Residents in Swadlincote are invited to take part in a free community craft day on Saturday 25 April 2026, which celebrates the town’s rich industrial history. The event, known as the Derbyshire Makes Festival – Swadlincote, runs from 10am to 4pm and offers hands-on activities for people of all ages.
The festival draws inspiration from the area’s heritage, including local mining, pottery, textiles, and flax-growing. These industries have played a significant role in shaping the identity of South Derbyshire, and the event aims to bring the community together to explore these stories through creative activities.
Activities will be hosted across several town centre locations, including Sharpe’s Pottery Museum on West Street, The Delph, the local Town Hall, and the Pocket Park. The museum itself was established in 1821 by Thomas Sharpe and remains a key heritage site, known for its historic bottle kiln which is believed to be the oldest surviving sanitary pottery works in the country.
The programme is being delivered by the community arts organisation People Express. It is supported by Derbyshire County Council, Arts Council England, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of a wider countywide celebration of creativity.
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