The summer months are here and in Derbyshire we’ve got an abundance of things going on up and down the county. We highlight some places, activities and events to take advantage of, with something for everybody.
Self-guided walks at Poole’s Cavern
July 24 – September 3
In a new initiative at Poole’s Cavern, visitors can partake in self-guided walk-throughs this summer at one of the Peak District’s most stunning natural wonders. For one hour each day, all the lights in the cavern will be on and visitors will be able to meander at their own pace, with cave custodians still on hand to answer questions.
poolescavern.co.uk
Opera in the Garden
August 2-3
There is something wonderfully opulent and atmospheric about the thought of enjoying an evening of opera within the gardens of glorious Chatsworth. Pack your chairs and picnics and spend a glorious summer’s evening taking in the timeless love stories of Carmen (August 2) and/or La Boheme (August 3). Both performances take place in the Rose Garden with the backing of a live orchestra.
chatsworth.org/events/
Cromford Steam Rally
August 3-4
Cromford Steam Rally is Derbyshire’s premier steam heritage and vintage rally, showcasing the very best in our steam, transport and leisure industries – including vintage cars, motorcycles, showman’s engines, commercial lorries and much more. It’s not just about the vehicles though. Visitors can expect children's entertainment, brass bands, market stalls, singers, entertainers, craft marquee, model tent, miniatures and food and drink vendors.
cromfordsteamrally.co.uk
Staunton Harold Hall Artisan Show
August 3-4
The Artisan Show at Staunton Harold Hall will showcase quality artisans and makers from across Derbyshire and beyond. This event is set to take place against the backdrop of the picturesque Grade l listed Georgian mansion in the beautiful hall grounds. This will be a celebration of an array of artisans and makers, carefully picked to showcase British Craftsmanship at its best.
stauntonharoldestate.co.uk/summer-artisan-show
Pride in Belper
August 3
Pride in Belper has grown to be regarded as one of the standout events of its kind across the country. The event’s mission? To celebrate the intersections of every single person who engages meaningfully in the community of Belper. With an emphasis on sustainability, accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity, the parade – or ‘Strutt’ – is a highlight, with thousands of people taking part each year.
prideinbelper.co.uk
Outdoor cinema at Calke Abbey
August 8-11
The UK’s biggest open-air cinema tour makes its way to Derbyshire next month, including a four-day residency at the wonderful Calke Abbey. So, if you want to watch some iconic cinema in an equally iconic backdrop, this could be for you. Listings include Grease (August 8); Top Gun (August 9); Mamma Mia! (August 10); and Back to the future (August 11).
adventurecinema.co.uk/venues/calke-abbey
Life is Wood Festival, Sudbury Courtyard
August 10
This inaugural festival (10am-4.30pm) brings together makers who are masters at creating from a wonderful, natural material - wood! Stallholders will showcase their skills and products with sales and demonstrations in carving, chainsaw carving, wood turning, jewellery making, rocking horse making and restoration, marquetry and a talk from probably the UK’s greatest carver, Mike Painter - all alongside music, food and merriment for all.
Chesterfield Eat in the Park
August 10-11
Eat in the Park, a family-friendly music and food festival which made its first appearance in Chesterfield last year, returns next month. The event sees dozens of acts - including popular tribute bands, along with up-and-coming talent – compliment fun, entertainment, and food and drink in Queens Park. Last year saw over 3,000 people per day attend, with thousands more expected this year.
eatinthepark.uk/chesterfield-festival
Ashover Show
August 14
Widely regarded as one of the finest agricultural shows in the country, Ashover Show – or the ‘Friendly Show’ as it is sometimes known – is jam packed with fabulous things to see and do for all the family - from competitions for cattle, Shire horses, sheep, light horses, poultry, horticulture, dog agility, vintage tractors and more. Expect the best local food producers and talented local craftspeople too.
ashovershow.co.uk
Barlow Carnival
August 14-18
Barlow’s annual carnival is always packed full of fun and entertainment for all the family, with the highlight being Carnival Day, which this year takes place on Saturday August 17. As ever, there will be a parade, a Carnival Queen, floats, bands and fancy dress through the village, with this year’s Carnival Day finished off in style with Rock the Carnival on the Recreation Ground.
barlowcarnival.co.uk
Ashbourne Show
August 17
Taking place at the Polo Ground, Osmaston, Ashbourne Show provides a great family day out with the traditional showing of horses, cattle, sheep and more, alongside a busy arena with family fun and trade stands. One of the biggest events in the local calendar, Ashbourne Show typically welcomes over 12,000 show day visitors, an indication of the esteem this particular show is held in.
ashbourneshow.co.uk
Legendary Joust at Bolsover Castle
August 24-26
Watch fearless fighters and their magnificent horses charge at each other at full speed in and unforgettable display of chivalry and sheer courage at Bolsover Castle, as you are transported back to the 15th century to witness knights compete to be the most accomplished jouster. Each represents a character from myth or legend – The Wyvern, The Wildman, Sir Lancelot and Jason of the Argonauts.
Victorian Trains to the Seaside, Ripley
August 24-26
Step back in time at Butterley Station and experience travel as it would have been over 100 years ago. Midland Railway Trust volunteers will be in period costume to add to the atmosphere and visitors in Victorian costume travel half price (on the day tickets only). Arriving at Swanwick, the beach will be open and Deeley’s Victorian Tearooms will serve refreshments.
midlandrailway-butterley.co.uk/events
Peak District Highland Games
August 25
See the country’s leading strongmen and women compete in this popular annual event held at Matlock Farm Park. Cheer on contestants as they tackle challenges including the Eight Tonne Tractor Pull and the Tossing of the Caber. There will be lots going on elsewhere in the park too, including market, craft and games stalls, food and drink outlets and wonderful animal activities.
matlockfarmpark.co.uk
Hope Show
August 26
One of the major summer shows in Derbyshire, crowds flock to Hope to enjoy a wide range of displays, classes and competitions - including Sheepdog trials, Show Jumping, Heavy and Light Horses Showing; Cattle and Sheep; Gundogs; Vintage Cars Tractors and Engines; Horticulture; Crafts and more. This year promises to be another spectacular event, with so many activities all bundled into one day.
hopeshow.co.uk
Longshaw Sheepdog Trials
August 29-31
Believed to be the oldest continuous trials in the country and a much-loved local tradition, the Longshaw Sheepdog Trials has taken place in the Peak District since 1898. The trials take place in the field in front of Longshaw Lodge, beginning at 7.30am each day. Entry is £5 per person, with parking free. The associated Fell Race begins at 10.30am on Saturday 31 August.
longshawsheepdog.com
The Darley Park Weekender
August 30 - September 1
Big names in the music industry are set to descend on Derby for three days of family-friendly musical entertainment at Darley Park. Ultimate 90s features pop-tastic names and a 90s DJ set from Chris Moyles. 80s Mix Tape returns with Jason Donovan, Chesney Hawkes and a DJ set from Scott Mills. The Darley Park Concert will delight once again with one of the UK’s biggest outdoor classical concerts.
derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/the-darley-park-weekender
Chatsworth Country Fair
August 30 - September 1
Is there any better way to bring Derbyshire’s busy summer programme to a close? The Chatsworth Country Fair is one of the country’s most spectacular annual outdoor events. Held in the 1,000-acre parkland surrounding the House, tens of thousands of people gather to take in three action-packed days of thrilling Grand Ring entertainment, cooking masterclasses, shopping and plenty of have-a-go activities.
chatsworth.org/events/chatsworth-country-fair
The Denby Pottery Tour
Various dates
Go behind the scenes into the heart of Denby’s working pottery to see skilled craftspeople in action with this immersive guided factory tour, seeing highly skilled craftspeople at work as you go. Chat to them as you watch how they use time-honoured skills, finessed over 200 years, to transform locally sourced Derbyshire clay into the famous Denby Pottery you know and love in this unforgettable experience.
denbypottery.com/denby-pottery-village-pottery-tour
