Swad Heritage Fest 2025 at Sharpe’s Pottery Museum

South Derbyshire’s Swad Heritage Festival is back this September, offering a weekend of history, heritage and family fun at Sharpe’s Pottery Museum in Swadlincote.

Taking place on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September 2025, the festival runs from 11:00am to 4:30pm each day and is completely free to attend.

What to Expect

Visitors can enjoy a wide mix of activities, displays, and entertainment, including:

• Exhibits exploring South Derbyshire’s mining and industrial history

• Tours of the Magic Attic Archive, uncovering local stories and photographs

• Pottery-throwing demonstrations and object-handling sessions

• Architecture tours of the Grade II listed museum building

• Family-friendly activities such as treasure hunts, badge-making, dressing up as miners, and a hands-on caving experience (Sunday only)

• Morris dancing, live music, talks, film screenings, and local author stalls
  

Refreshments will also be available, with traditional fish and chips, nostalgic school puddings, and local ales on offer.

Visitor Information

• Free entry, no booking required

• The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with lift access to the upper floor

• Limited on-site parking, with free town centre car parks nearby (some with a 3-hour limit)

• Blue Badge bays and EV charging points are available close to the venue
  

A Great Day Out

The Heritage Festival is part of Heritage Open Days 2025 and offers a fantastic opportunity to discover South Derbyshire’s rich industrial past while enjoying a great day out with family and friends.

Find out more here: Swad Heritage Festival 2025 – Visit South Derbyshire

East Staffordshire & South Derbyshire Business Awards 2025

The East Staffordshire & South Derbyshire Business Awards 2025 are now open for entries, celebrating the achievements of local businesses across our region. These annual awards recognise innovation, customer service, and excellence, offering businesses the chance to be recognised for their hard work and success.

Award Categories

This year’s categories highlight a wide range of business strengths, including:

• Leisure, Hospitality & Retail Award

• Small Business of the Year

• Medium Business of the Year

• Manufacturer of the Year

• Best Use of Innovation and Technology

• Best Customer Service Performance

• Most Promising New Start-Up Business

• Young Employee / Apprentice of the Year

• Rising Star Award

• Employer of the Year

• Business of the Year

  
  

Why enter?

• Gain recognition for your achievements

• Showcase your business to the wider community

• Celebrate the success of your team

• Be part of one of the region’s most respected business events

  
  

The awards are supported by East Staffordshire Borough Council and South Derbyshire District Council, ensuring strong local backing and credibility.

How to apply

Businesses can put themselves forward for one or more categories by completing the simple online application.

Find out more and enter here: East Staffordshire & South Derbyshire Business Awards 2025

Derbyshire Business Start-Up Support Scheme

If you’ve recently started a business—or are planning to—Derbyshire County Council’s Business Start-Up Support Scheme offers free, tailored help to get you moving in the right direction.

The scheme is funded to provide practical advice and guidance on business planning, marketing, and financial management. On top of this, eligible businesses can apply for grant funding to help cover essential costs.

Funding available:

• Up to £10,000 in grants (covering up to 50% of eligible costs)

• A smaller grant of up to £500 (covering 100% of eligible costs)

This support is available across Derbyshire, including South Derbyshire.

Why apply?

• Access to experienced advisers for free mentoring and guidance

• Tailored support for new businesses (up to 12 months trading)

• Financial help to invest in tools, equipment, or services

  
  

How to apply

To register your interest, complete the online form or email business@derbyshire.gov.uk with your business details and trading status.

Businesses in Erewash should contact the Erewash Partnership on 0115 946 8839.

Additional Support

Alongside the Start-Up Scheme, businesses can also access:

• Free guidance via the D2N2 Growth Hub, the central support hub for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

• Mentoring services through mentorsme.co.uk

• HMRC webinars, videos, and online courses

Find out more and apply here: Derbyshire Business Support