Full programme revealed for the award-winning Buxton Georgian Festival – starting next week

The countdown is nearly over: the Buxton Georgian Festival returns next week, bringing seven days of historic spectacle, live entertainment, fascinating talks, creative workshops and immersive experiences across the town.

Organised by Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, the award-winning festival enters its third year from Monday 21 to Sunday 27 September 2026, transforming Buxton’s historic buildings and streets with the sights, sounds and stories of Georgian and Regency life.

Fresh from winning the Silver Award for Festival/Event of the Year at the 2026 Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards, this year’s programme offers more opportunities than ever to explore the people, fashions, music, crafts and social history of the Georgian era.

With events running every day — from intimate talks and hands-on workshops to music, dancing, living history and the spectacular Regency Ball — the town is set for a vibrant and atmospheric week.

Programme highlights

Monday 21 September The festival opens with Polydolci Harmonies – Recorder Music of the Georgian Age (7pm–8pm), performed by the Buxton Recorder Group.

Wednesday 23 September The Georgian Group Talk: Conserving Georgian Heritage (6pm–7pm, The Pump Room) with Tom, Senior Conservation Adviser for the North of England, exploring Georgian architecture across the North West and the challenges of conserving it today.

Thursday 24 September A full day of Georgian-inspired experiences, including:

• Regency Public Breakfast Brunch Buffet (11am–1pm, Buxton Crescent Hotel)
• Regency Turban Workshop with Gabrielle Helena Couture (10am–1pm)
• Hot Chocolate Meet-Up at midday
• Afternoon Tea and Talk: “Page-Turner” with Richard Foulkes (2pm)
• Peterloo – A Musical History with Sean Cooney (4.30pm)
• Evening Performance by the Voluta Quartet (7pm, The Pump Room)

Friday 25 September Creative workshops and social events including:

• Millinery Workshop: Regency Headwear with Jane Walton (10.30am–12.30pm)
• Regency Public Breakfast Brunch Buffet (11am–1pm)
• Afternoon Tea and Talk: What’s in a Georgian Ladies’ Wardrobe? (2pm)
• Anna Seward: Woman of Enlightenment promenade performance (2pm)
• Pump Room Talk: The Royal School of Needlework (5pm)
• Cavendish Ceilidh (from 7pm)

Saturday 26 September A major day of outdoor spectacle:

• Promenade & Parade of Troops (11am)
• Living History Day (10am–4pm, free entry)
• Georgian Market (10am–4pm)
• Anna Seward: Woman of Enlightenment (11am)
• Gentle Promenade with ‘Anne Lister’ (1pm & 3pm)

• Calligraphy Workshop (10am–12pm)
• Buxton Regency Ball (7.30pm, fully booked)

 Sunday 27 September The final day features:

• Living History (from 10am)
• Regency Public Breakfast Brunch Buffet (11am–1pm)
• Regency Turban Workshop (10am–1pm)
• Georgian Dye Workshop with Dr. Lindsay Holmes (10.30am & 1pm)
• Anna Seward: Woman of Enlightenment (final performance)

Matthew Howarth, Events Manager at Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, said: “We’re delighted to reveal the full programme for this year’s Buxton Georgian Festival. With the event starting next week, there’s a real sense of excitement building. We’ve created a week that offers something for everyone — whether you want to learn a new skill, explore Georgian stories, enjoy live music and dancing, or simply step back in time during our Living History events.”

With events taking place across the historic heart of Buxton, the 2026 festival offers visitors the chance to experience the town as it might have looked and felt during its fashionable Georgian heyday.

Tickets for festival events are available now, but are selling fast with some events having limited places. The Regency Ball is already fully booked.

For the full programme and to book tickets, visit: https://buxtoncrescentexperience.com/tour/georgianfestival2026/