Belper's 250th Birthday
In 2026, Belper celebrates 250 years
since the first cotton mill opened in Belper
Georgina Greaves the assistant co-ordinator of this year long celebration writes -
It is the 250th anniversary of the first cotton mill opening in Belper. It will be 300 years since the birth of Jedidiah Strutt, the man who transformed Belper into the world’s first cotton mill town. It is also 25 years since the Derwent Valley Mills became a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Activities and events will take place from January 2026 right through to December 2026 and include everything from re-establishing Belper traditions like the donkey parades – but this time using hand crafted ‘hobby donkeys’!, food, dance, music, a flotilla of river worthy vessels paddling up the River Derwent, walks, talks, exhibitions and much more.
- ‘Hobby Donkey’ Derby – Making Workshops: Hobby Donkey’ Parade: Sunday 2nd August. This will revive the Donkey Races that used to happen around the town but rather than riding donkeys people will create their own ‘hobby horse/donkey’ to ride in the parade. These will be made in school - or children can take their own.