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