Welcome to this Summer edition of our quarterly e-newsletter! Many of the sites and attractions in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site are offering great activities for families over the Summer holidays. In July we launched “Mr Arkwright”, a brand new interactive art installation at Cromford Mills which will be there to enjoy until November. Plus lots to look forward to over the coming months! Find out more below:

“Mr Arkwright” draws into Cromford Mills!
“Mr Arkwright” is a brand new interactive art installation created by artist Jo Fairfax. Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England, this unique and intriguing artwork combines pedal and water-power to start up a drawing machine. A heart is drawn onto a beautifully designed card which visitors can take away as a souvenir. The installation was launched this July by Councillor Barry Lewis, Chair of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and leader of Derbyshire County Council, along with professional cyclist, Adam Kenway.
Donations will go towards inspiring young people in our heritage. The installation will be at Cromford Mills until 3rd November.

This Sunday! Sound Collage at High Peak Junction Workshops
This Sunday 4th August at High Peak Junction Workshops, come and experience a bespoke sound collage created by musician Jay Dean. The piece comprises of site field
recordings, samples, analogue synthesiser, guitar, ukulele and a reworking of a traditional Derbyshire folk song performed by Julie Russell.

Jay will be joined by folk duet The Russell Sisters for what promises to be a gorgeous afternoon whatever the weather!
Funding for this event is thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.
Leawood Pumphouse is also in steam on this day, and Birdswood is horsedrawn too! Why not make a day of it!

Summer is underway!
Summer is truly underway at the sites and attractions along the World Heritage Site, despite the weather!
Cromford Mills
There’s so much happening at Cromford over the summer – some highlights include:
Fun activities for children, creative activities such as making a stained glass suncatcher, and the artisan market, Shakespeare at the Mill and more!

Cromford Canal
Leawood Pumphouse is open on 3rd and 4th August and 25th& 26th August, when Birdswood will also be horsedrawn.

Masson Mill Museum
The museum is open every day, with demonstrations running too.

Strutts North Mill, Belper
Fun for families comes in the form of “Creature Crafts” and the North Mill’s popular Sunday Heritage Walks continue over the summer, with the next on this Sunday 4th August! Find out more about visiting the museum and other information on the website.

Derby Museum and Art Gallery
Visit Derby Museum’s Website

You can view a full line up of events on our online calendar at:
Derwent Valley Mills Event Calendar

Tours for Learning this Autumn
The World Heritage Site is running two exciting learning tours this Autumn. On Saturday 21st September there’ll be a free tour of the World Heritage Site for anyone interested in conducting their own research.
Find out more

On Wednesday 16th October, there’ll also be a free tour for University lecturers, professors and staff interested in researching the site!

Discovery Days Festival – Dates Announced

Our annual Discovery Days Festival will run from 26th October to 3rd November this year. We have a jam packed programme full of fascinating talks, walks and events. The theme this year is Transport.
Look out for the programme and full information coming soon at:
www.derwentvalleymills.org/discovery-days