There are lots of Bakewell festivals which happen throughout the year. Some are indoor and some are outdoor and some are dependent on the great British weather it’s true – but whatever the precipitation, Bakewell festivals are all about having fun, getting together and being with loved ones. There are Bakewell music festivals and arts festivals galore. There are poetry in the garden events during the festival season and carnival time, ghost walks and exhibitions of all types and arts. Literary festivals are a great way of listening to your favourite book in the open air perhaps, on the banks of the glorious River Wye.
Bakewell, at the heart of the Peak District, hosts a variety of lively festivals throughout the year that celebrate local culture, food, and community spirit.
The town is especially known for its Bakewell Carnival Week, a vibrant event held in early July that includes a grand procession, decorated floats, music, and family-friendly activities. Just before the carnival, the town marks the traditional Well Dressing Week, when local wells are adorned with intricate floral designs made from natural materials—a uniquely Derbyshire custom.
Food lovers can enjoy the Bakewell Baking Festival, which celebrates the town’s famous tart along with a wider appreciation for British baking. Expect market stalls, cooking demos, and a friendly, nostalgic atmosphere.
In August, the Bakewell Show—one of the largest agricultural shows in the UK—brings together farming traditions, livestock competitions, and countryside crafts. It offers a mix of rural heritage and modern entertainment for all ages.
Bakewell Festival of Dance
The Bakewell Festival of Dance is a vibrant celebration of movement, music, and community spirit held in the heart of the Peak District. This annual event brings together dancers of all ages and abilities, showcasing a rich variety of styles including traditional English folk, Morris, clog, contemporary, and international dance forms.
Set against the charming backdrop of Bakewell, the festival transforms the town into a lively hub of colour and rhythm. Performances take place throughout the day in various locations, including the town square, riverside paths, and community halls, creating a festive atmosphere for both participants and spectators.
Local schools, dance groups, and visiting troupes from across the UK and beyond come together to share their passion for dance, often dressed in traditional costumes and accompanied by live music. The event also includes workshops, giving visitors the opportunity to try out different dance styles for themselves.
The Bakewell Festival of Dance is a free, family-friendly event that reflects the cultural heritage and creative energy of the Peak District. Whether you’re a keen dancer or simply enjoy the spectacle, it’s a joyful and engaging experience not to be missed.
Whether you’re drawn by heritage, food, or family-friendly fun, Bakewell’s festivals offer a warm welcome and a great reason to return again and again.
Bakewell festivals are all about frivolity, fun for all the family, and for all ages and all generations. Leave the car behind and grab the park-and-ride and get into Bakewell early during festival season. Whether you like dressing up in fancy dress and sailing boats down the river, sink or swim, perhaps beer festivals are more to tickle your fancy? You can take part and volunteer, or simply be a visitor and sample the delights that Bakewell has to offer. Bakewell in festival mode is certainly a sight to behold and a memory worth creating. Summer speaks loud and proud of Bakewell festivals – so come and join in the fun.