09.04.2025
People Express is bringing Derbyshire Makes Festival to Swadlincote!
Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th April
| Derbyshire Makes Festival arrives in Swadlincote town centre in just over 2 weeks’ time for a huge celebration of community spirit and creativity.
Discover hands-on, fun and accessible free workshops and demos, alongside makers’ markets, exhibitions and ‘Swad’s Reet Good Art Trail’. The full programme is here, but some of the highlights are detailed below. |
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Discover the Forest Makers’ Market, showcasing local artisans inspired by wood and natural materials. Try your hand at willow weaving on The Delph and meet makers working in and around the National Forest.
Hands-on Pottery at Sharpe’s Museum
| Try throwing a pot with The Great Pottery Throwdown’s Derek Harbinson, or create a unique piece to take home with ceramicist Elaine Lim-Newton at Sharpe’s Museum. Find them in courtyard on Saturday or inside the Glaze room all day Sunday. |
| Patchwork of Possibilities – A Community Quilt |
Admire our Patchwork of Possibilities, a community quilt created by local groups and individuals and take part in a variety of free textile workshops throughout the weekend.
Hop Onboard the Makory!
The Makory, a mobile workshop and gallery managed by the Museum of Making, rolls into town, hosting Swadlincote-born artist Jenny Stevenson, who’ll lead creative workshops throughout the weekend.
Do you Dare to Dream?
Join artist Abigail Wastie to learn the basics of tapestry weaving as part of Derbyshire Makes countywide project – Dare to Dream.
During a two hour workshop Abigail will show you how to weave a letter shape. All ages are welcome and no previous experience necessary. The workshop is free but must be booked in advance here.
Join us 10.00am – 4.00pm on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th April 2025
in venues across Swadlincote town centre.
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