The 2026 Festival Programme

Derbyshire Makes reveals its detailed 2026 programme with a countywide celebration of creativity

This spring, Derbyshire Makes is back, and it’s bigger, bolder and more hands-on than ever.

From April to May, towns across the county will come alive with creativity, as over 150 free events transform high streets, heritage sites and public spaces into places to make, explore and connect.

Whether you’re curious to try something new, want to experience live performance, or simply enjoy being part of something local and joyful – there’s something for everyone.

As we launch this detailed programme, we invite you to visit the Derbyshire Makes website for full event listings and ticket information.

Join us in celebrating the spirit of DISCOVERING, MAKING, SHARING and MAKING across Derbyshire.

Six towns, six unforgettable days

Each of the six hub towns will host a full day of activity, celebrating their unique identity, heritage and creative communities:

Expect a mix of spectacular performances, hands-on workshops, markets, exhibitions and community-led activity.

Cromford – Saturday 11 April

Chesterfield – Saturday 18 April

Swadlincote – Saturday 25 April

Heanor – Saturday 2 May

Glossop – Saturday 9 May

Bolsover – Saturday 16 May

For the full programme head to the What’s On page.

Across the county

Each town brings its own flavour to the programme. Here are just a few moments to look out for:

-A giant moving performance and parade at Cromford Mills

-The Great Chesterfield Make-Off, featuring 40 local artists creating live

-Forest crafts and heritage making in Swadlincote

-A joyful repair and reinvention takeover in Heanor

-Glossop’s spectacular Lady of the Loom parade

-Live music, lantern-making and young creatives at Bolsover

See incredible performances – and take part yourself

At the heart of Derbyshire Makes 2026 are a series of specially commissioned performances, created with and inspired by local communities.

At the festivals, you’ll find large-scale outdoor work from acclaimed UK artists including:

• Matt Pang (playful, inventive street performance)

• Autin Dance Theatre (bold, physical, large-scale dance theatre)

• Maison Foo (interactive theatre and community installations)

• John Whall (immersive digital experiences)

But this isn’t just something to watch – it’s something to join in with.

Across the programme you can:

-Try ceramics, weaving or printmaking

-Take part in creative writing and storytelling

-Explore digital making and immersive experiences

-Join parades, workshops and drop-in sessions

Alongside the six hub days, a wider countywide programme runs throughout April and May.

This includes:

The Makory – a mobile makerspace bringing creativity to communities

Dare to Dream – community sewing and making activity

Women Who Make – celebrating creativity, skills and enterprise

Derbyshire Makes brings together the county’s rich industrial heritage with today’s creative talent – from mills and mining to digital making and performance.

It’s about:

-celebrating local creativity

-supporting artists and makers

-creating shared experiences in public spaces

-inspiring the next generation

And most importantly, it’s about making creativity something everyone can be part of.

Plan your visit

All events are free, with activities suitable for all ages.

Find out what’s coming, plan your visit and join the conversation by signing up to our newsletter and follow @DerbyshireMakes.

Across every place, the invitation is simple: DISCOVER, MAKE, SHARE and CELEBRATE - TOGETHER.