Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buxton-international-festival">BUXTON INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Buxton-Opera-House-festival-time.-Credit-Buxton-International-Festival-1024x683.jpeg" alt="buxton opera house during buxton international festival" class="wp-image-13625" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Buxton-Opera-House-festival-time.-Credit-Buxton-International-Festival-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Buxton-Opera-House-festival-time.-Credit-Buxton-International-Festival-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Buxton-Opera-House-festival-time.-Credit-Buxton-International-Festival-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Buxton-Opera-House-festival-time.-Credit-Buxton-International-Festival.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Oh my word Derbyshire, you’re spoilt for choice this month as the <a href="https://buxtonfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buxton International Festival</a> kicks off from 9-26 July. From world-class opera to cool jazz and literary gigs, there is an awful lot to love in this year’s programme. Muddy’s picks?



Opera buffs, get thee to <a href="https://buxtonfestival.co.uk/whats-on/the-merry-widow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Merry Widow,</a> Lehár’s delicious comedy of bankruptcy, infidelity, social climbing and the rekindling of romance between two old flames gets a twist in this production. And <a href="https://buxtonfestival.co.uk/whats-on/la-traviata" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Traviata</a> brings Verdi’s glorious score brings this world vividly to life in one of the most powerful operas ever written. Book in for the series of opera talks for each production and hear from the creative teams for insights into the history, music and vision.



For a real spine-tingler, book <a href="https://buxtonfestival.co.uk/whats-on/opera-in-the-cavern-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Opera in the Cavern</a> on 14 and 23 July, a medley of iconic operas and musicals in the illuminated, rock-sculpted galleries of Poole&#8217;s Cavern. 



Jazz fans, look out for the <a href="https://buxtonfestival.co.uk/whats-on/jazz-weekender" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jazz Weekender</a> (9-12 July). With 12 gigs varying from funk, jazz, blues and Latin, it&#8217;s a brilliant way to discover new sounds and feel the real energy of live jazz. Festival highlights include jazz legend <a href="https://buxtonfestival.co.uk/whats-on/courtney-pine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Courtney Pine</a> (12 July), spirited septet <a href="https://buxtonfestival.co.uk/whats-on/the-easy-rollers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Easy Rollers</a> (18 July), and improvised music from <a href="https://buxtonfestival.co.uk/whats-on/pete-roth-trio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pete Roth Trio</a> (25 July).



On the literary front, the book part of the festival includes guests as diverse as <a href="https://buxtonfestival.co.uk/whats-on/lady-hale-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lady Hale</a>, former President of the Supreme Court (14 July) and <a href="https://buxtonfestival.co.uk/whats-on/jimmy-wales-founder-of-wikipedia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jimmy Wales</a>, co-founder of Wikipedia (16 July). After stepping down from Meta, former Deputy PM <a href="https://buxtonfestival.co.uk/whats-on/sir-nick-clegg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sir Nick Clegg</a> will appear too to talk about how to save the internet on 13 July. 



There’s some seriously good stuff going down at the <a href="https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/whats-on/category/buxton-festival-fringe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buxton Fringe</a> too. We’re looking forward to <a href="https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/a-punk-opera-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Punk Opera</a> (Wed 8 &#8211; Thurs 9 July) and some sensational songs and storytelling in <a href="https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/bloodlines-ballads-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloodlines &amp; Ballads</a> on Fri 11 and Thurs 24 July.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-festival-fever">FESTIVAL FEVER</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/06/classic-ibiza-2-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="classic ibiza festival" class="wp-image-13622" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/06/classic-ibiza-2-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/06/classic-ibiza-2-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/06/classic-ibiza-2-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/06/classic-ibiza-2-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Urban Soul Orchestra at Classic&nbsp;Ibiza / David Evans Photography</figcaption></figure>



Festival feel-good vibes in a stunner of a setting, <a href="https://www.classicibiza.co.uk/chatsworth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Classic Ibiza</a> returns to the gorgeous grounds of Chatsworth on Sat 11 July. Expect over five hours of Balearic-infused dance music headlined by the 32-piece Urban Soul Orchestra (USO). Bring your picnic blanket too – it’s billed as family-friendly with room for everyone to spread out.



Nottinghamshire’s biggest festival, <a href="https://www.splendourfestival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Splendour</a>, kicks off on the weekend of 18-19 July in the beautiful surroundings of Wollaton Hall &amp; Deer Park. Get ready for five stages of music from fast-rising stars to world-class performers and musical icons. Alongside the music, there will be a funfair, silent disco, independent market stalls, gourmet food and drink, a dedicated kids’ area, and fringe activities. Headliners include Snow Patrol, The Wombats and Craig David.



Fancy a day enjoying Staffordshire’s beautiful Trentham Gardens followed by an evening picnic and outdoor concert? Get yourself tickets to one of the 10 <a href="https://trentham.co.uk/events/trentham-summer-concerts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trentham Summer Concerts</a>. Taking place from 26 June to 25 July, the lakeside stage will host some brilliant tribute acts and bands. From ABBA tributes to Absolute 80s, round up your friends, pack your picnic and prepare to party.



Talk about a full family day out – this one’s got it all. Performances, climbing walls, culinary theatre and crafts, there is family fun galore at <a href="https://www.bakewellahs.co.uk/bakewell-country-festival" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bakewell Country Festival</a> on Sun 12 July at Bakewell Showground. Brush up on your growing and composting skills, join family drumming workshops, and animal handling. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/Wonderland-Festival2-1.jpg" alt="woman with green hair on stilts at wonderland festival notts" class="wp-image-13947" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/Wonderland-Festival2-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/Wonderland-Festival2-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/Wonderland-Festival2-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/Wonderland-Festival2-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/Wonderland-Festival2-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Head into the woods for the<a href="https://newsteadabbey.org.uk/wonderland-festival" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Wonderland Festiva</a>l at Newstead Abbey on Sat 4 July. Leading the charge is Annie Mac and Sam Divine.



Another irresistibly joyous and unforgettable live, <a href="https://the.proclaimers.co.uk/the-gigs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Proclaimers</a> tour this year and are heading to our ‘hood. They perform in Southwell at <a href="https://www.gtsf.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Gate to Southwell Festival</a> on 3 July



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/beyondmonetuk.jpg" alt="beyond monet immersive art exhibition" class="wp-image-15671" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/beyondmonetuk.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/beyondmonetuk-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/beyondmonetuk-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/beyondmonetuk-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/beyondmonetuk-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



No ordinary gallery visit! The work of two of art’s greats – Monet and Van Gogh – are headed to Nottingham in 2026 for an immersive treat you won’t forget in a hurry. <a href="https://www.beyondvangogh.co.uk/city/nottingham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beyond Van Gogh</a> (18 July – 7 Aug) brings the masterpieces of Vincent van Gogh, including iconic classics such as The Starry Night, Sunflowers, and Café Terrace at Night, to life in a multimedia cinematic experience. Iconic paintings are made large, covering walls and swirling across the floor. While <a href="https://www.beyondvangogh.co.uk/?mode=nottingham-presale-signup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beyond Monet</a> plunges you headlong into the impressionist’s world. Both open from 18 July – 7 Aug at Nottingham Motorpoint Arena. Word is, you’ll be able to book immersive yoga class here too.



Nottingham’s classical music festival welcomes newbies and culture vultures to hear some of the UK’s top classical artists at lovely venues around the city this month. <a href="https://nottchamberfest.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nottingham Chamber Music Festival</a> opens with an evening of music and wine at Muddy Award winning Delilah Fine Foods, and runs from 9-12 July.



The Renaissance at Kelham Hall hosts <a href="https://www.renaissance-kelham.com/kelham-hall-night-at-the-proms-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Night at the Proms</a> on Sun 5 July. Gather the gang, bring a blanket or two and pitch up in front of the beautiful hall for live music from the 40-piece Newark &amp; Sherwood Concert Band. Costs £9pp.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outdoors">OUTDOORS</h2>



Fancy indulging in a spot of nature connection? Mark your diaries for the end of July for the brilliant <a href="https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/outdoor-opera-house/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Outdoor Opera House</a> events kicking off in Buxton. From kid-friendly woodland scavenger hunts and family forest yoga to breathwork and origami, there’s a really exciting menu of wellbeing events from Fri 31 July &#8211; Mon 3 Aug.



Grab your band of merry men and head to Sherwood Forest for <a href="https://sherwoodforest.org.uk/projects/the-sherwood-forest-trust-woodland-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sherwood Trust Woodland Festival</a> on Sat 25 – Sun 26 July. Held in the beautiful grounds of the Walled Garden at the Thoresby Estate, it’s a celebration of traditional woodland crafts and woodland stories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theatre">THEATRE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Peppa-Pig-main-1024x683.jpg" alt="peppa pig on stage" class="wp-image-16890" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Peppa-Pig-main-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Peppa-Pig-main-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Peppa-Pig-main-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Peppa-Pig-main.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Squeals of delight! Little theatre-goers will love <a href="https://peppapiglive.com/big-family-show/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show</a> from 11-12 July at Nottingham Theatre Royal. Read our review <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture-things-to-do/review-peppa-pigs-big-family-show-uk-tour-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



A comedy of high stakes drama in a small-town setting <a href="https://nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/events/the-market-deeping-model-railway-club/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Market Deeping Model Railway Club</a> celebrates community, friendship, and British eccentricity. On at Nottingham Playhouse from Mon 6 – Sat 25 July.



If the weather plays ball, a bit of outdoor theatre from the Chatsworth Players is always a treat and month they&#8217;re touring <a href="https://chatsworthplayers.com/star-crossed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Romeo and Juliet</a> in venues across the Peak District. Chatsworth Players embark on a tour of the Peak District with their star crossed lovers this July. And it’s stopping at some gorgeous venues. It kicks off on 9-11 July beneath the great Chatsworth House, framed by the Derwent and ancient oaks in the parkland, then it heads to pretty Wildhive Callow Hall in Asbourne on Sun 12 July. Further stops include Cromford Mills on Tues 14 July, Eyam Hall on Wed 15 July, Whirlow Brook Hall on Fri 17 July, finishing up above Lathkill Dale at Over Haddon on Sat 18 July.



A slightly more comedic <a href="https://www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/romeo-and-juliet2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Romeo &amp; Juliet</a> at Markeaton Park in Derby Wed 22 – Fri 24 July. The brilliant Oddsocks theatre company will be going al fresco with a high-energy, feel-good, family adaptation of this Shakespeare classic. Manging to create an uplifting comedy from the depths of despair, this is definitely one to watch. 



Although a lot of the best theatre takes place al fresco this month, the hottest musical tickets are <a href="https://www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/operation-mincemeat-qrnt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Operation Mincemeat</a> (Mon 20 July &#8211; Sat 1 Aug) and <a href="https://www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/the-bodyguard-18xr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bodyguard</a> at Nottingham Theatre Royal (Mon 13 &#8211; Sat 18 July).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gardens">GARDENS</h2>



July is a lovely time to drop in to visit the gorgeous Elizabethan terraced gardens at <a href="https://tickets.haddonhall.co.uk/tickets/#events?eventid=2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Haddon H</a><a href="https://www.haddonhall.co.uk/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">all</a> near Bakewell. Browse the pop-up summer plant shop, offering kitchen garden herbs and summer planting perennials.<a href="https://www.haddonhall.co.uk/events/event/wildlife-walk-the-trees-of-haddon-medieval-park/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> The Trees of Haddon Park </a>walk takes place on 26 July.



The <a href="https://www.hoptonhall.co.uk/the-rose-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Summer gardens at Hopton Hal</a>l in Derbyshire open in July (every Thurs-Sun). With roses a special highlight, the café will be open too. And this year, there’s an arty twist, and you can watch local artists at work capturing inspiration from the grounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>

Summer lovin’: What’s on this July in Notts & Derbyshire

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