A round-up of the season’s top events, from traditional customs to country shows

Great British Life: Chatsworth Country Fair Photo: Andrew EyleyChatsworth Country Fair Photo: Andrew Eyley (Image: Archant)

Chatsworth International Horse Trials (12th-14th May)

A three-day event of thrilling world-class equestrian competition including dressage, show jumping and cross country action featuring top riders, plus entertainment and a quality shopping village. Chatsworth, Bakewell DE45 1PP

Castleton Garland Day (29th May)

During this centuries-old Peak District tradition, the ‘Garland King’, in Stuart costume, is covered in a 3ft high floral garland and parades the town on horseback. The event culminates with maypole dancing and the garland is winched up the local church tower for display. Traditionally, onlookers wear sprigs of oak to commemorate the Restoration of the monarchy with King Charles II. Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WN

RHS Chatsworth Flower Show (7th-11th June)

This brand new addition to the RHS calendar is set to be one of the summer’s highlights. Sponsored by Wedgwood, the theme of the show is ‘Design Revolutionaries’, celebrating creative people who, through their foresight and innovation, have changed the way we think about gardens and garden design. Discover a range of inspirational Show Gardens, watch cookery demonstrations in the Artisan Kitchen Theatre, admire the stunning Floral Marquee which will take inspiration from Joseph Paxton’s Great Conservatory, and shop for quality plants and design-led products from some of the finest independent companies and specialist nurseries. Chatsworth, Bakewell DE45 1PP

Bonsall Magical Gardens (3rd-4th June)

A large number of private gardens are open for visitors to explore – with temples, grottos and cascades, field barns and wildflowers – enhanced by entertainment. Bonsall DE4 2AA

Eroica Britannia (16th-18th June)

Vintage cycling and lifestyle festival with a packed entertainment programme (which this year includes Norman Jay MBE), plus hundreds of vintage stalls and experiences. The festival culminates in a pre-1987 bike ride around the Peak District on 18th – ridden by thousands of cyclists in vintage clothes. Friden Grange, Newhaven, Buxton SK17 0DY

Leaden Boot Challenge (21st May)

A demanding 26.2 mile walk or run with 5,800 feet of ascent, in aid of local good causes, starting and finishing in the White Peak village of Alstonefield. DE6 2GA

Ashbourne Festival (16th June-2nd July)

An annual feast of music, literature and drama that takes place throughout the historic market town of Ashbourne. The varied programme includes concerts, exhibitions, talks and workshops from regional and international artists and performers. Always a popular event, the vibrant International StreetFest (17th-18th June) features leading street performers from around the world.

Buxton Military Tattoo (1st July)

Some of the UK’s finest military bands give rousing performances inside the 18th century Devonshire Dome to raise funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. Devonshire Dome, Buxton SK17 6RY

Buxton Festival (7th-23rd July)

Internationally recognised as one of the UK’s leading arts festivals, Buxton Festival is famed for its unique opera productions, concerts from world-class ensembles and soloists, and talks from leading authors and public figures. Highlight events are complemented by a vibrant Festival Fringe (5th-23rd July) which offers a showcase for dance, drama, music and comedy performers, plus films and exhibitions.

Winster Secret Gardens (15th-16th July)

Follow a garden trail through the streets and alleyways of idyllic Winster – often referred to as one of the Peak’s most complete 18th century villages – and discover enchanting gardens. Winster DE4 2DR

Y Not Festival (27th-30th July)

A melting pot of emerging and established live music from internationally-renowned artists, under-the-radar bands and the best local talent, set against a picturesque countryside backdrop. Headline acts include Stereophonics, The Vaccines, Two Door Cinema Club, Clean Bandit and Jake Bugg. Mouldridge Lane, Pikehall, nr Matlock DE4 2PH

World Hen Racing Championships (5th August)

A tradition stretching back well over a hundred years, the hen race has previously attracted entries from as far afield as Norway and Belgium. Chickens are encouraged along a short track by their ‘coaches’ and have three minutes to cross the finish line. Barley Mow Inn, Bonsall DE4 2AY

Bakewell Baking Festival (12th-13th August)

The world’s first baking festival returns with two new enlarged baking theatres and a ‘world baking’ theme. Entertainment includes live music, tea dances, a baking and food village, vintage games and cars, and the famous custard pie fight – plus appearances from Sophie Grigson, Stacie Stewart and The Great British Bake Off’s Edd Kimber, Howard Middleton and John Whaite. The Showground, Bakewell DE45 1AQ

Plague Sunday (27th August)

Commemorating the sacrifice of the Eyam villagers who quarantined themselves during the 1664 plague outbreak. A wreath is laid in the churchyard before a procession to Cucklett Delph. Eyam S32

Chatsworth Country Fair (1st-3rd September)

A celebration of all the countryside has to offer with parades, demonstrations, a cookery theatre, massed pipe and military bands, a thrilling grand ring programme and over 300 high quality trade stands. Chatsworth, Bakewell DE45 1PP

Wirksworth Festival (8th-24th September)

Rural arts festival showcasing work from local and international artists alongside an inspiring programme of performances and fringe events such as live music, dance, drama, film and shows. During the Art and Architecture Trail weekend the town becomes a gallery as artists and designer-makers exhibit and sell their work in over 70 venues. Wirksworth DE4 4ET

New Mills Festival (8th-24th September)

Community festival with a diverse mix of art, music, plays, poetry, exhibitions, talks and walks. The Big Weekend sees artists and venues open their doors to host exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations, and arts and crafts markets. The festival comes to a spectacular end with a magical Lantern Procession on 24th. New Mills, High Peak SK22 4NR

COUNTY SHOWS IN THE PEAK DISTRICT

Bakewell Show (2nd-3rd August) The Showground, Bakewell DE45 1AQ

Ashover Show (9th August) The Rectory Fields, Ashover S45 0BA

Manifold Show (12th August) The Arbour, Casterne Hall, Ilam DE6 2BA

Ashbourne Show (19th August) Osmaston Polo Ground DE6 1LU

Hope Show (28th August) The Showground, Marsh Farm, Castleton S33 8RZ

Turnditch & Windley Show (2nd Sept) Wirksworth Road (B5023), Windley

Hartington Wakes (10th Sept) High Fields, Hall Bank, Hartington SK17 0AT