A free booklet packed with fun activities and events taking place at our countryside sites is out now to help you enjoy the great outdoors this Easter and over the year ahead.

The Countryside Destinations and Events 2018 booklet, available online and from countryside centres, tourist information centres and libraries is packed full of events across the county with many for free or for a small cost. 

There's something for everyone from popular seasonal events, family fun and festivals to skilled workshops, wildlife and heritage events. 

This summer, festival-goers will be able to experience the world premiere of the outdoor theatre companion to the enchanting, bestselling book The Lost Words, taking place at the major new festival Timber, which celebrates the transformative impact of forests upon people and places.

Major new festival exploring the transformative impact of forests has revealed the programme of artists, performers and areas festivalgoers will adventure through for its inaugural edition this July.

The launch of the This is Normanton exhibition will take place on Saturday 10 March at Pickford’s House, Derby at 1.45pm with speeches starting at 2pm.

This is Normanton is a local history project that explores the changing landscape of Normanton Road and Pear Tree Road in Derby from the 1960’s to present day. This exhibition has been co-curated with volunteers and members of the local community.

IT MIGHT BE COLD OUTSIDE....but here at New Mills Festival, we're looking forward to Spring, Summer and, most importantly, Autumn with plans for the Festival Fringe well underway.   

Also in this update, details of an exciting gig taking place on 7 April 2018, Mr Wilson's Second Liners, and the return of the One World Festival in July. There's a lot to look forward to in 2018. 

 The Bakewell International Day of Dance has gone from strength to strength and is now celebrating its 16th year - on Saturday 30th June 2018.   For one day every year, the picturesque town of Bakewell hosts a stunning celebration of world music and dance, heralding the start of Bakewell Carnival Week.  On the same day as the Farmers Market and with local well dressings on show, it is a day out not to miss, so join the several thousand people who travel from  around the country to enjoy the dancing, colour and fun. 

With a month to go before the final deadline for entries, Buxton Festival Fringe (July 4-22) has nearly 70 acts lined up already with many more to come as the bigger venues finalise their programmes.

The Fringe is open to all and there is still time to take advantage of its early entry discount scheme, which is available until the end of March.

May 2018 brings us a new collective of Chesterfield College Art and Design students, who will form the Young Contemporaries 2018.

In collaboration with the West Studios Tenants Open Studios on Saturday 12^th and Sunday 13^th May, this creative group will host their first contemporary exhibition as professional artists. The group will be exhibiting a combination of work created within their courses alongside personal projects.

This year we are delighted to be holding the leaflet swap in Buxton’s historic and recently renovated Pump Room on March 22nd.  If you haven’t yet seen the interior of this beautiful building this is a great opportunity!

Join us between 10.00am and 2.00pm, tea/coffee and cake will be provided.