds support the charitable work of the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, which helps to preserve and celebrate the town’s heritage for everyone.

Full programme and tickets are available online via www.buxtonexperience.com/tour/history-festival.