Derby Arboretum Well Dressings 2026

A wonderfully sunny well dressing afternoon in the Derby Arboretum to celebrate Derby's Folk Traditions. Dancing from Chip Off The Old Morris Dancing Team and music from Helen Hitchcock violinist.

Derby Arboretum Friends Group supported with homemade cakes and refreshments and Councillor Cecile Wright opening the event.

Kindly funded by Derby City Council Small Arts Grant and Central Co-op Food.

Maypole Dancers inspired by artist Keith Haring with Marie

Marie showed us how to create Maypole dancers inspired by the dancing figures of artist Keith Haring. We had a lot of fun drawing dancing dogs and dancing hearts too. 

Here is a screenshot of the session.

Luminate Lantern & Light Festival

We have a lovely evening for our Luminate Festival in early November around the Derby Arboretum.
Around 150 people came along to carry lanterns on the procession, listen to the music and watch the morris dancing from 'Chip off the Old'. Light installations were created around the park by local artists and it was a very enjoyable event.
Refreshment and soup were served with the help of volunteers from the Multifaith Group at the cafe.