Chesterfield's Artistic Past & Present
Bolsover Community to Take Part in Spectacular Giant Wheel Parade
Local community groups are set to take centre stage in a spectacular outdoor performance as part of this year’s Derbyshire Makes Festival in Bolsover on Saturday 16th May, 2026.
Boza Youth Inc, Brockley Primary School and Bolsover Beats, a community samba band, have been rehearsing with award-winning dance company Autin Dance Theatre, who will bring their acclaimed production Parade – The Giant Wheel to Bolsover town centre.
A highlight of Derbyshire Makes in Bolsover, Parade – The Giant Wheel is a powerful and visually striking live performance inspired by the beauty, strength and impact of people from different walks of life coming together. The show features a 12-foot-tall Giant Wheel, operated by five professional dancers and accompanied by live music and a large community cast of local performers.
Blending contemporary storytelling, dynamic physical theatre and innovative large-scale design, Autin Dance Theatre will lead audiences on a 50-minute moving procession through the town. The performance includes three static moments that explore the tension between individual identity and collective humanity. At its heart, Parade – The Giant Wheel celebrates personal journeys while recognising the shared challenges that connect us all.
Bolsover Beats, established by Junction Arts in 2025, is a growing community samba band made up of over 30 members of all ages. Following a successful debut at last year’s Bolsover Lantern Parade, the group continues to build momentum with more performances planned throughout the year.
Boza Youth Inc, a community-led youth club for 11–16-year-olds, has been running for seven years. Based at Bolsover Methodist Church, the club provides a range of activities including arts and crafts, cooking and workshops with visiting organisations.
Councillor Donna Hale, founder of Boza Youth Inc, said: “Being part of our community is central to everything we do at Boza Youth Inc, and this opportunity highlights some of the special moments we share. It’s been a fantastic experience for our young people, and I can’t wait to see them shine at Derbyshire Makes in Bolsover.”
Jemma Burton, Project Manager at Junction Arts, said: “Bolsover is a town buzzing with creativity and community spirit, so it’s wonderful to see local people taking part in such an exciting performance. Derbyshire Makes in Bolsover will showcase the town’s creative talent while inviting people to try new activities and crafts. It’s going to be a fantastic celebration, and we hope people of all ages will come along and get involved.”
Derbyshire Makes in Bolsover is a free, family-friendly festival taking place in the town centre on Saturday 16 May, from 10am to 3pm. The event will feature a vibrant programme of live music, film, dance, spoken word and poetry, alongside hands-on activities such as lantern-making and heritage crafts. The popular Teenage Market will also return, showcasing the work of talented young local makers.
Running alongside the event, Bolsover Festival of the Arts will take place at Bolsover Castle, offering an additional programme of live performances, art installations and artisan markets.
Now in its second year, Derbyshire Makes is Derbyshire County Council’s flagship programme of cultural events across the county. It celebrates the region’s rich heritage of making while highlighting its thriving contemporary creative industries.
The festival has been made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England and Derbyshire County Council, with additional heritage activity supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of Derbyshire Makes History.
Event Details:
Bolsover Town Centre
Saturday 16 May 2026
10:00am – 3:00pm
For more information, visit: www.derbyshiremakes.co.uk/bolsover