Art Festivals and Trails this September
This September, I’m on the move — and you’re invited to join the journey! It’s a packed month full of exciting events, from Art Trails (some by rail!) and Festivals in the beautiful Peak District to creative happenings all the way up in sunny Scotland. Read on to find out where I’ll be and how you can get involved.
New Mills Festival, High Peak: 12th - 28th September
This is an annual event taking place this year 12th - 28th September. The festival takes place across New Mills and includes Art Trails, local music, open shop windows, exhibitions and drawing competitions.
Two of my original art pieces (one pictured below) will be displayed in the New Mills Open Art Exhibition at the wonderful Milestone Studio. The exhibition will be launching this Friday 12th September and they will be on display each Saturday until 27th September.
There's so much going on at this festival - I'll also be taking part in the 'DRAW' competition where I'll get to plonk myself in a pretty place in the town with a few others and draw outside. Check out their events and activities here: New Mills Festival.
Colony of Artists Festival, Edinburgh: 20-21st September
Another annual arts festival, this time in Edinburgh in the beautiful Colony lanes. This will be my 3rd time taking part in this festival and I'm really excited. It's something I gear up to throughout the year and it gives me a big nudge to finish off some projects.
This year it's all about ADVENTURES. I've created lots more new pieces from paddling around Coll, bike packing in Skye and hiking in the Peak District. These illustrations have been made into a new calendar for 2026, greeting cards and also coasters. I can't wait to share these with you - and if you're not in Edinburgh that weekend I'll be updating my website with these creations very soon!
Art Trail by Rail, Hope Valley: Saturday 27th September
Situated in the beautiful Hope Valley nestled in the Peak District, an area where I've been lucky enough to grow up in I'm helping deliver Hope Valley's first ever Art Trail by RAIL.
Working with Hope Valley Climate Action and local artists and businesses we've created an Art Trail which weaves itself through the villages of Grindleford to Edale and gives attendees the opportunity to use the railway and explore local art. There will be open studios, hands on crafts, paintings, refreshments and lots of sketching opportunities.
Please help make this a success and come along (no creative skills required!). Sign up to the Eventbrite and receive all of the details: Hope Valley Art Trail by Rail.
