Buxton History Festival Launches with a Three-Day Celebration of Heritage
The Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever Buxton History Festival, a vibrant three-day event taking place from Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19. This exciting programme will be hosted at the historic Buxton Crescent Assembly Room and the Grade II listed Pump Room, offering a rich tapestry of talks, performances, and creative workshops.
Sponsored by Yale University Press, the festival brings together leading historians, writers, and performers to delve into captivating stories of bravery, creativity, and human ingenuity. Topics span from medieval manuscripts and Georgian masquerades to Victorian artists, atomic pioneers, and the formation of early England, providing a comprehensive exploration of historical narratives that continue to influence our world today.
Inspiring Words from the Trust's CEO
Simon Wallwork, CEO of the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, expressed his enthusiasm for the new event. "Buxton has always been a place where people come to learn, reflect and be inspired," he said. "The History Festival builds on that tradition by bringing exceptional speakers to our town and opening up stories that still shape the world around us. We’re delighted to launch a new cultural event that celebrates curiosity and supports the Trust’s work to ensure it protects and provides access for all to Buxton’s remarkable heritage."
A Weekend Packed with Historical Insights
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy fourteen different talks delivered by renowned experts, covering a diverse range of subjects. These include Georgian high society, Victorian philanthropy, early 20th-century literature, radical politics, and the origins of industrial Britain. Notable speakers include Dr Meg Kobza, Professor Rory Naismith, Professor Gareth Williams, Dr Serena Dyer, Melanie McDonagh, and Professor Nick Higham.
The festival programme is packed with highlights, such as:
- Friday, April 17: Dr Meg Kobza on Georgian masquerades, Kathryn Ecclestone on Vera Brittain in Edwardian Buxton, Sienna Wells on medieval manuscripts, and Professor Rory Naismith on early English kingship.
- Saturday, April 18: Dr Richard Gaunt on Victorian artist Emma Wilmot, Professor Gareth Williams on Britain’s atomic programme, Dr Ruth Larsen on Lady Knightley, Dr Caroline McCaffrey-Howarth on Lady Charlotte Schreiber, and Dr Serena Dyer on historical clothing.
- Sunday, April 19: Melanie McDonagh on literary converts, Geoff Andrews on Labour’s radical roots, Professor Edmond Smith on industrial Britain, and Professor Nick Higham on the transition from Roman to Anglo-Saxon England.
Creative Workshops and Craft Heritage
Adding to the festival's appeal, the travelling Makory Maker Space will be in Buxton on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19. This initiative celebrates Buxton’s rich craft heritage and ongoing creativity, featuring artists from across Derbyshire who will share hands-on making activities inspired by the county’s history of innovation.
Milliner Claire Brown will host drop-in workshops titled 'Ribbons and Regency', where visitors can learn to create Regency-style cockades—decorative ribbon rosettes that were worn to express fashion, identity, or political allegiance.
All proceeds from the festival will support the charitable work of the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, which is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the town’s heritage for everyone. Full programme details and tickets are available online.
