19.06.2024
Well dressing is a tradition that has been celebrated for over 700 years, and it originated right here, in our very own County of Derbyshire! In honour of this; we have been picked as one of the two charities that will receive fundraising from the Over Haddon well dressing alongside S.H.E.UK .
We, Arts Derbyshire are a local charity who work with artists, service providers and the public to provide strategic direction for the arts in Derbyshire, to enable collaborative working for arts development, and to encourage people to take part in the arts. We aim to enrich the lives of people through the arts, via Creative Health and other means.
S.H.E. UK are a brilliant charity who offer a holistic range of support services for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, exploitation and sexual violence. They are on a mission to improve the lives of the victims of childhood sexual abuse and sexual violence. Their vision is that survivors are met with compassion and openness, in a world where childhood sexual abuse is exposed, tackled and not associated with feelings of shame.
We are absolutely honoured to have been chosen to be fundraised for alongside the amazing charity – S.H.E. UK as they carry on doing their extremely valuable work!
Well dressing brings thousands of people flocking from all over the county to the Peak District to see this wonderful tradition, and witness the unbelievable craftsmanship and hard work that goes into creating these beautiful well dressing boards. Well Dressing displays traditionally involve using natural materials, including seeds, fir cones and flower petals, to produce some sort of design based on a theme. These take weeks to put together but they bring much joy when they go on show in the village of Over Haddon.
As part of the support shown for the wonderful tradition, and to support us and S.H.E. UK, two of our Marketing and Editorial team – Debbie and Ed will be heading to the picturesque village of Over Haddon to get their hands dirty, and get stuck in with the creation of the well dressing boards.
The main well dressing board will be located near the village’s historic pump in Wellgate Lane, and overlooks the breathtaking Lathkill Dale, and the junior well dressing display will be located at the village hall on School Lane. The displays will begin being brought to life on the 15th June, and the blessing of the well will take place Saturday 22nd June, and gives thanks to the wells for the clean water it provides. After the blessing of the wells on the first day it is up on display, they will stay up for a further eight days.
Make sure to come along and witness the incredible work that has been put into creating these well dressing displays, and help support us and S.H.E. UK by purchasing post cards, and refreshments! As well as the well dressing celebrations, there is so much more to see and do in and around Over Haddon, so why not make a day of it?
As we gear up for the event keep your eyes on ours, and the socials over at Destination Digital as they share some behind the scenes content of the well dressing production process!
If you are not able to make it to witness the well dressing on any of the days, then their are many other way you can help support us and S.H.E. such as by using Give as you Live, donations or starting fundraisers!
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