News from producers around Derbyshire

The application window is now open for bands, artists and DJs interested in playing at Indietracks on the weekend of 29-31 July 2016 in Derbyshire, UK.

It will be our 10th festival, and we’ll have up to 50 bands playing across four stages, as well as DJs for our evening discos.

We’d encourage applications from any interested artists and DJs, so if you fancy playing, please get in touch. Also, if you know a band that might like to apply please let them know that we’re inviting applications.

Peak countryside campaigners, Friends of the Peak District, are once again supporting the people of Hartington to prevent the former Dove Dairy site being developed into an inappropriate, suburban housing estate.

Mayfield Bowls Club’s successful crown bowls season has results in more silverware for their trophy cabinet and the chance to support a local charity.

The crown bowls club, which is sponsored by family-owned funeral directors G.Wathall and Son Ltd in Derby and Ashbourne, won another batch of trophies in the Uttoxeter League this season.

This included the singles title for Dave Mitchell, best averages for Mark Jennings, mixed doubles title for Doug Jennings and Winnie Fernyhough with runners up going to Mark Jennings and Rita Blood.

Derby-based Déda has announced its first recipient of a residency grant to create new, innovative dance and circus choreography that will be performed across the UK.

The regional dance house in Chapel Street was chosen by the National Centre for Circus Arts as one of four venues in the UK to support applications for funding under the Lab:time2 programme. 

Lab:time2, also supported by the Esmeé Fairburn Foundation, aims to bring venues and artists together to develop new presenting work.

A sixth form student at

Merrill Academy in Alvaston is sharing her knowledge of Female Genital Mutilation with fellow students at the Derby school as part of her bid to raise awareness of issues that affect women across the world.

Ayaan Yusuf (18) from Alvaston recently completed training in the issue and is now assisting staff in raising awareness of this issue with students at Merrill Academy.

With Buxton Fringe 2016 opening for entries on December 1, this year’s audience and entrants’ surveys estimate that 2015’s event contributed a total of nearly half a million pounds to the local economy.

The biggest Buxton Fringe to date with 174 entries resulted in some £58,000 being spent by performers during their stay in Buxton. Meanwhile estimates show that audiences spent a total of £401,000 on food, accommodation and ticket sales for shows from local performers.

Android users can now travel back in time and explore Derbyshire and the Peak District in a whole new light.

But you don’t need a flying DeLorean or Dr Who’s police box. Just download the new ‘Discover Derbyshire & Peak District’ Android app that features self-guided walking trails with historical photos from private collections and the public domain.

Derby City Council has announced that a further £12.5 million will be available in 2016 to support business innovation and growth under the Derby Enterprise Growth Fund (DEGF).

The £20 million DEGF,  supported by the Regional Growth Fund, has already been administered to businesses in Derby and the surrounding area through grants and loans.

With around 65% allocated in loans, there will be £12.5 million due to be repaid to the Council available next year to support more business’ innovation, expansion and job creation plans.

The President of Derby College Students Union (DCSU) has been elected to join the National Union of Students (NUS) National Executive Committee where she will be involved in developing and influencing policy that affects the 4.1 million Further Education learners in the UK.

Charlie Baker (19) was elected for the one-year post to lead DCSU after completing her Health and Social Care course at the College with triple distinctions stars.

Staff at family-owned funeral directors G.Wathall & Son have raised £270 with a charity carwash to raise money for a local family’s bid to buy specialist equipment for Royal Derby Hospital.

The Saturday morning event at Macklin Street was in aid of Derby mum Kerry Stanley’s efforts to buy a cuddle cot for the hospital.

G Wathall & Son handled the funeral of her stillborn daughter Autumn Amelia.  They pledged their support for the family to buy another cot for the hospital which will help other bereaved parents to have much needed time to say their goodbyes.