DERBYSHIRE PRODUCERS SHOWCASED AT 40TH CHATSWORTH COUNTRY FAIR

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Some of Derbyshire’s finest makers and producers had the opportunity to showcase and sell their products to thousands of visitors at Chatsworth Country Fair this weekend (1^st-3^rd September 2023).

Over 50 local artisans were invited to exhibit in the ‘Derbyshire Makers Marquee’, hosted by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire in partnership with Derbyshire County Council, at one of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor celebrations.

Now in its fourth year, the Derbyshire Makers Marquee aims to support the growth of small, independent artists and producers by helping them to reach new audiences.

Visitors to the marquee had the chance to sample and buy quality items ranging from arts, crafts, jewellery and homeware to photography and fine food and drink – all produced in Derbyshire.

Exhibitors included Treak Cliff Cavern, producers of iconic Blue John Jewellery; Roundhouse Gallery, a South Derbyshire-based ceramics studio and pottery; and The Original Paper Starlights, whose colourful handmade lanterns decorated the marquee.

Chatsworth celebrated its 40^th Country Fair with three action-packed days of entertainment including thrilling grand ring displays, inspirational cookery demonstrations, interactive rural crafts and traditional country pursuits.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many artisans and craftspeople embracing the chance to come together to showcase the high quality products made here in Derbyshire.

“As well as being very popular with visitors, thanks to support from Derbyshire County Council, the Derbyshire Makers Marquee also gave independent producers the chance to exhibit at a nationally-renowned, large-scale event – fuelling their growth and helping them to reach new audiences.”

William and Laura Burlington said: “Derbyshire is blessed with a wealth of extraordinarily talented artisan makers, artists and craftspeople and we’re delighted to be able to celebrate their skill and creativity with a broad audience through the Derbyshire Makers Marquee at the Chatsworth Country Fair.”

Councillor Simon Spencer, Deputy Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “We’re proud to promote small local businesses and value the contribution Derbyshire producers make to the local economy.

“The Derbyshire Makers Marquee provides independent artists and producers with a fantastic platform to display their skills and reach new audiences and I’m pleased we were able to support it.”

Ceramicist Philip Evans of Roundhouse Gallery in Foston, South Derbyshire said: “As a small contemporary studio ceramics gallery, the opportunity to exhibit at Chatsworth Country Fair was one I couldn’t miss out on. Having my own stall in the Derbyshire Makers Marquee gave me an amazing opportunity to reach out to thousands of potential customers from across the UK and beyond that I would not have normally had. It gave me a platform I’d certainly not be able to achieve on my own.

“I had masses of interest in my studio pottery and hopefully look forward to welcoming new visitors to my studio ceramics gallery at Foston. I made new connections with other local artists, some of who I’d like to collaborate with in the future, so it inspired me as an artist to identify new growth opportunities too. A huge thank you to Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, Derbyshire County Council and the wonderful Chatsworth House!”

Mike Norton of Hogg Norton Fruit Liqueurs, based in Chesterfield, said: “Having a stall in the Derbyshire Makers Marquee at such a prestigious event such as Chatsworth Country Fair was such a privilege. Being able to showcase our products to thousands of visitors and potential new customers with our liqueurs that are produced in Derbyshire, with fruit from Derbyshire, literally a few miles from Chatsworth House, gives us brand exposure that we could not achieve on our own.

“Also, being with so many amazing producers from across Derbyshire and the Peak District gave us an opportunity to work with new partners and grow our product offering.”

Derbyshire-based landscape and wildlife photographer Guy Badham said: “Having a stand for my business within the Derbyshire Makers Marquee at Chatsworth Country Fair has been hugely beneficial. It is a fabulous opportunity to promote my business to both the general public and other local businesses. I was able to sell a number of my Derbyshire landscape and wildlife images and also received several bookings for the photography training days that I run.”