Belper 250 – Celebrating 250 Years of Industrial Heritage in the Peak District
This year is special for Belper, one of the Peak District’s most historic towns. Marking 250 years since Jedidiah Strutt opened his first water-powered cotton mill in 1776, an innovation that transformed their town.
To celebrate, Belper is hosting Belper 250, a year-long festival full of history, culture, and community events, perfect for visitors exploring the Peak District.
Belper lies on the edge of the Peak District, making it the perfect stop for history enthusiasts, families, and travellers. The Strutt family not only revolutionised cotton production but also built housing, schools, farms, and leisure facilities for their workforce—one of Britain’s earliest examples of socially planned industrial communities.
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of Jedidiah Strutt’s first water-powered cotton mill in 1776. This innovation rapidly transformed Belper into the world’s first factory town. The visionary Strutt family created one of the world’s earliest planned industrial communities, with housing, schools, farms and leisure facilities for their growing workforce. Belper 250 is a celebration and exploration of the rich heritage of Belper's past and the creativity and community of it's vibrant present.
Visiting during Belper 250 gives you the chance to:
• Explore the town’s industrial heritage.
• Enjoy cultural and community events suitable for all ages.
• Combine your festival visit with outdoor adventures in the nearby Peak District National Park.
Find out more belper250.co.uk
What’s On During Belper 250
- Belper Donkey Parade and Town Carnival – a colourful, reimagined version of this beloved local tradition.
- ‘Struttybanger’ Sausage Competition – a fun culinary event creating a new signature Belper sausage.
- Horticultural Shows – celebrating gardens, flowers, and local green spaces.
- Heritage Walks and Talks – guided tours revealing the story of Belper’s mills, streets, and industrial pioneers.
- Derwent River Cruise – a scenic way to see the town and its historic mills.
- Concerts and Cultural Events – showcasing music, art, and creativity from the local community.
Belper 250 brings history to life while celebrating the town’s vibrant modern culture. For more information visit belper250.co.uk
Cheers to Belper 250
Crich Brew Co. and Belper North Mill Trust have joined up to produce 4 Celebratory Ales to mark the 250th Anniversary of the Belper Cotton Spinning Mills. The 'Fantastic Four’ ales will be available through 2026
- Pull Yer Socks Up Porter
- North Mill Mild
- Samuel Slater’s Traitors Ale
- Belper Best Bitter
The Ales will be available both in cask and bottle conditioned forms using traditional ingredients, that have links to a bygone age. Visit https://crichbrew.co.uk , to purchase, for more information, updates and Brewery/Beer News visit crichbrew.co.uk/
Planning Your Visit
Belper’s compact town centre is easy to explore on foot. Walk along the historic mills, enjoy riverside paths, or take part in one of the festival events. Combine your visit with a trip into the Peak District, where you’ll find walking trails, charming villages, and breathtaking scenery.
Accessible via public transport -
By train - Derwent Valley Line, East Midlands Railway
By bus - trentbarton 'the sixes'
Belper 250 is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of innovation, community, and creativity, set in one of the most picturesque parts of the Peak District.
Whats On in Belper
Events
Belper's Biggest Bonfire & Fireworks
Belper Meadows Community Sports Club will host the town's biggest bonfire on November 2.
Events
GBCM Great British Car Meet
All makes and models welcome (classic cars, vintage cars or modern cars)…with their owners!
Events
Christmas at Kedleston Hall
Experience the Hall at Kedleston, invitingly decorated with festive displays and embellished Christmas trees.
Events
Great British Car Shows Presents - The Great…
Our first show of 2026 welcomes British cars of 20 years old or more - the modern classics
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