Muddy Stilettos


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buxton-international-festival-4-12-jul"><strong><a href="https://buxtonfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buxton International Festival</a>, 4 – 12 Jul</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/buxton-international-festival.jpg" alt="buxton international festival programme in front of buxton opera house" class="wp-image-9378" /></figure>



<p>A fabulous time to descend on beautiful Buxton to experience world class opera, music, books, jazz and even walks. Muddy&#8217;s highlights? I&#8217;m looking forward to <a href="https://buxtonfestival.co.uk/whats-on/la-tragedie-de-carmen">La Tragedie de Carmen</a> at Buxton Opera House and the <a href="https://buxtonfestival.co.uk/whats-on?_event_cat=jazz">Jazz Weekender </a>from <strong>6-8 July</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-imaginary-conversations-chatsworth"><strong><a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/news-media/news-blogs-press-releases/erdem-imaginary-conversations-exhibition/">Imaginary Conversations</a>, Chatsworth</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/keira-sq.jpg" alt="Keira Knightley at Chatsworth" class="wp-image-9481" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Keira Knightley at Chatsworth for the launch of Imaginary Conversations / photo courtesy of Farfetch &amp; Erdem</figcaption></figure>



<p>Ooh, we love a fashion exhibition and this newly opened one at Chatsworth is a treat. Celebrating the image and legacy of the late Duchess Deborah Devonshire through the Spring/Summer 2024 collection of designer Erdem Moralioglu. It explores the interiors, fabrics and fashion of Chatsworth House as a source of inspiration for Erdem’s collection, inspired by the Duchess. See until the  it runs until 20 Oc</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerts-in-the-cavern-all-summer"><strong><a href="https://peakcavern.co.uk/concerts-events-in-peak-cavern/">Concerts in the cavern</a>, all summer</strong></h2>



<p>Concert settings don’t get much more dramatic than this one: the caves at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thevillagescreen.com/peak-cavern">Peak Cavern</a>. From <a href="https://peakcavern.co.uk/the-christians-saturday-13th-july-2024-562/">The Christians</a> on Sat 13 July, to <a href="https://peakcavern.co.uk/thor-gods-of-rock-saturday-10th-august-2024-595/">Gods of Rock</a> on 10 August and tonnes of tribute acts to suit all tastes, it&#8217;s the most atmospheric of settings for a gig.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-classic-ibiza-sat-13-jul"><strong><a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/events/classic-ibiza/">Classic Ibiza</a>, Sat 13 Jul</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/Classic-Ibiza-Chatsworth.jpg" alt="classic ibiza festival at sunset" class="wp-image-8613" /></figure>



<p>Yipee! A shiny new festival for Derbyshire this year and the setting is an absolute stunner. With a backdrop of glorious Chatsworth House, Classic Ibiza promises over five hours of Balearic-infused dance music headlined by the 32-piece Urban Soul Orchestra (USO). Bring your picnic blanket too &#8211; it’s billed as family-friendly with room for everyone to spread out. Plus it&#8217;s raising funds for Chatsworth House Trust and Ashgate Hospice. Muddy’s sold.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-drawing-workshop-sat-13-jul"><strong><a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/events/get-drawing/">Get Drawing</a> workshop, Sat 13 Jul</strong></h2>



<p>Another one at the Peak District&#8217;s favourite stately home. Chatsworth is hosting some amazing creative workshops at the house and gardens this summer, including lots aimed at children. But this grown-up full day drawing workshop sounds well worth ditching the kids for. Based the Old Potting Shed art studio in Chatsworth’s gardens, tickets (£95pp) include tea and coffee throughout the day and a graze box picnic lunch provided by the Chatsworth Farm Shop. There&#8217;s another chance to brush up your skills on 5 Oct.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bakewell-country-festival-sun-14-jul"><strong><a href="https://www.bakewellahs.co.uk/bakewell-country-festival">Bakewell Country Festival</a>, Sun 14 Jul</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/Bakewell-show.jpg" alt="woman and child on merry go round bakewell show" class="wp-image-9376" /></figure>



<p>A veritable bonanza of brilliant, family-friendly stuff to get stuck into at <strong>Bakewell Showground.</strong> Composting and growing lessons, a cool climbing wall, family drumming workshops, an exciting programme of performances in the centre ring, music, a foodie theatre and even animal encounters. Kids 15 and under go free. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-twelfth-night-thu-18-jul"><strong><a href="https://www.wildhive.uk/chatsworth-players/">Twelfth Night</a>, Thu 18 Jul</strong></h2>



<p>If the weather plays ball (far from a given this summer), a bit of outdoor theatre overlooking the lovely meadow at Wildhive Callow Hall in <strong>Ashbourne </strong>sounds a treat. Join Chatsworth Players for one of theatre’s original rom-coms, Shakespeare’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wildhive.uk/chatsworth-players/">Twelfth Night</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ynot-festival-pikehall-derbyshire-2-4-aug"><strong><a href="https://ynotfestival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YNot Festival</a>, Pikehall, Derbyshire, 2 – 4 Aug</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/04/YNot.jpg" alt="Lights on stage with silhouetted crowd at music festival" class="wp-image-4125" /></figure>



<p>The Peak District party that is YNot is going from strength to strength with Snow Patrol, Noel Gallagher&#8217;s High Flying Birds and the Kaiser Chiefs just some of the names appearing this year. But it’s not just rock, indie and alternative music – there’s comedy, paint fights and carnivals, all set in the gorgeous Peak District countryside.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-opera-in-the-garden-2-3-au-g"><strong><a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/events/#ArtsCulture">Opera in the garden</a>, 2 – 3 Au</strong>g</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="www.operabrava.com"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/carmen-opera.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9573" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image / Opera Brava</figcaption></figure>



<p>Spend a summer evening in Chatsworth’s beautiful Rose Garden watching&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/checkout-chel/?propertyID=chel&amp;bookingTypeId=1110809">Carmen</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<strong>Fri 2 August</strong>&nbsp;and Puccini’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/events/opera-in-the-garden-la-boheme/">La Bohème</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<strong>Sat 3 Aug.</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cromford-steam-rally-3-4-aug"><strong><a href="https://www.cromfordsteamrally.co.uk/">Cromford Steam Rally</a>, 3 – 4 Aug</strong></h2>



<p>All the fun of the (vintage) fair at this popular heritage festival. Yes, there&#8217;ll be steam engines and vintage vehicles galore, but there&#8217;s plenty of family-friendly fun too &#8211; from kid&#8217;s entertainment and brass bands to craft stalls and rides.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secret-diary-of-henry-viii-sun-4-aug"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/ilam-park-dovedale-and-the-white-peak/events/6be6ee92-5194-4b82-8190-7cc0530b9531"><strong>Secret Diary of Henry VIII</strong></a><strong>, Sun 4 Aug</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Ilam-NT-Images-by-Jemma-Finch-1024x683.jpg" alt="the church at Ilam Derbyshire National Trust peak district" class="wp-image-9604" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">© National Trust Images/Jemma Finch</figcaption></figure>



<p>Outdoor theatre with a tudor twist in the gorgeous setting of Ilam Park sounds good to us. Spread out the picnic blanket in front of Ilam Hall overlooking the famous Thorpe Cloud and enjoy this riotous comedy en plein air.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outdoor-cinema-8-11-aug"><strong><a href="https://www.adventurecinema.co.uk/venues/hardwick-hall">Outdoor cinema</a>, 8 &#8211; 11 Aug</strong></h2>



<p>A couple more awesome Peak District period backdrops for an al fresco show – sprawl on the lawns with a backdrop of the handsome <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/hardwick">Hardwick Hall</a> or <a href="https://www.adventurecinema.co.uk/venues/calke-abbey">Calke Abbey </a>beyond the theatrical action. Flex the vocal chords at&nbsp;<em>Greas</em>e&nbsp;<em>Sing-along</em>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<strong>Thurs</strong>&nbsp;<strong>8 Aug</strong>,&nbsp;<em>Frozen</em>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<strong>Sat 10 Aug</strong>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<em>Mama Mia</em>&nbsp;later that evening.&nbsp;<em>Top Gun&nbsp;</em>is <strong>Fri 9 August</strong> and then there’s family-friendly fodder like&nbsp;<em>Finding Nemo, The Gruffalo/Stick Man</em>&nbsp;and<em>&nbsp;Sing.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-just-so-festival-16-18-aug"><strong><a href="https://justsofestival.org.uk/">Just So Festival</a>, 16 – 18 Aug</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/JustSo2022-by-AndrewAllcock.jpg" alt="silhouette of young girl on Dad's shoulders at music festival" class="wp-image-2814" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image / Just So Festival</figcaption></figure>



<p>Ok, so this one isn&#8217;t strictly the Peak District, but it&#8217;s pretty darn close and if you’ve got primary aged kids or tiny tots you must, must, must make the 30-minute drive to the enchanting and joyous <a href="https://justsofestival.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Just So Festival</a>. Taking place Rode Hall in Cheshire, this fabulous family adventure is jam-packed with magical happenings. From live music and forest theatre to creative hands-on crafty sessions and campfire takes in the Spellbound Forest, there’s always something unexpected, uplifting and charming in each glade. Read <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture-things-to-do/muddy-reviews-family-friendly-just-so-festival-derbyshire-cheshire/">Muddy&#8217;s review here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-matlock-summer-food-amp-drink-festival-24-25-aug"><strong><a href="https://www.madhattersevents.com/matlock-summer-food-and-drink-festival">Matlock Summer Food &amp; Drink Festival</a>, 24 – 25 Aug</strong></h2>



<p>A free, family-friendly, dog-friendly festival for foodies taking place at Hall Leys<strong> </strong>Park.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medieval-jousting-at-bolsover-castle-24-28-aug"><strong><a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/bolsover-castle-legendary-joust-24-aug-26-aug-24/?_gl=1*1k35r8b*_up*MQ..*_ga*NDExOTUzMzkyLjE3MTk5OTM2NjE.*_ga_QK86RM1N34*MTcxOTk5MzY2MC4xLjAuMTcxOTk5MzY2MC4wLjAuMA..">Medieval jousting at Bolsover Castle</a>, 24 – 28 Aug</strong></h2>



<p>Knights in shining armour await when a medieval encampment is brought to life by actors in <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/bolsover-castle-siege-27-jul-28-jul-24/?_gl=1*1wbpmc0*_up*MQ..*_ga*NDM4NjYzMDQwLjE3MTk5OTM3ODM.*_ga_QK86RM1N34*MTcxOTk5Mzc4Mi4xLjAuMTcxOTk5Mzc4Mi4wLjAuMA..">Siege!</a> at Bolsover Castle (27-28 August). Then there’s more spectacular jousting shenanigans over the August Bank holiday at the <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/bolsover-castle-legendary-joust-24-aug-26-aug-24/?_gl=1*1k35r8b*_up*MQ..*_ga*NDExOTUzMzkyLjE3MTk5OTM2NjE.*_ga_QK86RM1N34*MTcxOTk5MzY2MC4xLjAuMTcxOTk5MzY2MC4wLjAuMA..">Legendary Joust at Bolsover Castle</a> (24-26 August).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-horses-and-heritage-17-18-aug"><strong><a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/bolsover-castle-cavendish-horses-17-aug-18-aug-24/?_gl=1*999gj6*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjExODczMTQxMS4xNzIwMDE2MTk1*_ga_QK86RM1N34*MTcyMDAxNjE5NS4xLjAuMTcyMDAxNjE5NS4wLjAuMA..">Horses and heritage</a>, 17 – 18 Aug</strong></h2>



<p>Ready for your jaw to drop? <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/bolsover-castle-cavendish-horses-17-aug-18-aug-24/?_gl=1*999gj6*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjExODczMTQxMS4xNzIwMDE2MTk1*_ga_QK86RM1N34*MTcyMDAxNjE5NS4xLjAuMTcyMDAxNjE5NS4wLjAuMA..">Cavendish’s Horses: From manège to Dressage</a> at Bolsover Castle ought to do it. Watch expert horsemen in flamboyant costume, training for art and battle to music as the Spanish horses of El Caballo de Espana demonstrate amazing equine traditions.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/CHATSWORTHSHOW-HelenaDolby-0775-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="vintage fairground rides at Chatsworth country show" class="wp-image-9643" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chatsworth Country Fair / Image by Helena Dolby</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chatsworth-country-fair-30-aug-1-sep"><strong><a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/events/chatsworth-country-fair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chatsworth Country Fair</a>,</strong> <strong>30 Aug –</strong>&nbsp;<strong>1 Sep</strong></h2>



<p>Finish the school hols with a flourish by taking the whole fam to<a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/events/chatsworth-country-fair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;Chatsworth Country Fair</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp;</strong>– it’s a corker. Held in the 1000-acre parkland surrounding&nbsp;<strong>Chatsworth House</strong>, it’s three action-packed days of thrilling Grand Ring entertainment, acrobatics and stunts, inspirational cooking masterclasses (including James Martin and Nadiya Hussain), delicious food, fantastic shopping and plenty of have-a-go activities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wirksworth-festival-6-16-sep"><strong><a href="https://wirksworthfestival.co.uk/">Wirksworth Festival</a>, 6 – 16 Sep</strong></h2>



<p>The quirky, creative town of Wirksworth comes alive for during this 10 day celebration of all things arty. Expect a full programme of music, dance, theatre and comedy. The highlight is the weekend of 7-8 September when homes, gardens across public spaces fling open their doors for more than 100 artists to exhibit their work (brilliant for a nose about too).</p>


Diaries out! Your summer culture planner for the Peak District

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