Swadlincote
Discover Swadlincote
Located in the heart of the National Forest, Swadlincote combines stunning natural landscapes with a long history of craftsmanship. Home to Sharpe’s Pottery Museum, Heritage and Arts Centre, with its iconic Grade II listed bottle kiln, the town is dotted with green spaces – from the 40,000 trees in Swadlincote Woodlands, to the serene surrounds of Maurice Lea Memorial Park. Here, you can find walking trails, outdoor gym equipment and a children’s play area. Visit for the weekly market, rows of traditional shops and friendly locals, who’ve affectionately nicknamed the town ‘Swad’.
For travel tips to the Hub locations, see our Travel Routes page.
Swadlincote Events
Clay Mates Exhibition
A vibrant display of hand-crafted clay figures, each uniquely designed by young makers to reflect their community, creativity, and imagination.
Stitches in Time Banner Exhibition
A powerful collection of community-created textile banners capturing the heritage and stories of South Derbyshire.
Melbourne Gallery Artist Exhibition
Featured artists from Melbourne Festival Gallery.
LAMPLIGHT - Stories from South Derbyshire's Mining Past
Exhibition and Heritage Trail.
Derbyshire Makes Festival - Swadlincote
Bringing our South Derbyshire heritage to life
The creation of 'SUNBURST' - Welcome to the Bretby Art Pottery Family
SUNBURST workshops at Magic Attic.
Derbyshire Makes Ceramics Pottery Workshops
Join Derek Harbinson and Elaine Lim-Newton for live demos - and then have a go yourself.
Nature inspired jewellery with Louise Mary Designs
Demonstration and Workshops.
Burton and South Derbyshire College exhibition
Inspired by Bargeware.
Forest and Traditional Makers Market & Craft Fair
Showcasing local artisans inspired by wood and natural materials.
Burton and South Derbyshire College Pop up Art Galleries
Pop-up art galleries and Young Makers Market.
Song Writer Circle with Sonic Boom
Join talented local young musicians as they lead an interactive ‘on the spot’ songwriting session!
Textiles workshops and demonstrations
Explore stringmaking, crochet, weaving, and spinning with various artists.
Japanese Bookbinding & Bookfolding workshops
Turn old books into something totally new!
Community Poet Tree Workshop
Add a leaf and help to grow a poem.
Derbyshire Makes Miniatures - model making, birds and miniature shops in boxes
A hands-on creative experience with artists, exploring miniature making, mixed media, and recycled crafts inspired by stories, materials, and the natural world.
The Oddstuff - Guided Heritage walk with Music
A relaxed, story-filled heritage walk blending local history, nature and live music, with space to share your own memories along the way.
Animating Archives with Youth Landscapers Collective
An interactive digital workshop exploring local mining heritage through film, technology and creative storytelling.
Repair Cafe Advice Station
Saving items from the landfill.
Burton and South Derbyshire College Exhibition - ‘Canopy’
A collaborative exhibition exploring The National Forest through photography.
By Lamplight' Mining Inspired Tunnel Books Exhibition and Drop in Workshop
A hands-on collage workshop exploring local mining heritage through layered paper and sculptural tunnel books.
Music Performance - 5 in Harmony
Easy listening from this local group.
Parade - The Giant Wheel
A moving performance inspired by the beauty, power and impact of people from different walks of life coming together.
Music Performance - 5 in Harmony
Easy listening from this local group.
Wilkes’ Gob Border Morris Dance Performance
A lively, contemporary Morris dance performance bringing local industrial heritage to life through music, movement and storytelling.
Music Performance - The Coal Tits
Performing post industrial original folk songs.
Wilkes’ Gob Border Morris Dance Performance
A lively, contemporary Morris dance performance bringing local industrial heritage to life through music, movement and storytelling.
Parade - The Giant Wheel
A moving performance inspired by the beauty, power and impact of people from different walks of life coming together.
French Balfolk Dance Workshop and Bal with Cosmos Chocolat
Kilnside Folk Events presents award-winning French quartet Cosmos Chocolat - French balfolk dance workshop and bal.