A Great Turnout For Tapton
Tapton Lock Festival Returns for 2026
Junction Arts’ much-loved Tapton Lock Festival returned to the Chesterfield Canal on Saturday, 5 September 2026, for a vibrant, one-day celebration of arts, culture and outdoor activities for all ages.
The free, family-friendly festival brought together a packed programme of activities against the scenic canal-side setting. Visitors enjoyed a range of popular attractions, including have-a-go canoeing, a climbing wall, boat rides, circus skills and the ever-popular bubble-ologist.
Families also had the opportunity to get creative through eco-themed craft activities delivered by two of the ‘Bring it to Tapton’ grant winners, Nadiia Ishchuk and Katie Ceesay.
The festival offered plenty of opportunities to get involved, from pottery and eco-craft workshops to a mindful photography walk. Visitors could also enjoy a diverse programme of live performances, including Polish singing, storytelling, poetry, dance and folk music.
Other activities included the 50 Stories Trail, celebrating 50 years of Junction Arts, seed potting and newly commissioned films. A wide range of community and charity stalls added to the festival atmosphere, alongside a selection of food and drink, including wood-fired pizza, freshly baked goods, ice cream and great coffee.
The festival continued its long-standing commitment to celebrating Chesterfield’s diverse and multicultural community. Polonia Chesterfield hosted a Polish cultural stall featuring traditional music, food and an exhibition, while the Asian Association served food alongside a range of community groups and charity organisations.
First launched by Junction Arts in 2013, Tapton Lock Festival has become a much-loved fixture in the local events calendar. The free and inclusive event promotes health, wellbeing and creativity, giving people opportunities to try new activities, connect with nature and experience different cultures. Over the years, the festival has attracted visitors with its lively combination of performances, workshops and hands-on activities.
For the 2026 festival, Junction Arts worked in partnership with a newly established Festival Community Panel. The panel brought together organisations and individuals who had contributed to the festival over the years, helping to ensure the event remained true to its core values. Members included Derbyshire County Council Countryside Service, Tapton Lock Visitor Centre, Chesterfield Canal Trust, Pleasley Canoe Club, Polonia Chesterfield, ACCRA, Verba, S40 Local and Junction Arts volunteer Katarina Pavlistova.
Nathan Hamer, Project Coordinator at Junction Arts, said: “We had an amazing day. So many families came out and enjoyed the free activities, embracing the outdoor activities as well as the creative workshops and live entertainment. A huge thanks to our team, all of our artists, volunteers and event partners – but most of all, thanks to all the visitors who made it such a special day.”