Buxton Water Festival 2027
‘The Buxton Water Festival 2027 is a year-long town-wide celebration of water that brings together heritage, creativity, wellbeing, science, nature and community through a programme of events, performances, learning experiences and cultural activities inspired by Buxton's internationally significant waters.’
Water as Heritage and Identity
Exploring why Buxton exists, how the springs shaped the town, and the stories, myths and traditions connected to water.
Nature, Water and Environment
Highlighting the role of water in local ecosystems and climate resilience.
Water and Creativity
Using water as inspiration for artistic expression.
Science, Learning and Discovery
Helping people understand the remarkable science behind Buxton's waters
Music, Performance and Celebration
Water becomes a catalyst for shared cultural experiences.
Wellbeing and Healing
Reflecting Buxton's long association with health and therapeutic water.
The proposed Buxton Water Festival 2027 closely aligns with the vision, values and strategic objectives of the High Peak Culture Strategy 2026–2031. Through a year-long programme celebrating Buxton's internationally significant waters, the festival will connect heritage, creativity, wellbeing, learning, environment and community participation in a way that directly supports the Strategy's ambitions.
Water Festival 2027: Initial Community Conversation
On 27 August 2026, local residents, artists, community groups, businesses and cultural organisations gathered at the Pump Room to begin exploring the idea of a Water Festival for Buxton in 2027.
The meeting introduced the vision behind the festival and outlined how it connects to the High Peak Cultural Strategy and wider ambitions to celebrate the town's unique relationship with water. Attendees heard about the potential for a year-long programme of events, activities and creative projects inspired by Buxton's mineral springs, rivers, wells, heritage and landscape.
The discussion focused on:
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Why water is such an important part of Buxton's identity and history.
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Opportunities to connect heritage, arts, health, wellbeing, nature and sustainability through a shared theme.
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Existing events and activities that could contribute to the festival.
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New ideas for community-led projects, performances, exhibitions, walks, workshops and celebrations.
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Ways to involve schools, residents, businesses, community groups and visitors.
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Potential partnerships, funding opportunities and future planning.
The meeting was designed as an opportunity to share ideas, make connections and start a conversation about what a Water Festival could look like for Buxton and the wider High Peak. A wide range of suggestions and opportunities were identified, and these will help shape the next stages of development.
You can view the presentation from the meeting using the link here:
We welcome further ideas and expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to be involved in developing the festival. Together, we can create a programme that celebrates the many ways water has shaped, and continues to shape, our communities.
Got an idea for the Water Festival?
The conversation has already started, and we've had some fantastic ideas put forward for Buxton's proposed Water Festival in 2027.
We're now inviting local organisations, community groups, artists, businesses, schools and event organisers to help shape the programme. If you're already planning an event, activity, exhibition, performance, walk, workshop or celebration that could connect to the theme of water, we'd love to hear from you.
Please get in touch and email us to discuss your ideas and add your event to the developing festival line-up.
As you begin thinking about possibilities, you may find inspiration in some of Buxton's significant anniversaries taking place in 2027. Many thanks to Gill Williamson for the following suggestions.
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150 years since the first full season of Buxton's New Concert Hall (now the Octagon), which became a major centre for music and entertainment in the town.
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140 years since the laying of the foundation stone of Buxton Town Hall, celebrated as a major community occasion during Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee year.
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140 years since Buxton's Jubilee celebrations, which included illuminated gardens, music performances and spectacular fireworks over the Pavilion Gardens lake.
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100 years since Buxton Borough Council took ownership of the Pavilion Gardens, Opera House and surrounding estate, securing these much-loved public facilities for future generations.
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100 years since the move towards creating Buxton's expanded library, museum and educational facilities in the former Peak Hydropathic Hotel.
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100 years since the opening of the Safety in Mines Research Station, highlighting Buxton's role in scientific innovation.
These anniversaries offer just a few starting points. Your idea might relate to Buxton's springs and wells, its waterways and landscape, health and wellbeing, local wildlife, climate and sustainability, recreation, heritage, creativity, or simply the many ways water connects people and places.
Are you a local designer, artist, illustrator or creative practitioner?
We're looking for an original logo to help shape the identity of the Buxton Water Festival 2027 – a year-long celebration of the water that has shaped Buxton's heritage, landscape, wellbeing, culture and future.
The winning design will become the visual identity of the festival and will be used across promotional materials, digital platforms, signage, merchandise and community engagement activities throughout 2027.
The logo should reflect one or more of the festival's core themes:
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Water as Heritage and Identity
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Water and Creativity
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Music, Performance and Celebration
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Nature, Water and Environment
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Science, Learning and Discovery
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Wellbeing and Healing
Designs should feel:
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Distinctive and memorable
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Suitable for a wide range of audiences
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Representative of Buxton and its unique water story
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Effective in both colour and black-and-white formats
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Suitable for both print and digital use
Submission Rules:
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All entries must be entirely original work.
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AI-generated artwork is not permitted.
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By entering, participants confirm that the work is their own and does not infringe any third-party copyright.
Submission Requirements. Please submit:
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Your logo design in JPEG or PNG.
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A short statement (maximum 200 words) explaining the inspiration behind your design.
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Your name and contact details.
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Submit to buxtonourstreet@gmail.com
What We're Looking For
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We are seeking a logo that captures the spirit of a town-wide celebration inspired by water.
Prize
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The selected designer will:
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Receive public recognition as the creator of the festival logo.
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Have their design featured throughout the Water Festival 2027.
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Be invited to the festival launch event.