‘Derbyshire Makes’ returns for 2026

Residents across the county will be encouraged to get creative this spring with the return of Derbyshire Makes, Derbyshire County Council’s flagship festival celebrating making in all its forms. 

Running throughout April and May 2026, the programme will culminate in six free, family-friendly town-centre festivals, each locally led and rooted in place. 

Now in its second year, Derbyshire Makes shines a spotlight on Derbyshire’s extraordinary making heritage and its vibrant contemporary creative and cultural industries. High streets, heritage sites and public spaces will be transformed into lively festival hubs, bringing together artists, makers, performers and communities to explore the county’s past, present and future through creativity. 

Six locations will each host a full day of activity: 

• Cromford Mills: Saturday 11th April 
• Chesterfield: Saturday 18th April 
• Swadlincote: Saturday 25th April 
• Heanor: Saturday 2th May 
• Glossop: Saturday 9th May 
• Bolsover: Saturday 16th May 

The festival is made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Derbyshire County Council. 

Liz Johnson, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England, said: 

“Rooted in Derbyshire’s rich history of making and craftmanship, the impressive programme includes many brilliant opportunities for local people to get stuck in, discover new interests, learn new skills and experience the joy that creativity can bring.” 

On Saturday 9th May, Glossop town centre will come alive with a free festival celebrating the area's creative spirit and history. Running from 11am to 5pm across Norfolk Square, the Market Hall and Partington Theatre, the day offers something for everyone – from live music and storytelling to craft markets and family-friendly workshops. 

The star of the show is ‘The Lady of the Loom’, a spectacular giant puppet who wakes from winter sleep at 11am. Created by professional puppeteers, she represents Glossop's mill heritage and the coming of spring. Throughout the day, you can help make decorations and join a colourful parade at 4:30pm. 

WHAT’S HAPPENING: 

• Live music from local musicians in Norfolk Square 
• Stories and performances about local folklore and history 
• Creative workshops for all ages 
• A maker's market with 25 local artists and craftspeople 
• A photography exhibition inspired by spring traditions 
• Hands-on activities including weaving, knitting displays, and gardening demos 

Everyone is welcome to get involved before the festival with free events in the weeks beforehand, including crafting and photography workshops and creative sessions. 

THE COUNTY-WIDE PROGRAMME: 

Across all six festival days, audiences can enjoy performances from acclaimed UK artists and companies including Matt Pang, Autin Dance Theatre, John Whall and Maison Foo. 

Alongside the headline festivals, a wide-ranging programme of free and low-cost events will take place throughout April and May, including: 

• Meet the Maker talks at Cromford Mills 
• Creative and heritage displays in libraries across the county 
• Hands-on workshops in textiles, craft and digital making 
• Grants-supported projects delivered by local groups and organisations 

Derby Museums’ mobile makerspace, ‘The Makory’, will tour communities during the festival period as part of Derbyshire Makes History - a two-year heritage-focused programme funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. 

All Derbyshire Makes festival days are free to attend. Some workshops require advance booking. 

For more information and updates visit: www.derbyshiremakes.co.uk, sign up to the mailing list or follow @DerbyshireMakes on social media.