Etwall is preparing for its biggest celebration yet as the Well Dressing Festival returns with a record-breaking display and a spectacular tribute in the skies. This year, the village will be transformed by an incredible 11 unique well dressings - the most ever featured in the event's history. From intricate floral designs to vibrant community art, there is more to see than ever before, alongside a packed schedule of family-friendly entertainment, live music, and local stalls.
RAF Flypast Highlights
The weekend reaches its peak with a breathtaking overhead tribute, as the iconic RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight performs a spectacular flypast on both Saturday and Sunday.
About the Event
Etwall is a small village situated eight miles south west of Derby. Well Dressing began there in 1970 and takes place each year over the third weekend in May, which this year will be on Saturday 16, Sunday 17 and Monday, May 18, 2026. Well dressing is the art of decorating springs and wells, or places where wells used to be located, by creating intricate pictures made from natural materials such as petals, leaves and seeds, as a thanksgiving for the gift of water. This ancient craft is thought to have pagan origins developed from the age-old fear and worship of water gods and spirits.
This Year's Designs
This year's well dressing designs will commemorate various anniversaries, religious and topical themes including: The Faithful Five Churches, Sir David Attenborough, The tale of Mr Jeremy Fisher, Etwall WI's 90th Anniversary, National Year of Reading and the 100th Birthday of Winnie-the-Pooh. In addition there will also be themed flower displays in both churches.
Activities and Entertainment
Anyone keen to try their hand at well dressing will be able to give it a go under expert supervision during Well Dressing weekend. All well dressings will be erected at their locations by around 8.30am on Saturday, May 16, and will be ready to view by visitors from mid-morning. A Blessing of the Wells Service will officially open the event at 11am.
Entertainment on Saturday and Sunday will include traditional dancing, various types of live music, puppet shows, a fairground, air rifle range, target bowls, football shootout and the popular duck trail. New additions for this year include a fun dog show, a rock band, an acoustic duo and re-enactments of life in a 1940s bomber command station. In addition, there will be a large display of classic vehicles, the Etwall Well Dressing archive, an art exhibition/sale by local artists and a craft fair with over 20 stalls.
Beneficiaries and Volunteering
The beneficiaries of this year's Well Dressings are: Gresley Colliery Youth and Community Brass Band, Derbyshire Carers Association, St. Helen's Church, Etwall Cricket Club, and John Port Spencer Academy PTA on behalf of Youth Theatre. Etwall Well Dressing Association is always looking for volunteers to help out, no matter how much time they can spare. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should email: etwallwells@gmail.com for more information.
Admission and Parking
Admission is free, but all donations will be gratefully accepted and go to this year's beneficiaries. There is free parking for cars and coaches. Location: Etwall, Derbyshire DE65 6LU. Follow us on Facebook or drop us an email for further information at: etwallwells@gmail.com.
