title banner for Well Dressing in Derbyshire and the Peak District 2018Well Dressing in Derbyshire in 2018


  

Well Dressing in Derbyshire 2018

Well dressing is one of the best known and most popular and colourful customs in Derbyhire and the Peak District. Well dressing dates back hundreds of years, and though there have been religious associations, the true origins remain unknown. Every year from May to September thousands of visitors from both the UK and abroad travel to the Derbyshire in order to see the well dressings displayed in over 80 Derbyhire and the Peak District villages and towns.

Each village taking part in this custom has its own jealously guarded version and designs worked out months beforehand are not revealed until the last possible moment.

Todays wells are decorated with flower petals, berries, moss, cones and seeds, which are pressed into clay held in a wooden framework. It is a difficult task combining hard work and artistic dexterity. The locally dug clay is cleansed of all impurities and is often mixed with salt and trod to the right consistency. The frames are then soaked to prevent the clay from drying out. The frames often have rows of protruding nails which help to prevent the damp clay from falling away when the frames are standing.

Some villages allow you to view the making of the Well Dressings and the Dressings often form part of a village or town festival which might continue for afew days or longer. The Wells are also usually blessed at about the same time as they go on display.



Derbyshire and Peak District Well Dressing dates for year 2018


May 7 May 12 Newborough

May 10 - May 16 Tissington

May 12 May 17 Swanwick

May 19 May 21 Etwall

May 26 May 28 Brackenfield

May 26 May 28 Endon

May 26 May 30 Wirksworth

May 26 June 3 Ashford-in-the-Water

May 26 June 4 Monyash

June 10 June 16 Marston Montgomery

June 23 June 28 Youlgrave

June 23 June 30 Hope

June 23 July 1 Bakewell

June 23 July 1 Over Haddon

June 23 July 1 Tideswell

July 1 July 8 Hayfield

July 7 July 9 Wessington

July 7 July 12 Aston-upon-Trent

July 7 July 12 Coal Aston

July 7 July 14 Hathersage

July 8 July 15 Buxton

July 21 July 30 Stoney Middleton

July 28 August 3 Bonsall

August 25 September 1 Eyam

September 8 September 14 Hartington

September 8 September 15 Chesterfield

Not complete (mar 2018). Dates liable to change. Please check again nearer the event or by checking at Tourist Information Centres They will also supply dates for the construction of these well dressings.

See also

Other Derbyshire and Peak District Attractions

Derbyshire and Peak District Accommodation

Peak District Guide

Other Derbyshire and Peak District Events

For photos of Well Dressing in Derbyshire please see Derbyshire Well Dressing Photographs.

For further informatiom please contact one of the tourist information centres which can be found at Tourist Information Centres






Derbyshire UK : Disclaimer