Derbyshire Makes

Derbyshire Makes is a new programme of cultural events across the county – including projects produced by local communities and commissions from Derbyshire artists. It launches with the free Derbyshire Makes Festival, an annual event taking place across six distinct local Hubs.

Derbyshire Makes Festival takes place from Friday 28 March to Sunday 27 April 2025 – unfolding across six local Hubs over five weeks. In Chesterfield, Heanor, Cromford, Glossop, Bolsover and Swadlincote, there will be artist talks, craft-based demonstrations and making opportunities, as well as exhibitions, performances and more.

Beyond the festival, our countywide programme of activities is designed to provide year-round engagement opportunities for artists and makers – with Women Who Make focussing on artists, makers, designers and activists who identify as women, and MAKE Room exploring our relationship to Nature. Our mass making project Dare to Dream invites thousands of people to be a part of a monumental artwork in celebration of Derbyshire’s textiles heritage – and come together to dream of a better future through making.