Fantastic programme unveiled for Buxton’s Heritage Open Days Festival 2026

There’s something for everyone in this year’s ‘Everyday Histories’ themed heritage
festival.
Buxton Civic Association (BCA) is delighted to announce a packed programme of
free events for this year’s Heritage Open Days festival, taking place from Friday 11
to Sunday 20 September 2026.
The national festival, England’s largest celebration of history and culture, returns
with this year’s theme, Everyday Histories, inviting people to discover the
fascinating stories hidden within the places, buildings and landscapes they know
best.
This year’s Buxton programme offers something for everyone, with a fantastic mix
of informative talks, open days, exhibitions and self-guided experiences hosted
by organisations from across the town.
Event hosts include Buxton Civic Association, Buxton Town Team, Buxton
Crescent Heritage Trust, Creative Heritage Ltd, Buxton Freemasons, Buxton
Opera House, Buxton Parish, Trinity Church Buxton and Buxton Museum & Art
Gallery.
Dave Green, CEO of Buxton Civic Association, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many
organisations working together to celebrate Buxton’s remarkable heritage.
Heritage Open Days showcases not only our historic buildings and landscapes,
but also the people, stories and traditions that continue to shape our town today.
We hope the festival inspires people of all ages to discover something new and
appreciate the rich heritage that’s right on their doorstep. BCA have been
delighted to co-ordinate everyone’s efforts this year.”
Among the highlights are three fascinating talks exploring different aspects of the
area’s heritage.
At Poole’s Cavern Visitor Centre, Buxton Civic Association presents The Tyrant of
Derby: Sir John Gell and the Plunder of the High Peak, where Simon Fussell tells
the dramatic story of the powerful Parliamentarian whose influence shaped the
High Peak during the English Civil War.
Local historian Trevor Gilman will reveal the area’s rich industrial heritage in
Architectural Metalwork Manufacture in the Buxton Area, hosted by Buxton
Crescent Heritage Trust as part of the Made in Buxton project.

Meanwhile, Kate Dickson, Director of Creative Heritage, will explore the traditional
building crafts that shaped the town in The Crafts that Built Buxton: Reclaiming
the Lost Skills Needed for our Historic Homes, hosted by Buxton Town Team.
Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of free open days and special events
throughout the festival.
Highlights include Buxton Museum & Art Gallery’s Treasures of Everyday Life in
Buxton exhibition, an open day at Buxton Freemasons, free tours of Buxton Opera
House, opportunities to explore the beautifully restored Assembly Rooms, and
open days at churches across Buxton and the surrounding area, each showcasing
their unique history and architecture.
Those looking to explore outdoors can discover Buxton’s industrial and natural
heritage through Buxton Civic Association’s Grin Low: A Landscape Where Nature
and Industry Have Become Inseparable audio heritage trail, which takes visitors
on a journey through 330 million years of history, from ancient tropical seas to the
lime-burning industry that helped shape the town.
All Heritage Open Days events are free to attend, although donations to
participating hosts are welcome. Some events, including several talks, have
limited places and require advance booking.
The full programme, including booking information, is available on the Visit
Buxton website at: https://www.visitbuxton.co.uk/heritage-open-days/
A printed festival leaflet will be available from early August from the Poole’s
Cavern Visitor Centre and The Pump Room. The leaflet has been funded and produced by Buxton Civic Association (BCA), Buxton’s leading environmental
and heritage conservation charity.