Families in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, can explore local history through a new cultural event this winter. On February 1, 2026, Sharpe’s Pottery Museum is hosting a Lunar New Year trail that connects its historic collection to the animals of the Chinese zodiac.
The event is designed as a scavenger hunt through the museum galleries. Visitors can use a map to find specific pottery items, such as figurines and household dishes, that represent the twelve different zodiac animals.
This year’s trail spotlights the Horse, highlighting horse representations in the museum’s collection and possible links to the role of Shire horses in the local pottery industry. The activity offers an accessible way for residents to learn about different traditions while seeing the town’s industrial past in a new light.
The trail is supported by Swad Live, a community-led performing arts project and festival that works to bring more variety to the town’s cultural activities. By hosting events like this, the museum is aiming to position itself as a broader heritage-and-arts centre rather than solely a repository of historic exhibits.
Swadlincote has a long history of manufacturing pottery, which is also celebrated through local Heritage Trails. This new activity helps keep that history interesting for families and visitors looking for things to do in the town centre.
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