Christmas is fast approaching and we feel it’s more important than ever to be supporting our local businesses this year.

First Art is today launching Shine a Light to find local heroes that have gone above and beyond to help others during the Covid-19 pandemic in communities in Ashfield, Bolsover, Mansfield and North East Derbyshire.

In the build-up to Christmas, First Art wants to provide a shining surprise to these heroes -  whether they are individuals, local groups, organisations or businesses - to thank them for all their efforts.

Buxton Fringe announced two new appointments at its recent Annual General Meeting, held via Zoom this year.

Viv Marriott was voted in as Vice-Chair while Sandra Jowett became Treasurer. Stephen Walker was re-elected as Chair with Gaye Chorlton staying as Secretary. Former Vice-Chair, Maria Carnegie, a long-standing Fringe committee member, remains a trustee of the charity.

Christmas is still coming to Derby, just a little later than planned due to the new Government restrictions. Plans for Festive Derby will be going ahead in December, with attractions that were due to happen this month being put on hold until the current lockdown lifts.

Our Vision: A childhood made up of rich, varied experiences that include exposure to and participation in arts and cultural education builds the foundations for a happy and healthy life. An equality of access that effectively negotiates personal barriers, social stigma and geographical challenges means no one misses out or goes unheard.

Here's a round-up of opportunities and activities coming out of Black Shale and partners. If you'd like to have your event\project featured next time please get in touch!

This December, celebrate the festivities with your family in Markeaton Park with a new series of activities and workshops. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we can’t bring you Family Festivities in the normal way this year, and so instead we are bringing you Christmas in Markeaton Park!

Get your shopping done early this year with some of these suggestions..

Christmas will soon be approaching - and whilst the Barn is currently closed to the public, you can still find some great ideas for festive gifts from our website's shop page!

We are pleased to confirm that Derby Market Place will make a festive transformation to host a COVID-secure traditional Christmas Market.

Taking place on the 4th, 5th, 6th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th December 2020 10:00am – 16:00pm.

Are You A Small Business Owner In The Derbyshire Dales? Meet Your MP & Share Your Views

On 30 November 2020, the Federation of Small Businesses will be hosting a roundtable event enabling Derbyshire Dales based businesses to speak directly with Sarah Dines MP, the elected Member Of Parliament for the Derbyshire Dales.

Helen Wathall MBE has won the title of Family Business Director of the Year in the prestigious Midlands Institute of Directors annual awards.

Helen is the fifth generation of her family to run Wathall’s which is Derby’s longest established independent funeral directors - established since 1858 - and now also has branches in Ashbourne, Alvaston, Borrowash and Burton.

She was appointed Managing Director after the death of her father Bill Wathall and has recently been joined in the business by her daughters Bec and Charlotte.