Calendar of Events
What's on in and around Ashbourne
At the Ashbourne Directory we want to provide as much information as possible about local events. Here is our list of events in Ashbourne and the surrounding area.
Open Farm Sunday at Ossam’s Hill Farm. 11.00am to 4.00pm. Open Farm Sunday is a national event to show the positive steps farmers take to look after the countryside whilst producing safe, wholesome and affordable food. Ossam’s Hill is a sheep and beef farm situated in a stunning area of the White Peak and is owned by the National Trust. A chance to meet the farmer and see how the farm works. Free admission. Sturdy footwear, waterproofs. Ossam’s Hill Farm entrance via Grindon village near the church. Signposted on the day.Children & families. Sorry no dogs.
By the golden gates Chatsworth For more information contact Victoria Palfrey
Painting the Landscape Daily 11am to 4pm. Award winning Derbyshire Artist Roger Allen returns to the National Trust Visitor Centre, Ilam with his latest exhibition of water colour paintings. Free entrance.
Returns to Chatsworth. The two day event will include, Three competitive Special Stage rallies for both Historic and modern rally cars. A pageant of Rallying History featuring many of the world’s greatest rally cars. Precision and stunt-driving displays including TV star, Russ Swift. Stage Sessions for owners of competition and modified road cars, giving them the opportunity of driving the special stages under non - competitive track day conditions. Motor Sport exhibitions and sales units. One Make, Rally Car and Cruising car clubs vehicle displays. For more information see website.
Wild Park Leisure, Paintballing, Quad Biking and Quad Trekking Ladies Paintball Day. From 10.30 am til 3.30pm for only £30 Including 300 paintball & BBQ. Also includes Body Armour. In aid and support of BREAST CANCER CARE. Book your LADIES ONLY GROUP now.
Family Country Day. Arts & Crafts. Demonstrations of local skills. Childrens entertainment. 10.30am - 4.30pm. Entrance Fee to be confirmed.
First tee 8.30am. St Luke’s Hospice, Little Common Lane, Sheffield S119NE.
St Luke’s Hospice, Little Common Lane, Sheffield S119NE.
26mile Sponsored walk on public footpaths in aid of choir funds. Will use Home Farm, Baslow for car parking. For further details Contact Brian Gilbourne.
Learn to Build a Dry Stone Wall. Sat 9.30am to 4.30pm and Sun 9.30am to 3.30pm. This is a two day event to learn to build a dry stone wall. You will need to bring sturdy boots, leather gloves and wet weather gear plus a packed lunch for both days. Meet at National Trust Learning Centre, Ilam. Cost: £25 per person for the two days. Booking essential (Not suitable for under 18’s.)
Over 20 gardens open to the public 1.00pm - 5.30pm Admission £3.00 Children Free.
From 9am until 2pm on the third Saturday of the month in the Imperial Rooms, Matlock.
Elvaston Castle. We have all the fun of a traditional family County Show! We order the sunshine, well most of the time, to complement the many Thrills and Spills of a Traditional County Show. Every year the organisers put a tremendous amount of thought and effort into the attractions for you the public to enjoy. 2008 will be no exception. So whether it’s the children, Mums and Dads, Grannies and Grandads – we are certain that you will have a day out to remember. For more information Derbyshire County Show. Elvaston Castle. We have all the fun of a traditional family County Show! We order the sunshine, well most of the time, to complement the many Thrills and Spills of a Traditional County Show. Every year the organisers put a tremendous amount of thought and effort into the attractions for you the public to enjoy. 2008 will be no exception. So whether it’s the children, Mums and Dads, Grannies and Grandads – we are certain that you will have a day out to remember.
Fun-filled festival for all at beautiful Tittesworth Water. Local talent, live music, and all that the arts can offer. The Strawberry Moon Festival is a major REAP (Rural Education & Arts Project) project and will showcase the cream of local talent in music, drama, dance, crafts and many more art forms on Saturday June 28 and Sunday June 29 2008, with Severn Trent Waters site near Leek forming the perfect, picturesque backdrop.
It will additionally be home to a ‘Makers Market’ which will be an opportunity to try, taste and buy from local food producers and creative businesses, from weavers to jewellery makers to ceramicists.
Volunteers needed and community groups sought to take part.
Digital Photography Workshop in Ilam 10am to 4pm. Workshop National Trust Learning Centre, designed to build photographic skills and knowledge of digital photography. £45.00 per person. Please bring waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes and a packed lunch. All bookings and enquires contact Jan Slack
Carnival on Sat 28th June with the procession at 2pm. The crowning of the Queen at 3pm. Sunday 29th June is the Blessing in St Peters Church at 7pm.
Chatsworth. Two options a 2 mile walk on paths suitable for the disabled or a six mile walk for the more energetic.
Blessing of the Well 3pm Sat 21st Carnival on Sat 28th June with procession at 3pm, and torchlight procession at approx 10pm.
Learn to Build a Dry Stone Wall. Sat 9.30am to 4.30pm and Sun 9.30am to 3.30pm. This is a two day event to learn to build a dry stone wall. You will need to bring sturdy boots, leather gloves and wet weather gear and will need a packed lunch for both days. Meet at National Trust Learning Centre, Monyash House Farm, Monyash. Cost: £25 per person for the two days. Booking essential (Not suitable for under 18’s).
Nr Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5DP. Edwardian Weekend. Relive the Edwardian period with soldiers, suffragettes, civilians and period vehicles, plus the only chance to ride on our horse tram.
30th Anniversary Year - Held in Buxton Town. A Festival of Opera Music & Literature.
Thriving Fringe Festival for a cross section of the arts.
St Luke’s Hospice, Little Common Lane, Sheffield S119NE.
From 9am until 2pm on the third Saturday of the month in the Imperial Rooms, Matlock.
Nature Through the Lens. 11am to 4pm. A selection of striking close-ups and landscapes by photographer Bill Nicholson on exhibition in the National Trust Visitor Centre, Ilam. Free entrance.
A great day out for all the family The skirl of the Pipes is synonymous with Scotland and all things relating to the highlands and the Ashbourne Highland Gathering is an opportunity to see and hear the various competitions that are organised for individuals and for bands. The Ashbourne Highland Gathering culminates with a mass Pipe march followed by all the competing bands marching through the town of Ashbourne to draw the day to a colourful and musical conclusion.
A Voyage round Thorpe Cloud. 6.30pm to 8.30pm. A guided circular walk with Geologist Mike Allen to see how Dovedale was formed, old lead workings, a limestone quarry and other fascinating features of this well known landmark. This walk will include some inclines and walking on uneven ground. Suitable footwear essential. Please meet at Dovedale car park. Car parking charges apply. (Not NT car park). Free but please book.
Venue: The Devonshire Dome, University of Derby Buxton Campus, Devonshire Rd, Buxton. Open: 10am - 4.30pm. Admission: Free. 50+ members of Peak District Products showing their high quality art & craft work inc. paintings, jewellery, ceramics furniture, photography, stained glass, mosaic, textiles, fashion & lots more. Free prize draw, free demonstrations, free illustrated talks, artist postcard art raffle, visitor have-a-go table. Organiser: Peak District Products. Contact: Pauline Townsend.
Famous for the crooked spire of its Parish Church, Chesterfield is home to one of the largest open-air markets in the country. More than 200 stalls pack the town centre every Monday, Friday and Saturday all year round, and visitors can also rummage around the popular flea market on Thurdays.
The Cromford Steam Rally is held at Highacres Farm, Dewey Lane, Brackenfield, Nr Matlock. On the A615 Matlock to Alfreton road. The rally is of interest and amusement for the whole family, whilst at the same time retaining the essence of the bygone spirit of our event. Our tractor section will give you a unique insight into life on the farms in days gone by. Look in our rural crafts section and enjoy the demonstrations taking place. We have traditional steamers, historical motor vehicles, stationary engines, a model marquee and miniature steam. Amble around the stalls, have a look at our old time fair rides, look through our sections of motorcycles, commercial vehicles, military displays and our wonderful old time organs.
Nr Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5DP. Emergency Vehicles Day. Ambulances, fire engines and Police cars from days gone by gather for a nostalgic parade.
The Showground, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1AQ. Bakewell Show is a celebration of all aspects of farming and rural life, from the best of British livestock to the latest business and technological innovations. Set in the picturesque Wye Valley, the event offers the perfect day out for the whole family, with the very best of shopping, food, flowers, crafts, country pursuits, equestrian competitions and arena displays. Bakewell Show has something for everyone and it really does provide a full day`s entertainment for all our visitors - around 65,000 of them over the two days.
Painted Ladies and Peacocks. 12noon to 4pm. Butterfly spotting, craft activities and audio-visual presentation on the hour Meet at The National Trust Learning Centre, Ilam. Free but donations welcome to the conservation work of the NT welcome. No booking required.
Various gardens open to the public 10.00am - 5.00pm.
1940’s Weekend. Nr Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5DP. 1940s Weekend. Relive the Home Front with rationing and air raids. Special reduced rate for those in forties costume.
From 9am until 2pm on the third Saturday of the month in the Imperial Rooms, Matlock.
Another View of the World. 11am to 4pm. Photographer Steve Chapman returns to the National Trust Visitor Centre, Ilam Park. Admission Free.
Nr Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5DP. Transport Extravaganza. A true celebration of transport with hundreds of exhibits, stalls and models. Vehicle convoys parade down Tramway Street.Fairground rides and family entertainment.
Bangers and Bats 7pm to 10pm. An evening nosh of bangers and mash in the Manifold Tearoom, an audio visual introduction and a stroll in Ilam Park with wildlife expert Richard Fox to see and hear the bats. Please meet at the National Trust Learning Centre at Ilam and bring a torch and bat detector if you have one, also sturdy footwear and water proof clothing. £12 per adult £8. per child. Not suitable for very young children due to late finish. Booking essential.
The Country Fair is one of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor events, held in Chatsworth park, and it attracts large crowds from all over the country. Massed pipe and military bands, demonstrations and parades, hot air balloons, parachuting and over 300 varied trade stands and rural crafts make this a memorable event with something for everyone. An exciting Grand Ring programme takes place over the weekend, with displays ranging from a vintage car parade to the hot air balloon races and terrier racing. A sporting clay pigeon shoot takes place on both days and the bouncy castle and old time fairground are always popular with children. Many of England’s heritage of Country Sports and pastimes are on show including Armed service displays, horse shoeing, Ferret racing, archery and sheep dog trials. For more information see website.
Matlock Bath has illuminations along the river bank. These are switched on at dusk. In addition, on the Venetian Nights, which occur at the weekend, there are illuminated boats that float up and down the river around the Pavilion area from around 8pm. Until 25th October.
Matlock Bath has illuminations along the river bank. These are switched on at dusk. In addition, on the Venetian Nights, which occur at the weekend, there are illuminated boats that float up and down the river around the Pavilion area from around 8pm. Until 25th October.
Race leaves from Snake Inn at 12.30pm and arrives at the Nags Head Edale at approx 1. 30pm - 2.00pm. Lots for the family to do Tombola swings etc. In the evening there is to be a band. An enjoyable day out.
The Festival becomes more exciting each year, with a programme that reflects the skills and talents of this fantastic town. Wirksworth’s a great place to visit, with beautiful countryside, good pubs and cafes and many fine old buildings hidden amongst the maze of alleyways. So please come along, have a look, get involved, but most of all, enjoy the Festival!
Nr Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5DP. Beetle Drive. A Volkswagen event with a difference! See a host of old and new Beetles, camper vans, trade stalls, street parades, Show n Shine and children’s entertainment. Special rate for pre-booked vehicles.
11am - 5.00pm up to 30 specialist nurseries.
St Luke’s Hospice, Little Common Lane, Sheffield S119NE.
From 9am until 2pm on the third Saturday of the month in the Imperial Rooms, Matlock.
For more information contact Sarah Belton.
St Luke’s Hospice, Little Common Lane, Sheffield S119NE.
St Luke’s Hospice, Little Common Lane, Sheffield S119NE.
Matlock Bath has illuminations along the river bank. These are switched on at dusk. In addition, on the Venetian Nights, which occur at the weekend, there are illuminated boats that float up and down the river around the Pavilion area from around 8pm.
St Luke’s Hospice, Little Common Lane, Sheffield S119NE.
St Luke’s Hospice, Little Common Lane, Sheffield S119NE.
Digital Photography Workshop. In Ilam 10am to 4pm. Workshop designed to build photographic skills and knowledge of digital photography. £45.00 per person. Please bring waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes and packed lunch. All bookings and enquires contact Jan Slack.
Fungi Foray. 10.30am. A guided walk with local Mycologist Camilla Lovatt to discover the fungi in Ilam Park, followed by a delicious lunch of mushroom soup in the Manifold Tearoom. Please meet at the National Trust Learning Centre, Ilam. Adults £12 per person £8 per child. Booking essential.
From 9am until 2pm on the third Saturday of the month in the Imperial Rooms, Matlock.
Nr Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5DP. Starlight Halloween. A Halloween spectacular with illuminations, witches, ghosts and trams in the dark. Spooky! Open until 9pm, last admission 6pm.
Chatsworth. Help us make a difference by walking with your friends, family and colleagues through the grounds of Chatsworth House and raise money for research into breast cancer.
Chesterfield is home to one of the largest open-air markets in the country. More than 200 stalls pack the town centre every Monday, Friday and Saturday all year round, and visitors can also rummage around the popular flea market on Thurdays.
Digital Photography Workshop. In Ilam 10am to 4pm. Workshop designed to build photographic skills and knowledge of digital photography. £45.00 per person. Please bring waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes and a packed lunch. All bookings and enquires contact Jan Slack.
A cross country running event around Dovedale. Location Thorpe. Race starts at 11.00am. Sign on from 9.00am on the day only.
From 9am until 2pm on the third Saturday of the month in the Imperial Rooms, Matlock.
Bare Trees and Roast Beef. 11am. A delicious roast dinner with locally produced beef from one of our NT farms, but before lunch, an informative walk round Ilam Park to identify some of the trees with the Property Manager. The walk will include some inclines and walking on uneven ground and maybe muddy after rain, therefore, warm waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear advisable. Please meet at the National Trust Learning Centre at Ilam. Adults £20.00 per person, Child £15. Booking essential.
The event has grown into the biggest Christmas event in North Derbyshire, and one of the most popular in the East Midlands. It has many different types of market all on one site, and many housed in two large marquees, they include Craft, traditional English, Continental and a Farmers Market. In addition to all of this there is Christmas entertainment each day with clowns, Bands and Singers. Santa’s Procession is staged on Saturday, and a magnificent Christmas Firework display closes the event on Sunday. The event is open each day between 10.00 am and 6.00 p.m.
St Luke’s Hospice, Little Common Lane, Sheffield S119NE.
Yuletide at Ilam. 4pm to 6pm. Music, food and fun activities for children and a chance for Christmas shopping. Delicious teas in the Manifold Tearoom. Please meet at the NT Visitor Centre in the Stableblock, Ilam. Suitable for families and children.
From 9am until 2pm on the third Saturday of the month in the Imperial Rooms, Matlock.
This consists of 10 teams of 3 people who paddle down 1/2 a mile of the river Dove and then jump off a bridge. It doesn't sound much - but the Dove is one of the coldest rivers in the UK - especially on New Years Day! Also the river is not exactly navigable in all parts of the course - lastly the bridge is 30 feet high and after the swim the contestants still have to run 500 yards to the pub. Hundreds come to watch