A round-up of local events taking place in May...
1st May: Treetops Hospice Car Boot Sale Treetops Hospice Care, Risley. See www.treetopshospice.org.uk
6th May: Derby Piano Quartet
A ‘strange and wonderful’ repertoire of music for eight hands on two pianos! Music at Duffield, Main Hall, Ecclesbourne School, Duffield, 7.30pm. Tel: 01332 841503
6th May: Carlos Bonell
The world-famous classical guitarist presents ‘Three Centuries, Three Continents’ – music by Bach, Villa-Lobos, Coeck, Houghton, Moreno Torroba and The Beatles. West Derbyshire United Reformed Church, Wirksworth, 7.30pm. Visit carlosbonell.com/tour-dates.php
6th May: The Gresley Male Voice & Rolls-Royce Ladies Choirs
Listen to ‘the pride of South Derbyshire’ – Gresley Male Voice Choir – with the Rolls-Royce Ladies Choir. Emmanuel Church, Swadlincote, 7.15pm. Tel: 07399 417995
6th May: Needwood Singers
Performing the works of Mozart and Bach. Church of St John the Divine, Horninglow, 7.30pm. Tel: 01283 716790
6th May: Staffordshire Plate Raceday A highlight of the local racing calendar. Uttoxeter Racecourse. Tel: 01889 562561 or visit www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk
6th-14th May: Chesterfield Walking Festival Explore the Chesterfield area on foot on a series of guided walks. www.chesterfieldwalkingfestival.co.uk
12th-14th May: Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials
Three days of thrilling world-class equestrian competition – from elegant dressage to show jumping and gripping cross country action – held in the magnificent grounds of Chatsworth House. Special attractions include 100 high quality trade stands, the Pony Club Mounted Games, British Scurry and Driving Trials, the Sheep Show, Have-a-go Dog Agility, a fun Dog Show, the Mullenscote Gun Dog Display and the UK Rescue Bears. www.chatsworth.org/events/horse-trials
13th May: Call Mr Robeson
A living portrait of one of the most profound figures in American history, with a heartfelt performance by Tayo Aluko. Live & Local, Glebe Field Centre, Crich, 7.30pm. Tel: 01773 853260
13th May: Derwent Singers
Accompanied by piano duet Beate Toyka and Gillian Bithel for a performance of Mozart’s Requiem in D Minor. St Peter’s Church, Chesterfield Rd, Belper, 7.30pm. Tel: 01283 561826
13th May: Come and Sing Bach
Join Derby Bach Choir in learning and performing Anthems, Motets and Parry’s I Was Glad. St George’s Church, Church Lane, Ticknall, 1.30pm. Tel: 01332 344842
13th-14th May: Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair
Cookery demonstrations, producers, crafts, gifts and entertainment. Kedleston Hall, Derby, www.derbyshirefoodanddrinkfair.co.uk
13th-20th May: Flower Festival
A vibrant festival centred on the theme of ‘Musicals’. St Giles’ Parish Church, Great Longstone, 10am-6pm (Sun 14th, 1pm-6pm).
13th-14th May: Willington Arts Festival Showcasing work from local artists, plus workshops and activities for all. Visit willingtonartsfestival.co.uk
13th-14th May: National Mills Weekend
Offering the chance to visit local watermills and Heage Windmill. www.nationalmillsweekend.co.uk
13th-25th May: National Forest Walking Festival
90 walks for all abilities – ranging from gentle strolls to strenuous rambles. thenationalforestwalkingfestival.co.uk
14th May: Charity Dog Show
A fun dog show held in aid of DEBRA. Old Vicarage School, Darley Abbey. See www.debra.org.uk
18th May: Witness & Words Unspoken
A double-bill of dance theatre from National Dance Award nominees Company Chameleon. Déda Theatre, Chapel Street, Derby, 7.30pm. Tel: 01332 370911
18th-20th May: Rail Ale Festival Over 300 real ales plus ciders, world beers, train rides and live music. Barrow Hill Roundhouse, Staveley, www.railalefestival.com
20th May: Great British Dog Walk An organised dog walk for families of all ages to raise money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Kedleston Hall, near Derby, greatbritishdogwalk.org
20th May: Beatus Choral
The Midlands-based chamber choir. Wade Street Church, Lichfield, 7.30pm. Tel: 01283 813377
20th May: The Dave Donohoe Band
‘One of Europe’s best New Orleans-style jazz bands’. Dove Jazz Club, Village Hall, Dove Holes, near Buxton. 8pm. Tel: 01298 814722
20th May: Derby Concert Orchestra
An evening with the works of Wagner, Mahler, Sibelius and Nielsen. St Mary’s Church, Wirksworth, 7.30pm. Tel: 01332 763594
20th May: Long Eaton Silver Prize Band
The well-known traditional brass band. St Chad’s Church, Wilne, 7.30pm. Admission on door.
20th May: Music at Haddon Hall
Near Bakewell, 12pm and 2pm. Tel: 01629 812855
21st May: Music at Haddon Hall
Near Bakewell, 12pm and 2pm. Tel: 01629 812855
21st May: Leaden Boot Challenge A 26.2 mile walk or run, starting and finishing in the White Peak village of Alstonefield. www.alstonefield.org
24th May: Stephen Hough
The talented pianist performs works by Beethoven, Debussy and Schumann. Abbotsholme School, Rocester, 8pm. Tel: 01543 263304
25th-28th May: Bearded Theory Festival Creative and performing arts festival set in the grounds of Catton Hall. Madness, Slaves, Skunk Anansie and Seasick Steve are amongst this year’s headliners. Catton Park, Walton upon Trent, beardedtheory.co.uk
26th-28th May: World Superbikes The only UK round of the thrilling championship. Donington Park, www.donington-park.co.uk
27th-28th May: Family Fun: Once Upon a Time
Meet knights, princesses and dragons in a magical day of family fun with animals, games, stories and crafts. Cromford Mills, Matlock, 01629 823256, www.cromfordmills.org.uk
28th-29th May: Sir John Savile’s Household at Haddon
Recreating the life of a gentry household during the War of the Roses with crafts, medieval dancing and a soldiers’ drill. Haddon Hall, Bakewell. Tel: 01629 812855
27th May-4th Jun: Beside the Seaside in Crich Seaside-inspired event at Crich Tramway Village, home of the National Tramway Museum. Nr Matlock, 01773 854321, www.tramway.co.uk
27th May-4th Jun: Derbyshire Open Arts Festival Hundreds of artists and craftspeople display their work in venues across Derbyshire – providing the chance to browse and buy unique pieces. www.derbyshireopenarts.co.uk
28th-30th May: The Bushcraft Show Woodland crafts, skills and games, plus appearances from survival experts including Ray Mears. Beehive Farm, Woodland Lakes, Rosliston, www.thebuschcraftshow.co.uk
29th May: Castleton Garland Day The ‘Garland King’ is crowned with a 3ft high floral crown and parades through the village on horseback. Entertainment includes maypole dancing. www.visitcastleton.co.uk
29th April-29th May: Belper Arts Festival Incorporating theatre, art, music, dance, comedy, literature, photography and film. See belperartsfestival.org
29th April-1st May: Great British Food Festival A fun, foodie day out for the whole family. Hardwick Hall, Chesterfield. See greatbritishfoodfestival.com
29th May: Treetops Hospice Car Boot Sale Treetops Hospice Care, Risley. See www.treetopshospice.org.uk
29th May: Music at Haddon Hall
Near Bakewell, 12pm and 2pm. Tel: 01629 812855
