Belper 250 - Celebrating 250 Years of Industrial Heritage
This year marks a very special year for the town of Belper. It is the 250th anniversary of Jedidiah Strutt’s first water-powered cotton mill in 1776, an innovation that transformed Belper into the world’s first factory town and created one of the earliest planned industrial communities in Britain.
To celebrate this historic milestone, Belper is hosting Belper 250, a year-long festival featuring over 100 events that showcase the town’s heritage, creativity, and strong community spirit.
What’s On
Belper 250 offers something for everyone, whatever your age or interest:
• The Belper Donkey Parade and Town Carnival: A colourful reimagining of the town’s famous local tradition.
• ‘Struttybanger’ Sausage Competition: A fun culinary contest to create a new signature Belper sausage.
• Horticultural Shows: Celebrating local gardens, flowers, and green spaces.
• Heritage Walks and Talks: Discover the story of Belper’s mills, streets, and industrial pioneers.
• Derwent River Cruise: Experience the town and its historic mills from a unique riverside perspective.
• Concerts and Cultural Events: Showcasing local talent and creativity across music, art, and performance.
Belper 250 brings together the past and present, offering a lively programme that reflects both the town’s industrial heritage and its modern, creative community.
Why Belper 250 Matters
Belper lies at the heart of Amber Valley, a region that combines industrial heritage with stunning countryside and charming towns and villages. The Strutt family not only pioneered cotton production but also built housing, schools, farms, and leisure facilities for their workers—an early example of socially conscious urban planning.
Belper 250 provides a perfect opportunity to:
• Highlight how Amber Valley connects history with vibrant contemporary life.
• Attract visitors interested in industrial heritage, culture, and local experiences.
• Enrich the region’s cultural calendar and promote community engagement.
Visiting Belper
Belper’s compact town centre is ideal for exploring on foot. Wander the historic mill sites, enjoy riverside walks, or attend one of the festival events. For those staying longer, the surrounding Peak District offers scenic trails, charming villages, and quintessential British countryside views.
Belper 250 is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of innovation, community, and creativity. Make 2026 the year you experience this fascinating corner of Amber Valley.
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