2026 is a BIG year for Belper and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. It is the 250th anniversary of the first cotton mill opening in Belper. It will be 300 years since the birth of Jedidiah Strutt, the man who transformed Belper into the world’s first cotton mill town. It is also 25 years since the Derwent Valley Mills were inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list!

Events are underway find out how to get involved.

You can explore the events with a heritage focus by looking at our What’s On Calendar for those that say – Belper 250 at the end. Check out the events here.

You can see a full list of all the amazing events planned on the Belper250 website here. You can also propose your own events if there’s something you’d like to see.

We’d like everyone to get involved to help us create, celebrate,  reflect and learn in and around Belper and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site throughout the year.  There’s people from organisations across the community helping to shape and deliver the activities and promotions.

Follow or get in touch on Facebook/Meta at Belper 250 or on Instagram @Belper250

Bicycle fancy dress parade

Chrysanthemum Show November 1964

By working together we think we can make Belper 250 in 2026 a fantastic year. All are welcome and we want there to be lots of offer for everyone.