Women Who Make Festival at Masson Mills

About this event

Celebrate the power of women who make, inspire and transform at the Women Who Make Festival at Masson Mills – a day-long celebration of creativity, community and circular thinking, set within one of Derbyshire’s most significant industrial heritage sites.

Returning to the historic Masson Mills in Matlock Bath, this year’s festival focuses on Circular Textiles, aligning with World Circular Textiles Day. Built in 1783 by Richard Arkwright as one of the world’s first water-powered cotton spinning mills, Masson Mills provides a powerful setting to explore how textile innovation, labour and sustainability intersect – past, present and future.

Expect a vibrant, welcoming and family-friendly day featuring:

✨ Artist showcase / makers’ market
✨ Talks and conversations with inspiring creatives
✨ Demonstrations and hands-on workshops
✨ A large-scale Dare to Dream community sewing bee
✨ Street food

More programme details, including timings and additional activities, will be announced soon.

Whether you're a maker, textile enthusiast or simply curious, this is an opportunity to connect, learn and be part of a growing movement shaping more ethical and circular futures.

Entry is free – register today to stay updated on the programme!

Please note: Some activities, including walks and talks, will have limited capacity and may require advance booking. Details will be shared as the programme is announced.

Meet and connect with women artists and makers from across Derbyshire and beyond. The Artist Showcase is more than a market – it’s a space to see creativity in action. Discover unique handmade work, watch demonstrations, hear about the stories behind the pieces, and, where available, take home something special.

To be announced

🟢 Dare to Dream Sewing Bee

Led by artist Sue Reddish with special guests, this drop-in workshop invites you to craft banners, flags and garments that carry your dreams and ideas for the future. Using old fabrics and found materials, transform everyday textiles into powerful symbols of hope and change. No experience needed – just imagination and a desire to make something special.

🟢 Demonstrations & drop-in sessions

To be announced

To be announced

📌 Festival entry is free - register now and be the first to know when additional add-on tickets go live.

• Add-on tickets will be required for talks and the walk.
• Parking charges apply at Masson Mills.
• Please note: Masson Mills is a historic building. Lift access is available, however some areas may have uneven or sloping floors due to the nature of the site. If you have specific access needs, please get in touch with the organisers ahead of time and we’ll do our best to support you.
• Families, friends, and curious creatives are all welcome!

About Women Who Make

Women Who Make celebrates the power of women to make, inspire and transform. This curated seasonal programme of monthly gatherings provides a space for inspiration, learning and mutual support through hybrid talks, walks, and workshops. It explores innovations in making and design, storytelling, art for social impact, and how local heritage influences contemporary making.

Programmed by Local Creative Projects Ltd.

https://www.wearelocal.org.uk

About Derbyshire Makes

Derbyshire Makes is a programme of cultural activity highlighting Derbyshire’s creative legacy. It engages new and existing audiences through high-quality creative events - including community-produced projects and artist-led commissions - as part of the Derbyshire Makes Festival and other countywide activities. Funded by Arts Council England’s Place Partnership fund (National Lottery) and Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Makes proudly collaborates with over 50 partners.

See the full listing details here:

https://www.derbyshiremakes.co.uk

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