Chesterfield Turned Out in Force for Derbyshire Makes Festival
Chesterfield Turned Out in Force for Derbyshire Makes Festival
Local people of all ages turned out to celebrate Chesterfield's creativity on Saturday, taking part in the free Derbyshire Makes festival held in the town centre.
Junction Arts, which led the activity in Chesterfield, worked with artists, makers and communities to transform the town centre into a vibrant hub of creativity. The festival aimed to shine a spotlight on the town’s making heritage as well as its new creative and cultural industries.
Headlining the festival was The Great Chesterfield Make Off, where 40 local artists created brand-new work live in New Square. The event allowed visitors to experience artists at work, discover new talent and witness the imagination and skill that define Chesterfield’s arts scene. From painters and potters to writers, actors, textile artists and designers, the Make Off brought together a diverse mix of creatives united by their connection to the town, transforming New Square into an open-air studio.
Visitors were also invited to take part in artist-led workshops at Sorbo Lounge, where they created their own mini masterpieces to take home.
At The Pavements Shopping Centre, visitors experienced MakeLand, an immersive virtual reality installation by artist John Whall, and explored Chesterfield Makers, a photographic exhibition showcasing local artists and makers.
The town centre also came alive with live street performances from internationally renowned artist Matt Pang, whose Thingamabob show entertained crowds throughout the day.
Additional interactive highlights included the Newton-O-Matic, a playful, physics-inspired installation celebrating Sir Isaac Newton, and Lady of the Loom, a wandering storyteller sharing curious objects and tales.
The festival also explored the endangered local heritage craft of lacemaking, highlighting the work of those preserving the tradition through a special exhibition at Chesterfield Library.
Now in its second year, Derbyshire Makes is Derbyshire County Council’s flagship programme of cultural events across the county. The free festival runs annually across six distinct local hubs between 11 April and 16 May 2026.
Junction Arts Project Manager Kylie North said: “We had a brilliant time bringing Derbyshire Makes to Chesterfield. The town has a strong heritage of making, alongside a new, exciting and growing creative community. Local people really embraced the fun and creativity of the day, a huge thank you to everyone who came out and took part.”
The Derbyshire Makes Festival continues until 16 May in other locations across the county, each hosting a full day of free, family-friendly activities:
- Swadlincote – Saturday 25 April
- Heanor – Saturday 2 May
- Glossop – Saturday 9 May
- Bolsover – Saturday 16 May
For more information and details on how to get involved, visit www.derbyshiremakes.co.uk and sign up to the mailing list.
Derbyshire Makes is made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Image credit: Richard Tymon.