Derbyshire Festivals 2025

Derbyshire is the county of festivals and as you read on below, you will be able to see that there is always plenty to do around each corner of the county throughout the year.

Many of the festivals featured here are members of Festivity, a forum for joint working between all the festivals in Derbyshire who work together to bring a vibrant and varied menu of artistic events to the festivals season each year. The programme includes the creative arts, performance, music of every genre, dance, drama, literature and much more…

We are proud to share with you the amazing array of festivals & events in Derbyshire this year!

Festival List

All Year Long
Belper Fringe
Belper Fringe brings an exciting programme of events to Belper. Embracing all forms of artistic expression, this festival hopes to bring together visual, musical and theatrical arts for an exciting extravaganza.

24th January – 16th February, 2025
Animate Open Festival
Animate Projects and Quad are pleased to announce the launch of All that is solid: the third Animae OPEN at QUAD, Derby, from 24 January – 16 February 2025. There’ll be an online talk on 13 February.

The Animate OPEN sets out to celebrate, subvert and confound expectations of what animation can be, and includes films from Austria, Belgium, England, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Scotland, South Korea, the USA and Wales.

30th January – 2nd  March, 2025
Peak District Artisans
For several years now, Chatsworth House has kindly hosted the Peak District Artisans Winter Exhibition. Peak District Artisans 2025 Chatsworth Showcase will be located in the Chatsworth shop situated in the stable block adjacent to the main house. The shop is open from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm every day and the Peak District Artisans display will be manned by exhibiting artists. Check out the “Demo Table” with work in progress, sketchbooks and some artists demonstrating their process during the show.

14th – 23rd February, 2025
UK Ghost Story Festival
Returning for its fifth year, the UK Ghost Story Festival presents a week of activities focused on the spooky and supernatural, with a wide range of workshops, talks, interviews, panels and more!

15th – 23rd February, 2025
Dark Peak Photography Festival
Hosted at several venues in Glossop, the festival will feature photography projects such as: ‘Fallen’ – exploring the WWII aircraft crash sites that lie on the moors of the Dark Peak; ‘The Closure Year’–documenting the last weeks of Glossopdale School, ‘A walk down Glossop High Street circa 1900’– featuring photographs from the Glossop Heritage Trust, and ‘Derbyshire Hill farming’–a glimpse into the life of Derbyshire’s hill farming communities. Alongside the exhibitions, visitors will be able immerse themselves in a wide range of participatory workshops and talks that celebrate the Dark Peak area – past and present.

29^th February – 4^th March, 2025
Derby Book Festival – Spring Edition
Derby Book Festival has evolved from a once-a-year-festival to one that now runs three times a year! Join from the 29^th February – 4^th March for the Spring Edition.

1^st  March – 4^th October, 2025
Bolsover Artisan Market
On the first Saturday of the month, Visit Bolsover will invite local artisans into the Town Centre to showcase their unique crafts along with talented performers entertaining you while you browse.

6^th March, 2025
World Book Day
Aimed at commemorating books, authors and reading, millions of book tokens are given away during this festival while readers, young and old alike, enjoy the events and celebrations that nourish a love for books.

9^th – 16^th March, 2025
Old Bolsover Yard Lottery Open Week
The Old Bolsover Yard will be hosting an open week from Saturday 9th to Saturday 16th March in honour of the National Lottery Community Funding. They will have crafters selling their handmade wares throughout the week, presentation boards on display showing the progress of the conversion of Old Bolsover Yard and a free gift for all visitors (subject to availability).

13^th March – 6^th April, 2025
Format Festival
FORMAT main festival returns in March 2025. FORMAT International Photography Festival was established in 2004 and is the UK’s leading international contemporary festival of photography and related media. It organises a year-round programme of international commissions, open calls, residencies, conferences and collaborations in the UK and internationally and welcomes over 100,000 visitors from all over the world to its biennale.

4^th – 6^th April, 2025
KlezNorth
A full weekend in Youlgrave for those who enjoy Klezmer dance and music, Yiddish song, film and culture. Most people come for the whole weekend. Tickets are usually sold out well in advance, so early bookings are advised.

19^th April, 2025
Bolsover Easter Teenage Market
We welcome a whole variety of sellers, all we ask is that you source or make your own products and come along to enjoy trying out your entrepreneurial skills. We’re giving you the chance to shine and be proud, by selling your handmade wares, giving you the opportunity to test the market with your handmade crafts and helping you gain confidence in selling, meeting and speaking to the public.

19^th –  20^th April, 2025
Derbyshire Makes Festival – Bolsover
An exciting programme of free events in and around Bolsover town centre to showcase Derbyshire’s rich heritage of making and innovation through exhibitions, ‘have a go’ workshops, displays and much more.

April, 2025 (exact dates to be confirmed)
Bakewell Food Festival
Derbyshire-based artisans are invited to showcase their skills during the festival. It is a free entry event and a festival of fine foods, arts, crafts and entertainment is promised in the heart of Bakewell in the Peak District.

3^rd  May, 2025
Tideswell Food Festival
Nestled in the heart of the Peak District, Tideswell provides the perfect backdrop for a food festival. Surrounded by the charm of its historic church, inviting pubs, and the renowned local café, The Lounge, this heartwarming village offers a delightful setting to indulge your taste buds. With over 50 food stalls to discover, a special Makers Market showcasing local artisans, and live entertainment throughout the day, join us in Tideswell for one of the Peak District’s premier food festivals.

3^rd  May, 2025
The Bolsover Blitz
A day to reflect on the 80^th anniversary of VE Day, showcasing re-enactments, displays, vintage/wartime vehicles, music, singing, dancing and entertainment, all throughout the Town Centre and the Bolsover Castle.

5^th – 6^th May, 2025
Belper Arts Trail
The Belper Arts Trail features well over 100 artists in over 50 venues around the centre of Belper involving shops, businesses, pubs, churches and private houses. There will be food, drink, activities and a full programme of music with hidden gems to be discovered across the town. A fabulous weekend and one of the highlights of Belper’s year.

5th May, 2025
Buxton Spring Fair
An annual celebration throughout Buxton on May Day featuring food and drink stalls, exhibitions, dance and music, craft stalls, children’s activities, climbing walls, petting zoo, circus skills and much, much, much more. The day where all community groups and businesses come together and put on a show throughout the town. This is the day to be in Buxton!

10^th – 11^th May, 2025 
Derbyshire Food & Drink Fair/Elvaston Food Festival
Derbyshire Food & Drink Fair is set within the grounds of Elvaston Castle. Visitors to the fair have free access to 820 acres of National Trust parkland. There is also a music stage incorporated as part of the weekend of activities.

17^th – 18^th May, 2025
Shardlow Inland Port Festival
There will be many fun activities for all the family that will be featured at the Inland Port Fest 2025, such as:
“Floating Market”, Historic & Working narrowboats, live entertainment, craft stalls, fun dog show, food & drinks. They will also have a Town Cryer to open the event alongside the Chairman of SDDC

21^st – 25^th May, 2025
The Bearded Theory Festival
The Bearded Theory festival is an independent music festival held in the beautiful grounds of Catton Park in Derbyshire. This year the festival will be held over four days during the early summer.

23^rd May – 1^st June, 2025
Derby Book Festival – Spring Edition
Derby Book Festival has evolved from a once-a-year festival to one that now runs three times a year! Join 23^rd May – 1^st June for the Spring Edition.

23^rd – 26^th May, 2025
WinsterFest
Live music, real ale, good food, camping, flushing toilets on site – what more can you ask for? Small and friendly WinsterFest, in the small village of Winster, near Matlock.

23^rd – 26^th May, 2025
Cliff Festival – Rerouted, making peace on the journey
Cliff Festival is a four-day event full of music, seminars, Bible teaching and activities for people of all ages. It runs in May at Cliff College near Bakewell in Derbyshire, with camping plots and indoor accommodation available for those attending.

24^th – 26^th May, 2025
Derbyshire Open Arts
This Festival weekend showcases some exceptional Artists, who can be found in fascinating and surprising corners of Derbyshire. The perfect excuse to explore our beautiful county. Visit inspiring work spaces, talk to artists and have the opportunity to buy an original piece of art. Find out more about the artists and plan your route on the Derbyshire Open Arts website.

30^th May – 1^st June, 2025
Chatsworth Family Festival
Unleash creativity and let imaginations run wild at their inaugural family festival in the Chatsworth Garden!

31^st May – 1^st June, 2025
Festivity Artist Showcase – as part of Bolsover Festival of the Arts at Bolsover Castle
Festivity is a vibrant family-friendly countywide tour celebrating the incredible talents of Derbyshire’s musicians, poets, dancers, visual artists, screen-based installations and storytellers. Arts Derbyshire has teamed up with the Tent People to create a magical mini-tented village to showcase the best of Derbyshire. The first event takes place at the beautiful English Heritage site – Bolsover Castle as part of the Bolsover Festival of Arts. Public arts workshops will be delivered over the weekend by a local arts organisation from Bolsover (TBC). There will be a different artist lineup for each tour venue with full lineup details to be announced.

2^nd – 22^nd June, 2025
Gatehouse Gallery, Haddon Hall – Peak District Artisans
Having first exhibited here in 2021 The Gatehouse Gallery at Haddon is now an annual event in the PDA calendar and we are delighted to be returning in 2025!

20^th – 23^rd June, 2025
The Rosa Festival
It is a young person’s celebration of music, arts and the beautiful Peak District! The festival aims to bring young people from all across the country to build a thriving festival community that will encourage people to come back to the peaks for years to come.

21^st June, 2025
The Long Eaton Carnival
The carnival is a highlight of a whole week series of events in the community, dedicated to raising money for the locals.

21^st – 22^nd June, 2025
The Festival of Leisure
The Festival of Leisure will be taking place on the 21^st and 22^nd of June at Maurice Lee Memorial Park. The two-day event is a fun-filled weekend for all the family with live entertainment, local bands, fairground rides, creative workshops and much more. The event is free entry and has lots of free activities taking place.

20^th June – 6^th July, 2025
Ashbourne Festival
Ashbourne Festival takes place every June and July in the small market town of Ashbourne – known as ‘The Gateway to the Peak District’ and situated at the southern end of the Derbyshire Dales. Over the last two decades Ashbourne Festival has hosted some of the best street theatre, musicians, comedians, artists and writers working in the region, nationally and internationally. It is a cultural oasis in a popular area that is still relatively isolated from significant arts venues.

21^st – 22^nd June, 2025
Festivity Arts Showcasing – Staveley Waterside
Arts Derbyshire’s Festivity is on the road again arriving in Staveley Basin – a stunning new development site on the canal. Festivity is a vibrant family-friendly countywide tour celebrating the incredible talents of Derbyshire’s musicians, poets, dancers, visual artists, screen-based installations and storytellers. Arts Derbyshire has teamed up with the Tent People to create a magical mini-tented village to showcase the best of Derbyshire. Public arts workshops will be delivered over the weekend by a local arts organisation from the area (TBC). There will be a different artist lineup for each tour venue with the full lineup to be announced.

21^st – 22^nd June, 2025
Ashbourne International Streetfest
Two days of fantastic international street performances by artists from all over the world. A great free family day out!

23^rd June, 2025
Derby Fake Fest
The Derby Fake Fest is an annual celebration that brings together six ‘fake’ bands to perform in front of a wide audience.

28^th June, 2025
Duffield Carnival & Music Festival
Many events are planned for your entertainment throughout the festival including the Duffield Carnival.

27^th – 29^th June, 2025
Exile Music Festival
A well-established small, family friendly music festival held at Sabine Hay just outside Darley Dale in the grounds of a private house, set in a tranquil tree-lined valley away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The festival hosts an eclectic mix of bands, a real-ale bar and on-site catering. Various activities for the children such as story-telling, games and a fancy-dress parade.

4^th – 6^th July, 2025
Repton Festival
The Repton Festival is a weekend of curated, eclectic arts events spread over three days 4th to 6th July 2025 taking place in the historic grounds of an ancient Augustinian Priory and Repton School where the Viking Great Army that invaded England in AD 865 overwintered in AD 873-874. The Festival has featured fiction & non-fiction writers, plays and actors, movies and film directors & makers, music and musicians, art and artists, poets, politicians, comedians, Viking re-enactors, gardens and gardeners, beers and brewers, wine and tea experts among others!  Everyone can find something fun and engaging.

5^th – 6^th July, 2025
Festivity Artist Showcasing – Erewash Museum
Arts Derbyshire’s Festivity returns once again on its third outing to the heritage site of Erewash Museum and Gardens in Ilkeston. Festivity is a vibrant family friendly countywide tour celebrating the incredible talents of Derbyshire’s musicians, poets, dancers, visual artists, screen based installations and storytellers. Arts Derbyshire has teamed up with the Tent People to create a magical mini tented village to showcase the best of Derbyshire. Our tents will be spread through the Gardens allowing the audience to explore this fascinating historical place. Public Arts workshops will be delivered in partnership with the museum over the weekend. There will be a different artist lineup for each tour venue full lineup details are to be announced.

9^th – 27^th July, 2025
Buxton Festival Fringe
One of the largest arts festivals in England. An open festival that does not select or censor, it runs alongside the Buxton Festival, with hundreds of events happening around the town and further afield.  Many artists use it as a preview before appearing at Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The Fringe is a charity run by volunteers.

10^th – 27^th July, 2025
Buxton International Festival
Recognised nationally and internationally as one of the UK’s leading arts festivals, Buxton International Festival is a summer celebration of the very best opera, music and literature at the heart of the beautiful Peak District.

5^th – 13^th  July, 2025
Derby Summer Sessions Festival
Join the very first TK Maxx presents Derby Summer Sessions Festival, taking place at Markeaton Park this July.

18^th – 20^th July, 2025
Stainsby Festival
Stainsby Festival is a well-established, intimate and family-friendly music event in a beautiful rural setting, held in large marquees on a greenfield site in the picturesque hamlet of Stainsby in North Derbyshire.

19^th – 20^th July, 2025
Art at the Crescent – Peak District Artisans
Featuring an exciting collection of contemporary artworks from some of the best professional artists, designer makers and artisans in the Peak District, the exhibition is set in the stunning Assembly Rooms at the Crescent hotel with the artists in attendance.

20^th July, 2025
Derby Caribbean Carnival
Derby Caribbean Carnival takes place on the third Sunday of July each year. This includes the procession where we have troupes from London, Luton, Leeds, Bradford, Preston, Leicester, Birmingham and Nottingham. All troupes gather on Cathedral Green near the Derby Silk Mill (The Museum of Making).

24^th – 26^th July, 2025
Rock & Blues Festival
For one weekend a year, The Coney Grey Showground in Pentrich is home to the Rock and Blues Custom Show & Old School Weekender. Three days of live music on three stages + Two-day indoor Custom Show = One Serious Weekend Party.

26^th – 27^th July, 2025
Chesterfield Children’s Festival
A free weekend of fun for families that includes music, theatre, storytelling, dance, and art workshops. Come and celebrate the joy of childhood, imagination and play with a host of of family friendly activities, experiences and entertainment that is suitable for children aged 0-16 years.

31^st Jul – 3^rd Aug, 2025
Y-Not Festival
This small, fresh and loud festival promises a carefree and good-time atmosphere. Offering stunning panoramic views of the countryside, a fully stocked bar of local ales and ciders, a mouth-watering selection of food and more live music than you could ever possibly take in, all you need to provide is the memories (and a killer fancy dress outfit).

8^th – 10^th August, 2025
Buxton Blues Festival
Join the fun at the sixth annual Buxton Blues Festival! Camp and listen to live music whist enjoying delicious food and drink.

7^th – 11^th August, 2025
Bloodstock Open Air
Bloodstock is the UK’s largest heavy metal open air festival that features the greatest names in heavy metal music in it’s packed programme, held in Catton Park. 2022 marks the festival’s 21st live edition, hosting over 130 bands across 4 stages over 4 days. The festival is expected to see a daily attendance of 20,000 heavy metal music fans, so hurry for tickets as they sell out fast!

11^th – 16^th August, 2025
Ilkeston Community Theatre and Festival
Ilkeston Community Theatre and Festival Group are holding their annual week-long Festival during week commencing 11 August 2025 with a wide variety of events, most of which are free. Check it out on the website www.ictaf.org

13^th – 17^th August, 2025
Barlow Carnival
Barlow Carnival is a week packed full of fun and entertainment for all the family. The highlight of the week is Carnival Day with a parade, Carnival Queen, floats, bands and fancy dress through the village.

29^th – 31^st August, 2025
Rock The Peaks
Enjoy a weekend of Rock at this small, friendly live music event. Held in the scenic Derbyshire Peak District at Pikehall, Matlock.

29^th – 31^st August, 2025
Off  The Tracks Festival
Off The Tracks is many things and all of them good – independent, friendly, relaxing, memorable, exciting, a place to escape and a place to meet new friends. Once you’ve been, they can bet you’ll want to come back. Their family-friendly festivals are the perfect chance for you to flee to the countryside, let your hair down, chill out and escape the humdrum of everyday life.

29^th – 31^st August, 2025
The Darley Park Weekender
The Darley Park Weekender ticket holders will be treated to three days of five-star, family-friendly music, set in the beautiful surroundings of Darley Park.

31^st August, 2025
Darley Park Concert
Back as part of The Darley Park Weekender, this firm favourite will be delighting crowds once again with a captivating performance of classical music, followed by a dazzling display of fireworks to round off the weekend.

29^th – 31st August, 2025
Chatsworth Country Fair
Featuring celebrity chefs, entertainers, and a grand ring, the Chatsworth Country Fair is held yearly at the heart of the Peak District, attracting visitors from every corner of the country.

6^th – 7^th September, 2025
Festivity Artist Showcase – Tapton Lock
For the penultimate part of the festivity tour, we are working with our amazing partners – Junction Arts as part of their annual festival at Tapton Lock. This family-based festival has the perfect waterfront setting to present Festivity. Festivity is a vibrant countywide tour celebrating the incredible talents of Derbyshire’s musicians, poets, dancers, visual artists, screen-based installations and storytellers. Arts Derbyshire has teamed up with the Tent People to create a magical mini tented village to showcase the best of Derbyshire. Public arts workshops will be delivered over the weekend by a local arts organisation from Chesterfield (TBC). There will be a different artist lineup for each tour venue with the full lineup details to be announced.

6^th – 7^th September, 2025
Tapton Lock Festival
Bringing families and friends together to enjoy the outdoors, promoting better health and wellbeing. Experience the magic of live performances by musicians, poets, dancers, visual artists, and storytellers, plus much more! We look forward to seeing you.

6^th September – 26^th October, 2025
Matlock Bath Illuminations
The Matlock Bath Venetian Boat Builders’ Association decorate themed models with an array of coloured lights which are mounted on rowing boats and paraded on the River Derwent each Saturday and Sunday, giving a unique and luminous display. Plus, a firework display every Saturday evening.

12^th – 21^st September, 2025
Wirksworth Festival
The Wirksworth Festival is a leading rural arts festival that has been around for nearly three decades. Enjoy the work of more than 150 artists plus an inspiring programme of performances and events in this historic market town, right at the heart of the Derbyshire Dales.

20^th – 21^st September, 2025
Melbourne Festival
As we exit summer, there’s another thing to look forward to before the season well and truly ends! Our partners at Creative Melbourne have invited festivity to be a part of their 2025 Melbourne Festival which is the perfect place to celebrate the last outdoor event of 2025. Festivity is a vibrant countywide tour celebrating the incredible talents of Derbyshire’s musicians, poets, dancers, visual artists, screen based installations and storytellers. Arts Derbyshire has teamed up with the tent People to create a magical mini tented village to showcase the best of Derbyshire. Public arts workshops will be delivered over the weekend by local arts organisations from South Derbyshire (TBC). There will be a different artist lineup for each tour venue with the full lineup details to be announced.

20^th – 21^st September, 2025
Festivity Artist Showcase – Melbourne Festival
As we exit summer, there’s another thing to look forward to before the season well and truly ends! Arts Derbyshire’s very own festival – Festivity, will be hosting its final outdoor event of the year at Melbourne Festival, with workshops, music and so much more – you won’t want to miss out!

Dates TBC
The Bolsover Christmas Lights Switch On
Come see the Christmas lights turn on in Bolsover and get in the festive spirit. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, with cheerful music and delicious treats, with stalls and shops all open until 8pm! It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!

Dates TBC
GLISTEN Fest
A sparkly, sensory festival filled with light and sound for people with profound multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and learning disabilities. GLISTEN Fest has been designed to ignite the senses, inspire creativity and create memories that can be shared with family, friends and carers.

28^th November, 2025  
Bright Winter Nights at Bolsover Castle
The immersive light show will return to the iconic Bolsover Castle, bringing the castle walls to life with live projections, images and sounds that celebrate the stories of local people.

29^th November, 2025  
Bolsover Lantern Parade and Christmas Festival
The Christmas Festival and the Lantern Parade is filled with exciting stalls and visitors brightening the town. There will be a bustle of family entertainment activities,  warm foods and drinks, market stalls with traders and festive events taking place on the day. It is a perfect way to spend the festive winter evening with your family around the Bolsover Castle.

Do you have a festival in Derbyshire in 2025? Let us know about it on editor@artsderbyshire.org.uk and we will include in an update on this page.