Festivals Development
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!
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.
12th January – 3rd March, 2024
Peak District Artisans
For several years now, Chatsworth House has kindly hosted the Peak District Artisans Winter Exhibition. Peak District Artisans 2024 Chatsworth Showcase will be located in the Chatsworth shop situated in the stable block adjacent to the main house. The shop is open 10.30am to 4.30pm every day and the Peak District Artisans display will be manned by exhibiting artists. Check out the “Demo Table” with work in progress, sketch books and some artists demonstrating their process during the show.
Runs from bonfire night through to Chinese New Year, every year.
Erewash Festival of Light
Kicking off with bonfire night in November, the Christmas lights in towns across Erewash, Diwali and right through to Chinese new year on the 10th of February 2024, the borough of Erewash is bathed in light through the winter months. Featuring free workshops of dance, music, crafts, and lantern making.
7th – 25th February, 2024
Furthest From The Sea Festival – On Tour at Leicester Comedy Festival!
FFTS takes the show on the road with a guest appearance this year as part of the Leicester Comedy Festival!
12th – 18th February, 2024
UK Ghost Story Festival
Includes exciting activities such as a horror walk, author interviews, publishing talks, writing workshops and lots more!
22nd – 25th February, 2024
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.
1st – 4th March, 2024
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 1-4 March for the Spring Edition.
7th March, 2024
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.
16th March – 3rd June, 2024
Format Festival – Off year programme
FORMAT main festival returns in March 2025. 16 March to 3 June we’ll be presenting the off year programme, FORMAT24.
23rd March, 2024
Darkness In The Fields
Folk horror stalks back onto screens in 2024, as Darkness in the Fields presents its first film festival! Join Derby Quad as they present a series of classic screenings, underrated gems and modern offerings in the genre, along with interviews, short films, a sales area and more!
5th-7th April, 2024
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.
13th April, 2024
FOLD: Zine Fest
Derby’s first ever zine fest comes to the city this April! Tapping into the incredible breadth of creativity both locally and nationally, FOLD is a new fest that will celebrate and showcase all things zine, bringing zinemakers, comic creators and DIY creatives from across the UK, together in Derby! FOLD will bring a complimentary programme of activities at each venue – including a zine fair and free workshops at Deda, and a focus on comic zines and university students outputs at QUAD, as well as free activities for kids and young people.
27th-28th April, 2024
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.
4th May 2024
Tideswell Food Festival
Visit the festival and discover local food traders, artisan food stalls, and an indoor artisan crafts market, all guaranteed to tickle your taste buds and excite your love of all things hand-made, as well as singing and dancing.
5th – 6th May, 2024
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.
6th May
Bolsover Festival of Arts
The Castle will be opening its gates to the local community to celebrate the rich wealth of creative talent we have in the area. The space will be brought to life by poets, dancers, musicians and artisan crafters. The exciting line-up will be announced over the next few weeks. Get involved in hands on family activities, take a guided tour of the Little Castle or listen to music in the Riding House. Join them in seeing some amazing local artists in a setting like no other.
6th May
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!
10th – 11th May, 2024
Lost in the Hills
This is a two-day music and arts festival bringing original sounds and creativity to the heart of the Peak District National Park – a unique event offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, contemporary music and the arts.
11th – 12th May, 2024
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.
11th – 19th May, 2024
Chesterfield Walking Festival
Whether you like a relaxing stroll or a longer walk, there is something for everyone at Chesterfield Walking Festival. Explore the highlights of Chesterfield on a guided walk.
18th May, 2024
Bolsover Teenage Market
The Bolsover Teenage Market gives young people a free platform to showcase their creative talents. It’s all about supporting the next generation of market traders and bringing an influx of energy, vibrancy and diversity across the UK. The events are the perfect opportunity for markets to connect with their town’s population of young people, by providing a platform for them to be entrepreneurial, trial new business ideas and sell creative products.
23rd – 26th May, 2024
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.
24th – 27th May, 2024
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.
24th – 27th May, 2024
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.
25th – 27th May, 2024
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.
25th – 27th May, 2024
Chatsworth Family Festival
Unleash creativity and let imaginations run wild at their inaugural family festival in the Chatsworth Garden!
30th May – 4th June, 2024
Derby Book Festival
Derby Book Festival has a programme of over 60 events across ten days to celebrate the joy of books and reading for all ages and interests. There are book-related activities for families and children, with many taking place outdoors at parks across the city. Derby Book Festival now has two great programmes of events each year.
As part of a series of special spotlight focus pieces on the history of Derbyshire’s festivals we worked with the organisers of one of Derbyshire’s youngest arts festivals to put together a brief History of the Derby Book Festival, covering the festival’s stratospheric rise since its launch.
31st May – 2nd June 2024
Hardwick Hall Great British Food Festival
This amazing festival promises 3 days of foodie fun with over 100 food traders, tasty street food and thirst-quenching bars, chef demos, and more!
7th – 10th June, 2024
The Rosa Festival
June 7th-10th will mark our 5th year anniversary and 2nd licensed year in the national park. 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.
8th June, 2024
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.
15th June, 2024
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.
21st – 22nd June, 2024
Glossop Music Festival
The 2024 Summer Festival week is back! Includes an education programme, free pub-gig, family concert and much more!
21st June – 7th July, 2024
Ashbourne Festival
An exciting mix of entertainment in a rural setting, each year the Ashbourne Festival brings the best in performance art to the surrounding areas. With plenty of open-aired productions, concerts, and even a picnic, there’s no better way to spend your summer!
21st June, 2024
Gig on the Green
A day of family friendly music on the Cathedral Green in Derby.
22nd June, 2024
Furthest From The Sea Festival
Performance, participation and piratical shenanigans for all the family. Come and enjoy this free family festival on Cathedral Green with some of Derbyshire’s finest homegrown actors, dancers, poets, musicians, makers and more.
22nd – 23rd June, 2024
Swadlincote Festival of Leisure
Come along and enjoy fairground rides, family fun entertainment, live music, have a go at a variety of workshops, pick your choice from an assortment of tasty street food and much more. The festival is free to enter and has lots of free activities and entertainment for all the family available!
22nd – 23rd June, 2024
Ashbourne International Streetfest
Two days of fantastic international street performance by artists from all over the world. A great free family day out!
22nd – 23rd June, 2024
Six Streets Art Trail
Six Streets Arts Trail is a well established biennial community based event, to find out more about us, please check out the background page. During the weekend the Six Streets area transforms into a mini arts festival with exhibitions, open gardens, live music, activities, and ‘pop-up’ cafes. Residents open their homes to host artists and makers including painters, printers, textile artists, ceramicists, photographers, musicians, and jewellery-makers. Others display in halls and businesses in and around the Six Streets area.
22nd – 23rd June, 2024
Dronfield Arts Festival
With different events, exhibits and activities for people to enjoy, the Dronfield Arts Festival embraces all different types of arts, from visual to performance to crafts.
29th June, 2024
Duffield Carnival & Music Festival
Many events are planned for your entertainment throughout the festival including the Duffield Carnival.
29th – 30th June, 2024
Bonsall Arts Trail
An annual and exciting curated arts trail showcasing Derbyshire artists in various venues throughout this beautiful picturesque Peak District village.
29th June, 2024
Bakewell International Day of Dance
30 dance groups showcasing their style of dance around the town of Bakewell with the opportunity for audience participation.
28th – 30th June, 2024
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.
3rd – 21st July, 2024
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.
4th – 21st July, 2024
Buxton International Festival
Recognised nationally and internationally as one of the UK’s leading arts festivals, Buxton Festival is a summer celebration of the very best opera, music and literature at the heart of the beautiful Peak District.
5th – 7th July, 2024
Timber Forest Festival
Step into an incredible weekend festival of debate, celebration and reflection in the National Forest. Timber invites you to stand up and be counted as we rethink our relationship with trees and forests.
12th – 13th July 2024
Derby Summer Sessions Festival
Join the very first TK Maxx presents Derby Summer Sessions Festival, taking place at Markeaton Park this July.
12th – 14th July 2024
Repton Festival
The Repton Festival is a not-for-profit company of professional volunteers that provides a festival experience for those interested in the Arts in South Derbyshire and beyond.
19th – 21st July 2024
The Great Dome Art & Design Fair
The Peak District Artisans take up residence at te Devonshire Dome in Buxton in July for the Great Dome Art & Design Fair. There is a preview evening on the Friday 6pm – 8:30pm and the show is open 10am – 4:30pm on the Saturday and Sunday.
19th – 21st July 2024
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.
25th – 27th July, 2024
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.
27th – 28th July, 2024
Chesterfield Children’s Festival
After last year’s huge success, Chesterfield Children’s Festival is returning. The festival will offer a free weekend of fun for families to celebrate childhood, imagination and fun. Activities will include live movie sets, catwalks, an aerial workshop for babies and family life drawing!
2nd – 4th August, 2024
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).
2nd – 5th August, 2024
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.
8th – 11th August, 2024
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!
12th – 19th August, 2024
Ilkeston Community Theatre and Festival
Ilkeston Community Theatre and Festival Group are holding their annual week-long Festival during week commencing 12 August 2024 with a wide variety of events, most of which are free. Check it out on the website www.ictaf.org
14th – 18th August, 2024
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.
23rd – 26th August, 2024
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.
30th – 1st September
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.
30th August – 1st September 2024
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.
1st September, 2024
Hannells Darley Park Concert
Come along and be part of one of the UK’s biggest outdoor classical concerts with Sinfonia Viva, in the stunning natural amphitheatre that is Darley Park. With movie screenings, live classical music concerts, and even fireworks, this will be a celebration you do not want to miss!
30th August – 1st September 2024
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.
6th – 16th September 2024
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.
7th September – 27th October 2024
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.
7th – 8th September, 2024
Tapton Lock Festival
A FREE family event that will take place along the banks of the beautiful Chesterfield Canal and visitors can take part in arts and crafts workshops, watch amazing outdoor performances, listen to magical storytelling or take a ride on a narrowboat. There will be something for everyone and everyone’s welcome! Festival times are 11.00-4.00pm both days. Address: Tapton Lock Visitor Centre, Lockoford Lane, Chesterfield, S41 7JB.
7th – 8th September, 2024
Shardlow Inland Port Festival
There will be many fun activities for all the family that will be featured at the Inland Port fest 2024, such as:
“Floating Market”, Historic & Working narrowboats, live entertainment, craft stalls, fun dog show, food & drinks.
13th – 29th September, 2024
New Mills Festival
New Mills Festival is a community festival located in New Mills, High Peak, a small mill-town nestling at the foot of the Kinder Scout plateau. The festival is fuelled by community spirit, supported by volunteers, businesses, artists, performers and creative thinkers.
14th September, 2024
Derby Pride Festival
Join the crowds at Markeaton Park for Derby Pride. There will be live music, acts, and DJs on the main stage; a vibrant market area featuring local LGBT+ owned and LGBT+ friendly small businesses, charities, and other organisations offering support and information to the community; food and drink vendors; and a family area for kids of all ages. Derby Pride is a safe place for the LGBT+ community to celebrate being their true selves and to have a fun time, meeting friends old and new.
14th – 15th September, 2024
Melbourne Festival
Melbourne Festival has established itself as the highlight of South Derbyshire’s cultural calendar. Each Autumn the Festival brings a celebration of the Creative and Performing Arts to this gem of a village in South Derbyshire just half an hour from Derby, Nottingham and Leicester. Features live music, theatre, comedy and much more!
As part of a series of special spotlight focus pieces on the history of Derbyshire’s festivals we’ve put together a brief History of Melbourne Festival, so that you can learn more about this vibrant South Derbyshire arts festival.
18th – 22nd September, 2024
Duffield Arts Festival
Duffield Arts Festival is an annual not-for-profit festival held in the Derbyshire village of Duffield, just north of the City of Derby. The festival offers a broad programme of performances, workshops and talks across the fields of music, drama, art and books, plus much more.
20th – 21st September, 2024
Derby Feste
Derby Festé regrets to announce that Derby Festé 2024 will not be taking place this year. Please visit the link for the full announcement.
2nd – 6th October, 2024
Derby Poetry Festival
Derby Poetry Festival is a poetry and literature festival held in the centre of Derby. They are dedicated to developing new writing talent in Derby and bring excellent work to the city. DPF has just entered it’s sixth year, and 2024 is set to be bigger and better than ever. They work with local, national and international talent to build a community of likeminded individuals to create a wonderful literary festival.
7th October – 31st , 2024
Derby Season of Light Festival
Derby Season of Light (DSOL) 2024 returns between October and December and is the annual celebration of our city and county’s dazzling creativity and cultures involving thousands of local people in a packed programme. DSOL aims to unite communities and cultures – embracing various festivals including Diwali, Rabi’ Al-Awwal, Hanukkah, Bonfire Night, Christmas, and the upcoming Chinese New Year which all share the common theme of light.
11th – 13th October, 2024
Derby Folk Festival
Derby Folk Festival began in 2007, as Derby Traditional Music & Arts Festival, changing the name to Derby Folk Festival in 2010. They have been bringing amazing artists to the city since the very beginning and will continue to do so as the wonderful festival continues to grow!
12th October, 2024 (provisional date)
Diwali Celebrations in Chesterfield
A provisional date for Diwali Celebration is 12th of October. TBD
19th October
Glossop BookFest
Glossop BookFest was the ‘brainchild’ of children’s author/illustrator, Nicola Worswick, who, along with fellow local authors, Mark P. Henderson and Pamela Turton, founded the community project five years ago.
26th October, 2024
Assemble| Derby’s making festival
Assemble: Derby’s Making Festival is an annual gathering that celebrates makers of all shapes and sizes at the Museum of Making on what is widely regarded as the site of the world’s first factory.
15th – 18th November, 2024
Derby Book Festival – Autumn Edition
Derby Book Festival has evolved from a once-a-year-festival to one that now runs three times a year! Join 15-18 November for the Autumn Edition.
22nd – 24th November 2024
Banks Mill Open Studios
Banks Mill Open Studios showcases some of the best talent from Derby and Derbyshire. Visit Banks Mill during our winter Open Studios to meet over 50 artists, designers, makers and creative services businesses. As well as seeing first-hand how our artists create their unique designs and handmade products you can also buy original work directly from the artists themselves, something that can’t be experienced on the high street. Or meet one of our creative service businesses to discuss how they can work with you; from digital and video promotion to photography services.
30th November 2024 (and workshops 9/10th, 16/17th and 23rd/24th in the lead up)
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 2024? Let us know about it on editor@artsderbyshire.org.uk and we will include in an update on this page.
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