Communities Invited to Light Up the Derwent Valley with Living Advent Calendars 2026
Residents, community groups, shops and businesses across Darley Abbey, Belper and Cromford are being invited to take part in the Derwent Valley Mills Living Advent Calendars 2026, a festive community project celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
The initiative transforms local communities into a giant living advent calendar. Participants decorate a window in their home, business or community venue, which is then illuminated from a designated date in December. A new window is "opened" each day from 1 to 24 December, creating a festive trail for local people and visitors to enjoy. All illuminated windows remain lit through to 1 January.
The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site team are encouraging people of all ages and abilities to get involved.
"We welcome everyone, from complete beginners to experienced artists, to help create a magical seasonal trail through three of our historic mill communities," Georgina Greaves DVMWHS Coordinator said. Residents, families, schools, community groups, shops and businesses are all invited to participate.
The project marks a significant milestone as 2026 celebrates 25 years since the Derwent Valley Mills was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A special commemorative window will be unveiled on 13 December, the anniversary of the day that the Derwent Valley Mills, Saltaire and New Lanark were all designated World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
To take part, applicants need a window that can be safely viewed from a public pavement or footpath and be willing to design, decorate and illuminate it during December. Applications must be submitted by 20 October, with successful participants being contacted by 27 October and allocated an opening date.
Further information and application forms can be found at:
www.derwentvalleymills.org/discover/arts/living-advent-calendars-2026/
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