News from the Valley… Autumn 2021

Welcome to the latest e-newsletter from the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, where there’s plenty of things to see and do during the Half-Term holidays and coming months. The valley looks really lovely in its autumnal colours s do come and enjoy the many activities across the site.

The Machinery

SHOWING NOW at Strutt’s North Mill, Belper – from October 20th to 24th – and coming soon to Richard Arkwright’s Cromford Mills (October 27th to 31st): ‘The Machinery’. This immersive sound and video installation, suitable for all ages, captures the earliest known machine dance. Performed by Caroline Radcliffe and captured by filmmaker Jon Harrison, the dance is augmented with the sounds and movements of the Industrial Revolution’s textile industries by composer and digital artist Sarah Angliss and Caroline Radcliffe. The piece mixes dance steps with music and video to reflect the conditions of the women millworkers’ repetitive labour and the human/automaton relationship created by the Industrial Revolution. Free entry to the installation at both sites.

Shine a Light on Derbyshire

A BREATH-TAKING night-time spectacular of light and sound!

The DVMWHS Team are delighted that the Shine A Light celebration of Derbyshire’s heritage and history will be held this autumn with two events featuring large-scale video projections illuminating two of the county’s iconic sites – Cromford Mills and Chatsworth House.

Watch Derbyshire’s history unfold in spectacular night-time shows projected onto two local landmarks, as we shine a light on our stories and bring them to life in an extravaganza of light and sound.

At Cromford you can start your evening with a magical woodland walk, filled with surprises and illuminations and then enjoy an evening of entertainment under the stars with a live performance from local musician John Gill and see Birdswood canal boat as you have never seen it before!

The first shows take place at Chatsworth House on 22nd and 23rd October, and the second here in the Derwent Valley at Cromford Mills on 28th and 29th October. Tickets are available for the Cromford Mills event (£8 adults, £6 child – age 3 and under free) at Cromford Mills website.

Assemble – Derby’s Festival of Making

ASSEMBLE, DERBY’S Festival of Making is an annual gathering that celebrates makers of all shapes and sizes at the Museum of Making, on what is widely regarded as the site of the world’s first factory.

On Saturday 23rd October, discover the creations of makers, engineers, tinkerers, crafters, hobbyists and more, and have a go yourself with all sorts of fun, hands-on activities for makers of all ages. Try weaving, coding, origami, jewellery-making, clay-modelling, woodworking, electronics, sewing, puppetry, building, printing, robotics and more.

A family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness. Meet the makers and discover what you can make!

Tickets are £4 for adults (under 16s free) and booking is essential. Book here.

Half Term Family Activities in the Valley

DON’T FORGET to check our our calendar of events to find out about all the fabulous activities planned in the World Heritage Site during the half term break – lots of fun for young and old, alike!

Arkwright Society 7th Industrial Revolution Conference

THE ARKWRIGHT SOCIETY’S 7th Annual Conference will take place via Zoom on Saturday 13th November, on the theme of Innovation. Leading academics will discuss what triggered and sustained innovation in the first Industrial Revolution, whilst one talk focuses on modern entrepreneurship, as a point of comparison. To book you tickets and  for more information see Cromford Mills website.

Is it too early to mention Christmas?

WE DON’T think so! Our attractions’ shops and special markets will be tempting you with some beautiful gifts and local produce: from handcrafted pieces made by over 30 local makers available in the Derby Museums’ shops; to the Christmas weekends during December at Cromford Mills, featuring festive market stalls, the Medley arts and craft show, winter warmers and Christmas trees for sale; and the Winter Food, Craft and Ale Festival in Belper on Sunday 5th December.

LET’S MAKE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL THIS YEAR!