Women Who Make festival
WHEN
10:00am - 4:00pm
TAGS
Celebration of women's creativity
Celebrate the power of women who make, inspire, and transform - during a day-long festival at Masson Mills.
Set around the compelling ‘Standing In This Place’ exhibition by artist Rachel Carter, explore a vibrant showcase of women makers, artists, designers, storytellers, and activists.
Featuring workshops, talks, demonstrations and a community sewing bee with Alex Murphy, former contestant on BBC's The Great British Sewing Bee.
Join us for a day of creativity, collaboration, and connection.
- An exhibition ‘Standing in This Place’ by Rachel Carter
- A market and demonstrations by local women makers and designers
- A talks programme with 4 guest speakers
- Dare to Dream Sewing Bee event
- Street food
Free to attend. Parking charges apply.
Derbyshire Makes in partnership with Masson Mills and Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
DARE TO DREAM WORKSHOP
Inspired by Derbyshire’s spirit of innovation, we’re inviting families, and community groups to craft flags, banners, and garments that showcase dreams, aspirations, and bold ideas for a brighter future.
Meet the makers
Join the Derbyshire Makes team at the festival for a relaxed session of creativity, connection, and crafting – whether you're a seasoned stitcher or just curious about making. Bring your sewing machine, a favourite fabric, or just yourself. We’ll provide materials,and a warm welcome.
The day will be hosted by Dare to Dream Lead Artist Sue Reddish, with special guest Alex Murphy, known from the BBC's The Great British Sewing Bee. Alex will bring a few of her sewing creations and share stories about her creative journey.
Make it meaningful
Using old fabrics and found materials, transform everyday textiles into powerful symbols of hope and change. Stitch your dreams into something meaningful – a flag, a patch, a banner, or something entirely your own. Share stories, spark ideas, and explore how creativity can connect us, comfort us, and inspire the change we want to see.
No experience needed - just imagination and a desire to make something special.
What do you dream will be different?
Through creativity and collaboration, let’s explore how we can shape a better world, one stitch at a time.
Drop in, get involved, and leave with your own piece of artistic activism.
OTHER COUNTYWIDE EVENTS
Visit the Makory at Wirksworth Arts Festival
Coded in Colour
