Wirksworth Festival – Wirksworth, England 2026
Overview
Wirksworth Festival is a vibrant annual 10-day showcase of contemporary arts in the historic Derbyshire market town of Wirksworth, blending live music, performance, drama, film, and visual exhibitions to celebrate creativity and community. Founded in 1979 with a modest grant, this registered charity event (No. 1169297) has evolved into a leading rural festival, drawing over 150 artists and thousands of visitors for its intimate, non-gallery experiences rooted in the town’s Roman mining heritage and medieval charter. With a mix of street entertainment, workshops, and curated shows, it fosters inclusivity and local talent, supported by over 100 volunteers. Visit wirksworthfestival.co.uk for full details.
In 2026, the festival continues its September tradition, featuring music from folk ensembles to dramatic scores amid the Arts and Architecture Weekend’s trail of 140+ artists in 70 venues. Attendees wander gardens, pubs, and churches turned galleries, savoring street performances and family activities against the Peak District’s dramatic dales. It’s a joyful fusion of heritage and innovation, proving small-town events can ignite big imaginations.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Live music and street gigs blending folk, jazz, and contemporary scores; drama and film screenings; curated exhibitions with over 150 artists in homes and public spaces.
- Special traditions or features: Annual Arts and Architecture Weekend with themed trails and performances; Artist in Residence program creating new works; volunteer-driven street entertainment honoring the 1306 fair charter.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Designer Makers Showcase for crafts like ceramics and textiles; family workshops and food stalls; pop-up music in quirky venues like pubs and gardens.
Why Attend
Wirksworth Festival envelops you in a creative whirlwind where melodies drift from hidden courtyards and art surprises around every corner, far from sterile galleries—think picnicking amid sculptures while a busker strums nearby. Its family-friendly scale suits explorers of all ages, with Derbyshire’s trails offering scenic escapes between shows, blending inspiration with the town’s cozy pubs and independent shops. Visit wirksworthfestival.co.uk for more.
This charity’s roots ensure every note and exhibit supports emerging artists and community access, turning passive visitors into participants through open calls for hosts and exhibitors. You’ll leave buzzing with discoveries—from a resident’s folklore prints to an impromptu ceilidh—reminded of art’s power to connect in rural splendor. For lovers of eclectic vibes and heartfelt happenings, it’s September’s soul-stirring secret.
Date and Duration
- Dates: September 11 – September 21, 2026
- Duration: 10 days
Venue and Location
- Main venue: The Maltings (formerly The Parish Room), Church Walk, Wirksworth, Derbyshire DE4 4DQ, United Kingdom; a versatile arts space for performances, exhibitions, and workshops in the town center.
- Additional venues: Over 70 spots including Wirksworth Parish Church, homes, gardens, pubs, and public areas for the Art Trail; all within the walkable historic core.
- Google Maps address: The Maltings, Church Walk, Wirksworth, Derbyshire DE4 4DQ, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- How tickets are sold: Online via wirksworthfestival.co.uk/events with card payment; in-person at The Maltings box office (cash/card); email for groups or advance bookings.
- Admission type: Paid for Arts Weekend and select shows; many free street events; under-18s often free with adult.
- Ticket pricing in USD: Arts and Architecture Weekend wristband from $13; individual events $10 to $25; family bundles $30 to $50.
- Special seating or VIP options: General admission with reserved spots for music shows $5 extra; donor packages with receptions $100+.
- Minimum and maximum pricing: Minimum ticket price: $0 (free street performances); maximum: $100 (VIP bundle for full access).
- Additional ticket info: Wristband includes free Trail Guide; no booking fees; early bird from June 2026; concessions for students/seniors.
Booking with Euro Travelo
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Contact Information
- Email: office@wirksworthfestival.co.uk (for inquiries, tickets, and volunteering).
- Phone: +44 1629 824003 (festival office for bookings and info).
- Website: https://wirksworthfestival.co.uk (lineup, tickets, and updates).
- Social Media: @wirksworthfestival (Facebook for announcements and highlights).
- Key Staff: Festival organizers via email; Artist in Residence coordinator listed on site.
- Press/Volunteers: Press via office@wirksworthfestival.co.uk; volunteer sign-up for hosting or stewarding through website form.
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support; accessibility requests via email in advance.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: East Midlands (EMA, 25 miles, 40-minute drive) or Manchester (MAN, 50 miles, 1-hour drive) with car hire or taxis.
- Public transport: Trains from London St Pancras to Derby (1.5 hours), then Transpeak bus 199 to Wirksworth (45 minutes); local buses from Matlock.
- Parking: Edge-of-town lots with free shuttle buses to venues during peak weekends; on-street limited in center.
- Other access: A6 from Derby (15 miles); walking/cycling trails through the Dales; fully pedestrian-friendly historic town.
Accommodation Options
- On-site camping: None; town-based with no dedicated camping.
- Hotels: The Old Lock Up (Derby Road, $100-150/night) or George & Dragon (Market Place, $90-140/night), central with festival packages.
- Caravan parks: Middleton Top Caravan Site (5 miles, $40-60/night) near Carsington; hookups and shuttle access.
- Other stays: B&Bs like The Lee Hill (Cromford Road, $80-120/night); Airbnbs in Wirksworth from $70/night; glamping at Cromford Mills $110-170/night.
Reviews
- Transformative trail—stumbled on folk tunes in a garden gig, art everywhere; Wirksworth’s hidden spots made it magical.
- Community magic with street music and volunteer warmth; the residency exhibits inspired, felt like part of the family.
- Eclectic bliss from drama to dances—perfect family outing, left with prints and playlists humming.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
What sets Wirksworth Festival apart from urban arts events?
Since 1979, Wirksworth uniquely turns a Derbyshire market town into a living gallery with 150+ artists in homes and streets, blending music, drama, and crafts in non-traditional spaces—unlike city silos. Its 10-day September arc mixes free trails with paid shows, charity-funded for accessibility, while 100+ volunteers keep it rooted in local lore from Roman mines to medieval fairs. Families adore the shuttle shuttles and food stalls, art lovers the curated residencies. It's rural renaissance—email for 2026 volunteer spots to dive deeper.
How family-friendly is the festival for children and beginners?
Hugely—free kids' entry to trails and street music, with short workshops on drawing or simple tunes easing young ones in amid safe, open venues. The Arts Weekend's gardens and performances spark curiosity without overwhelm, while shuttles and flat paths suit strollers. Volunteers guide families, and diverse acts from folk to film welcome novices. Affordable bites keep energy up. It's an enchanting intro to arts, fostering creativity in Wirksworth's whimsical lanes.
What does a typical festival day look like?
Mornings open with 10 AM Art Trail explorations and coffee concerts in pubs, afternoons buzz with 1 PM workshops and street gigs till 5 PM, evenings crescendo at 7 PM music or drama in halls like The Maltings till 10 PM. Wander between 70 venues for pop-ups, grab street food, or join residencies. Apps and guides map the flow across the town. Over 10 days, it's a seamless swirl of sounds, sights, and serendipity in the dales.
Are there accessibility accommodations for disabilities?
Yes—venues like The Maltings feature ramps and ground-level access, with reserved seating and hearing loops; volunteers assist from shuttles to exhibits. Companion tickets match paid rates, large-print guides available, quiet garden zones for breaks. Bursaries cover wristbands, BSL for key performances on request. Email ahead for tailored aids, ensuring the festival's intimacy embraces all.
How can I volunteer or get involved?
Volunteering's core—email office@wirksworthfestival.co.uk to host artists, steward venues, or aid setups, with flexible shifts and community perks via training. Exhibitors apply for the trail, donors sponsor residencies for credits. Locals return yearly, curating from music lineups to craft showcases. Your role sustains 45+ years—join the mailing list for 2026 calls, becoming the festival's heartbeat.
