Winster Wakes is our village’s annual week long festival held each summer, generally at the end of June.
This year the festival runs from Sunday 26th June to Saturday 2nd July 2022. We will post the 2022 programme once it is finalised. The programme of events for 2019 is here: Programme for Wakes 2022 (all land line numbers start with 01629).
Take a look at the video below to get a flavour of what happens on the day:
The festivities start with an inter-denominational service on the first Sunday (St John the Baptist’s Day) and run to the following Saturday, which sees the closing of Main Street for Morris Dancing, stalls and other entertainment. The week is packed with fun activities for all ages including a teddy bear’s picnic, treasure hunt, football competition, hill race, golf tournament, comedy night, talent show, beer tent and of course a carnival queen.
So what makes it so good? Quite simply, it’s us, our hospitality – it’s legendary – oh, and decent weather helps. Many of the villagers spend considerable time during the year preparing for the event and we’re proud to show off some of the best hospitality Derbyshire can offer.
In 2010 we had the pleasure of hosting a visit from our Italian twins at Monterubbiano who amazed audiences with their spectacular flag waving and traditional dances. This reciprocal relationship has developed over a number of years and has gone from strength to strength. Activities between us have included football teams, cultural events, holidays, residential language courses and pen pals. A group from the village is off to visit in May this year. We look forward to hearing of their adventures.
One of the highlights of the week is the Hill Race attracting around 150 people. A run of around 4 miles juniors, seniors and vets are all welcome.
Registration is on the day but it can get very busy. So if you would like to download and complete an entry form prior to the event please do so here. Do not send it by mail or email. Simply hand it in on the day. Thanks.
Have a browse through the links on the right and our photos on Facebook and see what there is to do in and around our village. Come on, include it in your holiday plans. Make a day, or week, of it. Perhaps even stay in one of our holiday cottages.
And remember to check back as we’ll be posting updates throughout the year informing you of exciting new developments as and when they happen.
Winster Wakes 