Buxton Carnival

Buxton Carnival

 

Every year from May to September some 35,000 visitors travel to the Peak District & Derbyshire in order to see the well dressings displayed in over 80 villages and towns. Well dressing is most closely associated with the Peak District.

 

The custom is thought to have its roots in pagan offerings to water gods. The Celts revered certain rocks, trees and water and obviously water is essential to life. Particular wells or springs were thought to have healing powers and, throughout early Christian times, offerings continued to be made to them. Over the years the Church tried to outlaw the practice but it seemed to survive nevertheless. Nowadays, as part of the annual well dressing festivals, the wells are blessed by local clergy.

 

The uniquely detailed mosaic pictures of well dressing are made using only natural materials. Displayed outdoors, the well dressings only last for a week but this brief existence somehow adds to their beauty.

 

• 11am – Pet Dog Show, Pavilion Gardens, hosted by High Peak Guide Dogs

• 1.45pm – Road Race, starting on Spring Gardens, hosted by Buxton & District Athletics Club

• 2pm – Carnival Parade

• 4.15pm – Parade of Queens, Pavilion Gardens

• 4.15pm – Duck Race, Pavilion Gardens, hosted by the Rotary Club of Buxton

• 4.30pm – Carnival Concert, Pavilion Gardens to 7pm

 

Buxton Well Dressing Festival | Visit Buxton

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The majority of trips return from destination between 16:30 and 17:30. The driver will inform you of the exact time on the day, dependant on outward travel times. Whilst we do not guarantee a W/C on board most of our excursion fleet do have toilet facilities. For your comfort we allocate seating at time of booking, however reserve the right to alter or amend your seat allocation for utilisation purposes.

 

Our Pick-ups are as follows:

 

• Morley Leisure Centre

• Bradford Interchange - Stands T / U / V