Events
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STANDING IN THIS PLACE EXHIBITION AT MASSON MILLS TEXTILE MUSEUM
Standing in This Place is an ambitious new sculpture which gives representation to the underrepresented, give voice and recognition to the contributions of thousands of unnamed women who were the driving forces behind the East Midlands cotton textile industry during Industrialisation. A life-size bronze statue representing a white mill worker/lace maker, and a black enslaved […]


A TWIST IN THE TALE – BELPER ROPEMAKERS HERITAGE WALK
New for 2025! Whether at work or at home, rope was an essential part of life in times past. Join us to hear all about how and where it was made in Belper and the family that made it. More than five generations of the Kirklands worked the ropewalk owned by the Strutts, and built […]


GEORGIAN BELPER TOUR
Join historian, Danielle Burton, at the Belper River Gardens car park for an exciting tour filled with history and fun. Immerse yourself in the elegance of Georgian architecture as we explore the beautiful buildings of the past. Your knowledgeable guide will take you on a journey through time, sharing fascinating stories and insights along the […]


GEORGIAN DERBY TOUR
Join historian, Danielle Burton, at the Bonnie Prince Charlie Statue outside The Museum of Making for an exciting tour filled with history and fun. Immerse yourself in the elegance of Georgian architecture as we explore the beautiful buildings of the past. Our knowledgeable guide will take you on a journey through time, sharing fascinating stories and insights […]


CROMFORD MILLS ANTIQUES AND VINTAGE FAIR
Cromford Mills Antiques Fair is the ideal chance to browse quality antiques, relics and vintage collectables. Venue: Cromford Mills Time: 9am – 4pm Cost: Free to enter More details: Visit Cromford Mills event page Interested in a stall? Please contact events@arkwrightsociety.org.uk for more information.


SHADY CHARACTERS AND NE’ER DO WELLS – TALES FROM BELPER’S CRIMINAL UNDERWORLD HERITAGE WALK
A stroll round the town visiting the haunts of some of Belper’s notorious criminals and other underhand activities. Some uphill walking, but mainly on pavements. Venue: Belper Time: 11am Cost: Adults £7.50, under 16s free of charge Booking: With Strutt’s North Mill website


HIGHLIGHTING HERITAGE TALK – THE WORLD’S FIRST OIL REFINERY IN RIDDINGS, DERBYSHIRE
Topic: The World’s First Oil Refinery – in Riddings, Derbyshire! Speaker: Cliff Lea In 1847 almost 180 years ago in the Riddings area of Derbyshire there was a flow into a coal mine of a smelly dark coloured liquid which we now know as crude mineral oil. This unexpected commodity was a severe nuisance to the pit owners . But James Young, a chemist, was asked […]


DERBYSHIRE CONSERVATION AND HERITAGE CRAFTS FESTIVAL
This September, Derbyshire is celebrating its rich heritage with the first-ever Derbyshire Conservation and Heritage Crafts Festival! Hosted at the historic Cromford Mills within the Derwent Valley World Heritage site, this free one-day event will showcase a vibrant array of traditional skills. The festival has been organised by the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT), Derbyshire’s […]


BLACKSMITH FORGE DAY AT HIGH PEAK JUNCTION WORKSHOP
Have-a-go at being a blacksmith in the oldest railway workshop in the world! Learn basic blacksmithing techniques and make a poker or a toasting fork for you to take home. Venue: High Peak Junction Visitor Centre, DE4 5AA (signposted from the A6 at Cromford) Time: 11am – 4pm Cost: £20 per item Booking: Essential via […]


LEAWOOD PUMPHOUSE OPEN (STATIC)
Leawood Pumphouse was built in 1849 to pump water from the River Derwent into Cromford Canal. It is open to view today thanks to Middleton Top and Leawood Pump Volunteer group. Venue: Leawood Pumphouse, Cromford Canal, Access via High Peak Junction Car Park, Lea Bridge (south of Cromford), Derbyshire, DE4 5AA Time: 12 – 4.30pm […]


MORE BELPER CHANNELS HERITAGE WALK
Join Belper North Mill Trust for a look at another set of Belper’s hidden and varied channels illustrating all periods of its development. Meet Belper Market Place. Includes field paths. Stout footwear and bring waterproof gear. 4km (2.5 miles). Venue: Belper Market Place Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm Cost: £7.50 (plus online booking fee) and accompanied […]


MIDDLETON TOP ENGINE HOUSE OPERATING DAY – FREE ENTRY HERITAGE OPEN DAY
See the world’s oldest beam engine of its type in action. Discover how it pulled wagons up and down steep hills on one of the world’s first long distance railways. Venue: Middleton Top, Middleton-By-Wirksworth, DE4 4LS (from the A6 at Cromford, climb the B5036 and follow the signs) Time: 11-4pm Cost: FREE Entry for Heritage […]


LEAWOOD PUMPHOUSE OPEN (IN STEAM) FREE HERITAGE OPEN DAY
Experience the power of this great steam engine. The heat of the boilers, the smell of the grease and power of the wave as tons of water are pumped from the River Derwent into the Cromford Canal. It is open today and in steam thanks to Middleton Top and Leawood Pump Volunteer group. Venue: Leawood […]


INTRODUCTION TO BLACKSMITHING AT HIGH PEAK JUNCTION WORKSHOP
A unique opportunity for a half-day session to learn basic blacksmithing techniques in the oldest railway workshop in the world! The enthusiastic Blacksmith will walk you through the creation of a simple metal working object such as a BBQ fork, fire poker or coat hook. Venue: High Peak Junction Visitor Centre, DE4 5AA (signposted from […]


CROMFORD MILLS MAKER’S MARKET
A marvellous Maker’s market showcasing artisans, local producers and craftspeople with a focus on handmade products of quality. This regular market runs 10am-4pm each third Sunday of the month in Arkwright’s historic mill yard, (Feb-Nov), Cromford Mills. Venue: Cromford Mills Time: 10am – 4pm Cost: Free to enter More information: Cromford Mills event pages Interested in a stall? Please […]


BELPER’S EXTRAORDINARY WATERPOWER STORY HERITAGE WALK
Join experienced guide Ian Jackson for a walk around the waterways of the Belper Mill complex to hear about Belper’s industrial mill owners and renewable energy generators who, for nearly 250 years, have continually improved the harnessing of the power of the Derwent. Their stewardship of the river is a story of conflict, compromise and […]


BLACKSMITH FORGE DAY AT HIGH PEAK JUNCTION WORKSHOP
Have-a-go at being a blacksmith in the oldest railway workshop in the world! Learn basic blacksmithing techniques and make a poker or a toasting fork for you to take home. Venue: High Peak Junction Visitor Centre, DE4 5AA (signposted from the A6 at Cromford) Time: 11am – 4pm Cost: £20 per item Booking: Essential via […]
