Events around the county in September...
1st September-15th October: Melbourne Festival Inspired by the town’s market gardening heritage, this year’s Melbourne Festival aims to celebrate local growers and produce through its theme, ‘For the Love of Lettuce’. This year’s Art Architecture trail takes place on 16th and 17th September and features work from 150 professional artists and makers who will be exhibiting in over 70 private houses, public buildings and businesses. The Trail’s vibrant atmosphere will be enhanced with live music, food and fun activities around every corner, including story stops and activities based on Beatrix Potter’s Mr McGregor, Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. Performing arts remain an integral part of the Festival programme and this year’s offering begins with a special, invitation-only event at Melbourne Assembly Rooms, starring Matt McGuinness and MLC who are launching their new EP. Other highlights include Will Pearson – Winner of The Dalesman Music Student of the Year Award, The Singular Exploits of Sherlock Holmes performed by Don’t Go Into The Cellar, and OCHO, who will present an eclectic mix of music, theatre and comedy. Visit melbournefestival.co.uk
1st-3rd September: Chatsworth Country Fair Celebrating all the countryside has to offer, Chatsworth Country Fair promises a feast of family entertainment – from the whirlwind that is Dzhigitovka! The Way of the Cossack Warrior, to what is set to be one of the very last displays by the world-famous White Helmets motorcycle display team. The iconic WWII planes of the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flypast will return to the skies at this year’s event while Jump4Heroes, the British Legion’s Extreme Human Flight Team, will be dropping into the arena. Weather permitting, visitors will also get to see one of the country’s largest hot air balloon lifts each day. Naturally, animals have a starring role at the country fair and attractions include the high-speed Mounted Games, the terrier race, parade of hounds, birds of prey and the popular dog and duck show. Children can join the Band of The Royal Logistics Corps for the Children’s March Past, take part in ‘Scrufts’, the fun dog show, or enjoy the fairground, pony rides and bumper boats.Amongst educational exhibits is The Woolly Roadshow, a promotion of British wool, whilst hands-on experiences include clay pigeon shooting, archery and fly fishing tuition. Always a crowd favourite is the chance to experience at first-hand some of the nation’s favourite chefs whipping up culinary delights in the Fine Food Village. This year’s line-up includes Paul Hollywood on Friday, Mary Berry on Saturday and John Torode and Lisa Faulkner on Sunday, along with fantastic local chefs. Visit www.chatsworth.org/events
1st-3rd September: Off The Tracks Festival
A variety of performers and bands plus real ales and stalls. Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel, Castle Donington, offthetracks.co.uk
2nd September: The Cromford Mills Georgian Ball
A celebratory fundraising evening, with a four-course dinner, period music and dancing. Cromford Mills, Matlock, 7pm. Tel: 01629 823256
2nd September: Fireworks Festival
The UK’s greatest fireworks spectacular. Catton Hall, Walton-on-Trent, www.jubileefireworks.com
2nd September: Turnditch & Windley Show
Horse and pony show, pet show, vintage tractors and classes for flowers and produce. Wirksworth Road (B5023), Windley, turnditchandwindley.co.uk
2nd September: West Hallam Village Show
Featuring fruit, vegetables, baking, preserves, flower arranging, arts and more. West Hallam Village Hall, 1pm-4.30pm. Tel: 0115 9303340
3rd September: Big Derbyshire Food Festival
Street food stalls, craft marquee, children’s entertainment and live music. Shipley County Park. Tel: 01773 813771 or visit www.madhattersevents.com
3rd September: Shardlow Village Show
Now in its 50th year, the show includes exhibitions of vegetables, fruit, flowers, cookery, arts and crafts. The Wharf, Shardlow, 2-4pm
3rd September: Hannells Darley Park Concert
Derby’s much-loved open-air classical concert starring Sinfonia Viva. Darley Park, near Derby. Concert from 6pm. Tickets: 01332 255800
3rd September: Paul Young & Los Pacaminos
The popular Americana group delivers a special charity show in aid of Macmillan. Swan Inn, Milton. For tickets contact miltontix@gmx.com
8th September: London Concertante
‘Vivaldi Concertos by Candlelight’. Derby Cathedral, 7.30pm. Tel: 0333 666 3366
7th-9th September: Longshaw Sheepdog Trials
Three days of thrilling competition. Longshaw Lodge, Grindleford, from 7.30am, longshawsheepdog.co.uk
7th-10th September: Elder Yard Chapel Open Day
The oldest non-conformist chapel in Derbyshire will be open and free to explore as part of the Heritage Open Days festival. Elder Way, Chesterfield
8th-24th September: New Mills Festival
Following on from the huge success of last year’s festival, which saw over 20,000 visitors engaging in 80 events, this year is set to be bigger and better than ever with two weeks of events in the High Peak town, based on the theme ‘Around the World’. Local band Dutch Uncles will headline the opening weekend on 9th September, supported by the talented Camens, at New Mills Art Theatre. Other highlights include ‘broadcast royalty’ Andy Kershaw on 16th September, plus a finale performance by dynamic ‘gypsy folk and roll’ band Holy Moly and the Crackers, on 24th. The ever-popular Arts Trail, which runs alongside the Festival, has seen an unprecedented level of entries this year and work from both new and established artists will be displayed in shop windows across the town. Family-friendly events include walks, talks, fairs, comedy, workshops, plays and the not-to-be-missed Bubblefest on 17th, whilst the much-loved magical Lantern Procession street party finale will bring festivities to a close on 23rd, with food from around the world and a multitude of street performances. Visit www.newmillsfestival.com
8th-24th September: Wirksworth Festival
Now in its 23rd year, this leading rural arts festival aims to showcase and celebrate excellent contemporary art by supporting upcoming artists and showcasing both local and invited talent. The Art and Architecture Trail weekend (9th-10th September) will kick off the festival in style, with over 80 homes and public spaces becoming galleries exhibiting sculpture, painting, photography, jewellery, ceramics and installations. This year’s Curated Exhibition: Veneer (9th, 10th, 16th and 17th September), held in the Parish Room and St Mary’s Church, will bring together a group of diverse artists from around the country whose work plays with themes of domesticity, display and concealment. Whether your taste is for music, theatre, dance, the spoken word, or all four, there’s something for everyone in this year’s performance programme, from rising music stars Hannah James and Grace Petrie, to the telling of the Celtic legend of the Mabinogion in Dreaming the Night Field by Adverse Camber. The festival is brought to a dramatic close with the Community Celebration at Stoney Wood on 24th September. Visit www.wirksworthfestival.co.uk
9th-10th September: National Bird Carving Championship
Festival of Bird Art – a show and competition with entries from bird carvers from across the UK. Bakewell Agricultural Centre, bdwca.org.uk
9th-10th September: Pottery & Food Festival
‘A celebration of the table’ with over 50 renowned potters and quality food producers. Wardlow Mires, near Tideswell, www.potsandfood.co.uk
10th September: Ashbourne Antiques in the Street
A much-loved event, opened by Charles Hanson, with all proceeds to the Malthouse Preservation Trust. The event is running alongside a Heritage Open Day, and the Malt House will be open for tours and talks. Church Street, Ashbourne, 10am-4pm
10th September: Hartington Wakes
The 120th Wakes, Sports and Country Show. High Fields, Hall Bank, Hartington, from 9.30am
16th September: Boyzone
24 years, 25 million record sales and six UK number one singles later; Boyzone presents a stunning show. The 3aaa County Ground, Derby. Tel: 01332 255800
16th September: Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz Giants
Dove Jazz Club. Village Hall, Dove Holes, nr Buxton, 8pm. Tel: 01298 814722
16th-17th September: Tapton Lock Festival
A fun event with arts and crafts activities, canoes and live music and refreshments. Tapton Lock Visitor Centre, Lockoford Lane, Chesterfield. Tel: 01629 533020
17th September: Morley Village Show & Fun Day
Food and produce categories for children and adults, plus carnival-style games, stalls and refreshments. Morley Primary School, Morley, Ilkeston, 12noon-3pm
22nd September: Sunshine Ball
A black tie event with entertainment, a three-course dinner and fundraising auction in aid of children and young people’s charity Nature and Nurture. Osmaston Park, Ashbourne. Visit www.natureandnurture-cic.org/sunshine-ball
22nd September: Steven Isserlis CBE
An evening with the celebrated British cellist. Abbotsholme Arts Society, Abbotsholme School, near Rocester, 8pm. Tel: 01543 263304
23rd September: Travelling by Tuba
A fascinating voyage through the wonderful world of the tuba. Music at Duffield, Ecclesbourne School, Duffield, 7.30pm. Tel: 01332 841503
22nd September: Tedesca Quartet
Derby Cathedral’s popular Twilights season returns. Derby Cathedral, 6pm. Tel: 01332 255800
23rd & 24th September: Derbyshire Woodland Festival
A family-friendly festival celebrating traditional and contemporary woodland crafts with activities, stalls and demonstrations. Elvaston Castle, Derby. Tel: 01629 533870
24th September: Treetops Vintage Fair & Dog Show
Vintage vehicles, stalls and music and a just-for-fun Dog Show. Treetops Hospice, Derby Rd, Risley, 10am-5pm. Tel: 0115 949 6930
26th September: Compositions Concert
Repton School’s Head of Academic Music presents compositions by Repton pupils. Repton School, 9pm. Tel: 01283 559200
29th-30th September: Derby Feste
Now in its tenth year, Derby Festé will once again transform the city into a hive of activity with performances for all ages to enjoy. Events begin from 5.30pm on Friday night when Bass’ Recreation ground will become a ‘World of Circus’. Enjoy the first Festé Food Village with street food from around the world, take in the beauty of the fire trail and encounter circus acts along the way, before a show-stopping aerial performance by Gorilla Circus. On Saturday, the streets come to life from 12noon with live music, performances and dance. The Saturday headline act starts at 5pm with Cie Artonik’s ‘Colour of Time’ procession, which winds its way through the streets before a spectacular Garba celebration – featuring over 100 dancers performing under a canopy of lanterns on the Market Place. Visit www.derbyfeste.com
29th September: Matlock Bath Macmillan Coffee Morning at Hodgkinsons Hotel
Enjoy tea, coffee and cakes, a raffle of prizes, and a second hand book sale at Hodgkinsons Hotel - all in aid of a wonderful cause. 10am-1pm, Hodgkinsons Hotel and Restaurant, 150 South Parade, Matlock. Tel: 01629 582170
29th September: Songs for Sight
County choirs Bel Canto and Ignite UK perform to raise funds for Sight Support Derbyshire. Queen’s Hall, Derby, 7.30pm. Tel: 01332 292262
30th September: 4Square
The ‘ferocious folk foursome’. Peak Concerts, Matlock Town Football Club, 8pm. Visit peakconcerts.co.uk
