Out and About in Derbyshire and the Peak District
There are a number
of events that take place throughout the year in and around Derbyshire and the Peak District. The list below provides a selection
of what’s on offer during 2008:
Up to 31st
January 2009
The Victorians at
Pickford's House Museum
This exhibition provides an overview of fashion from the reign of Queen Victoria (1837 –
1901). The exhibition explores how fashion design and manufacture changed during this period.
www.derby.gov.uk/museums
March -
May
Peak District National Park Ranger Walks at Bakewell
National Park Authority
Rangers lead over 250 free guided walks each year.
Their Knowledge of this special place is inspiring - all are experienced
walk leaders and qualified first aiders. Some rangers specialise in botany, birds and even white mountain hares. There are
walks and events for all including: families, wheelchair users, people new to the countryside and experienced walkers.
www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/guidedwalks
1st May
–20th September
Well Dressings is a unique Derbyshire tradition were villages or town wells
and springs are dressed with flowers, bark and other natural things that depict scenes from the bible or Derbyshire life.
http://www.welldressing.com/
24th-26th
May
Tudor Celebration Chatsworth.
2008 marks the 400th anniversary of the death of Bess of Hardwick the second
most richest and powerful woman in Elizabethan England. Through her marriages Bess’s wealth aloud the development of
land and property, Chatsworth and Hardwick Hall being two of these developments.
http://www.chatsworth.org/
29th May
Garland Ceremony Castleton.
Castleton Garland Day is a custom that has been celebrated in Castleton for hundreds
of years, originally, possibly as a fertility rite, but today it is said to commemorate the restoration of Charles the Second.
It is held on Oak Apple Day, the 29th May, unless this is a Sunday, when proceedings will take place on the Saturday. The
Garland, 3 feet high is made from a wooden frame, wound with string to which small bunches of wild flowers and leaves are
tied.
www.castleton-peakdistrict.co.uk
7th - 8th
June
Rally Car Show Chatsworth.
http://www.chatsworth.org/
21st-24th
June
Matlock Live.
A series of events that take place in and around Matlock
http://www.matlocklive.co.uk/
22nd June
Derbyshire County Show Elvaston Castle Country Park.
A county show which makes a great day out for all the
family. In the main show ring there will be horses show jumping, dog shows as well as vintage cars and a stalls and events
that reflects Derbyshire life.
http://www.derbyshirecountyshow.org.uk/
9th-27th July
Buxton Festival Buxton.
Buxton
Festival has a special place in the hearts of music and literature lovers. A wide-ranging opera programme now includes
two full-scale Festival productions. Add an outstanding concert and literature programme and you have a unique place in the
British arts scene. This is reflected by outstanding national media coverage and the trebling of our audience since
1999.
http://www.buxtonfestival.co.uk/
12th -13th July
National Carriage driving
Trails Catton Hall.
http://www.catton-hall.com/
29th July
Chesterfield Medieval market.
2nd- 3rd August
Cromford Steam Rally Cromford.
http://www.cromford-steam.co.uk/
2-24th August
International Gilbert and Sullivan
Festival Buxton.
www.buxtonfestival.co.uk
3rd August
English National Sheep dog Trail
Championships Ilam Dovedale.
http://www.sheepdogchamionships.co.uk
6-7th August
Bakewell Show.
Bakewell Show
is a celebration all aspects of farming and rural life, from the best of British livestock to the latest business and technological
innovations.
http://www.bakewellshow.org/
9th-10th August
Crich Tramway Village 1940’s
Weekend.
http://www.tramway.co.uk/
29th-31st August
Chatsworth Country Fair.
The Country Fair is one of England's most spectacular annual outdoor events, held in Chatsworth park, and it attracts
large crowds from all over the country. Massed pipe and military bands, demonstrations and parades, hot air balloons, parachuting
and over 300 varied trade stands and rural crafts make this a memorable event with something for everyone.
http://www.chatsworth.org/
30th August-25th October
Matlock Bath Illuminations
and Venetian Nights Matlock Bath.
At weekends from August/September until the end of October Matlock Bath in Derbyshire
hosts it's magical illuminations and Venetian Nights. The illuminations and Venetian Nights are attended by a great number
of people, successfully extending the tourist season right through the Autumn. On some nights throughout the illumination
season there is also a cliff top firework display with a Park and Ride Scheme in operation.
Further information form tourist
information (01629 583388)
24th-28th September
Elizabethan Week Hardwick
Hall.
2008 will be a special year for Hardwick as we will be commemorating 400 years since Bess of Hardwick's death. There
are lots of planned events and themed activities that visitors will be able to enjoy throughout the year, in celebration of
this remarkable woman.
National Trust (Telephone: 01246 850430)
3rd November-23rd December
Chatsworth House
Dressed for Christmas.
Walk around the house and see it dressed and preparing for Christmas.
http://www.chatsworth.org/
5th-7th December
Matlock Christmas Market.
The
Victorian market takes place in Hall Leys Park with stalls and events happening throughout the weekend. Traditionally Matlock’s
Christmas lights are switched on this weekend.
Further information form tourist information (01629 583388)
26th December (Boxing Day)
Raft Race Matlock
Bridge to Cromford Marsh. Watch rafts sail along the river Derwent in this charity event, which is enjoyed by both the young,
and old. Watch out for the water pistols!
http://www.dasac.co.uk/
Please check with each venue as there may be late changes.
