11th – 20th SEPTEMBER 2026
Wirksworth invites you to join us for a 10 day celebration of the arts with a mix of music, performance and visual arts.
The town transforms into a huge gallery for the weekend of the 12th & 13th of Sept 2026 with the Art and Architecture Trail Weekend.
Homes, gardens & public spaces across the town are thrown open for over a hundred and forty artists in 70 venues to exhibit their work.
Events for all the family
A programme of live music, drama and film presented in venues across the town.
Wirksworth offers an artist time and space to think and create
A cottage and workspace in Wirksworth are provided for an artist to create a new body of work to exhibit at the Festival..
Ways that you can take part in the festival.
Open your home to an artist
The Art Trail is always looking for new hosts so if you have a room or a garden you could offer as a venue we’d love to hear from you…
Show your work on The Art Trail
The Festival welcomes applications from local, regional and national contemporary artists and makers. Work is selected on quality and suitability for our non-gallery spaces…
We rely on our army of local volunteers
The Festival couldn’t exist without our fabulous band of volunteers. We’re always looking for new recruits and you don’t have to work every day – just do what you can…
Artists response to being resident and featured artist: My three months spent a Wigwell Lodge were one of the best three months I have ever had. The time to step out of my life and away from other work...
Project Summary: My practice explores human behaviour, development and our relationship to the places we inhabit. I draw ideas from social anthropology, psychology and folklore. I primarily work in printmaking, bringing photography and drawing into traditional...
https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/artist/name/liane-laing-ra It is so exciting to be able to announce that Liane Laing, our second Festival Artist in Residence has been elected a Royal Academician. She was with us during the pandemic and curated a brilliant...