What's on
Dive into a world of arts - there's something for everyone.​
Explore talks, performances, experiences and more!
Be Curious!
Paddock Pass
You must have one to get in!
Enjoy a voyage of discovery as you walk under the ancient gatehouse arch of Repton's Augustinian Priory and on to the main Festival site, where you might explore the living Viking encampment and see families carry out their daily routines, cooking, weaving, candle-making and blacksmithing.
Witness combat displays in which highly skilled, trained and rehearsed warriors present high quality, flamboyant fighting routines live, on land once occupied by Viking invaders.
Enjoy free, live, family festival and street theatre performances of 'The Book-Ends' and 'The Soapsud Sisters' from Rhubarb Theatre and the rich sounds of the "jawdroppingly good" Burton Concert Band. Also included with the Paddock Pass are various entertainments for children. On Sunday, various authors will be giving free talks in the Inferno Book Club.
Admire the beauty of the grounds and gardens now surrounding The Old Priory, in which King Edward I stayed in 1291 and Queen Elizabeth II visited in 1957.
Grab a bite to eat and visit the bar before heading off to your next scheduled event at the Repton Festival 2025.
Tickets are free but still need to be ‘purchased’ so that we can monitor attendance numbers. Tickets are specific to the day. Please contact info@reptonfestival.co.uk to book Paddock Passes for groups of more than ten people.
Tickets are specific to the day | 10.00am to 5.00pm
Free
The Paddock
Sunday Afternoon with Dr Gachet
Join us for a unique celebration of art, friendship and flavour. Discover Dr. Paul Gachet's remarkable connections with the impressionist painters while exploring wines perfectly paired to their story. This immersive event promises a sensory journey through art, history and the world of fine-ish wine. Cheers!
Local artist Jeremy Bournon will talk us through some of Dr Gachet’s interesting history while a special guest seeks to find tenuous links to various glasses of wine.
The ticket price for this event includes a few tasting glasses of wine. There will be audience participation!
Over 18s only.
There is no wheelchair access to the Library and approximately 8 steps.
Sunday 6th July | 5pm
Early bird £15 / Full £20
The Library
Salsa Night!
The Repton Festival launches with an explosive, exciting and enduring evening of Salsa - in both of its gloriously rich and delicious South American styles!
​
Salsa Chubasco
Fiery salsa and high energy, hot Latin sounds from Salsa Chubasco, the acclaimed ten piece Manchester band of supremely talented players brought together from around the globe for a very slick, very special, live summer show by their love of the intoxicating heat and pulsating rhythm of Salsa!
Come along and dance, tap your feet or just experience the electrifying energy of this celebrated and seductive sound!
​
Gaucho Stu
Savour the authenticity and richness of the finest in Argentine cuisine, like the 24 hour marinated steak cooked over the flames of the parrilla with homemade red onion salsa, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato and a vibrant, zesty, homemade chimichurri salsa, all in a fresh salt 'n' pepper baguette or the deliciously rich homemade chilli that combines nutritious beans packed with protein and fibre and maintaining a rich and smokey taste. Gaucho Stu bring their passion for pop-up quality in a mouth-watering, memorable South American menu!
Create your own social asado just how you like it in a wonderful evening celebrating culture and cuisine with Salsa Chubasco and Gaucho Stu!
7pm Salsa lesson. 8pm Salsa Chubasco live band. 10pm Salsa DJ
​
There is no wheelchair access to Pears School and approximately 15 steps.
Friday 4th July | Doors, bar and Gaucho Stu open around 6:30pm
£15
Pears School
The Magic of Ada Campe
Ada Campe is an award-winning variety artiste, cabaret performer, comedian and magician.
"Genius"
Sandi Toksvig
A multi-award winning, sought-after comedian on the established festival circuit, recently Ada enjoyed a hugely successful run at The Stand's New Town Theatre as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and returned to The Stand Comedy Club in 2024 with her sell-out show Ada Campe: Big Duck Energy gathering four and five star reviews.
"Extravagantly mischievous... devilishly eccentric... a real original and with irrepressible funny bones... brilliantly crowd-pleasing act!" (Chortle).
​
Tithe Barn is wheelchair accessible
Saturday 5th July | 9pm
£15
Tithe Barn
Beyond the Veil
Step into the shadowy world of Victorian Spiritualism in this thrilling one-hour presentation that uncovers the rise of séances, spirit communication, and the minds that shaped the movement.
Combining historical fact with mesmerising live demonstrations, this event is an unmissable fusion of academic insight, theatrical illusion, and immersive storytelling. Witness the eerie techniques that captivated 19th-century audiences while exploring the cultural forces that made Spiritualism a sensation.
Experience the clash between science and the supernatural, hear the stories of infamous mediums, and delve into the psychological and theatrical mastery behind the séance.
Thought-provoking, unsettling, and utterly absorbing, this event is strictly for mature audiences. Believe if you dare, but question everything.
Adults only
​
Tithe Barn is wheelchair accessible
Saturday 5th July | 7:30pm
£12
Tithe Barn
Conjuring Votes for Women: Theatre, Magic, and the Suffrage Campaign
A lecture with performance by Naomi Paxton
The struggle for women's enfranchisement wasn’t just fought in Parliament—it played out on the stage, in séance parlors, and across grand spectacles that captivated audiences.
Join Naomi Paxton for a fascinating journey through the theatrical world of the suffrage movement, where performances became powerful tools for activism. From the Actresses’ Franchise League’s groundbreaking productions to the spellbinding use of magical arts—including séance entertainments and grand illusions at the Egyptian Hall—this talk uncovers the dramatic ways suffragists pushed creative boundaries and captured imaginations.
​
How did theatre professionals rally behind Votes for Women? What role did illusion and spectacle play in shaping public opinion? Discover the untold stories of the women who harnessed performance, art, and activism to make their voices heard.
Expect an evening of riveting history, enchanting revelations, and a tribute to the fearless creativity at the heart of the suffrage movement.
​
Will you step behind the curtain and see the magic for yourself?
​
The Library is not accessible for wheelchairs and has approximately 8 steps
Saturday 5th July | 5.45pm
£7.50
The Library
Thrill of the Kill
Original, offbeat ways to tell a tale
Crime fiction thrives on fresh perspectives, daring twists, and storytelling that refuses to follow the beaten path. Join acclaimed authors Miranda Dickinson, Tom Mead, and Guy Hale, guided by expert moderator (and author) Rob Parker, as they uncover the secrets to crafting truly original crime narratives.
​
From unconventional protagonists to unexpected formats, this panel dives into the techniques that make crime fiction stand out. How do writers subvert expectations? What makes a story genuinely unique? And how can authors keep readers on their toes while staying true to the heart of a great mystery?
Expect lively discussion, fascinating insights, and a deep exploration into the art of storytelling at its most inventive. Whether you're a devoted reader, an aspiring writer, or simply love crime fiction with an edge, this event promises inspiration, intrigue, and the thrill of a tale told differently.
Dare to step outside the ordinary—who knows what you’ll uncover?
​
There is no wheelchair access to the Library and approximately 8 steps.​
Saturday 5th July | 2:15pm
£7.50
The Library
Definitely Mike Newall
Mike Newall is an effortlessly funny, dry-witted stand-up. With razor-sharp timing, laid-back charm, and a touch of dark sarcasm, Mike delivers observational comedy at its finest. As seen on Britain’s Got Talent—where Simon Cowell compared him to “an Oasis concert where Liam tells jokes”—Mike has won fans across the UK with his well-crafted routines and relaxed style. A regular at the Edinburgh Fringe and former tour support for Alun Cochrane, he’s your funniest mate with star quality. Whether it’s his surreal takes on everyday life or pitch-perfect storytelling, this is a show not to miss. Mike Newall: smooth-talking Mancunian, comedy natural, and one of the best in the game.
​
‘Storytelling comes easy and the laughs are sharp...off-beat surreal and clever observations’
THE EDINBURGH REPORTER
​
‘Perfectly crafted … Pin sharp, his control is deft and his hair is immaculate.’
THE SCOTSMAN
​
‘Well-crafted jokes, great call-backs and wonderfully dry’
THREE WEEKS
Saturday 5th July | 6pm
£10
Tithe Barn
Gardening with Ann Treneman
How to be a Greener Gardener
Ann Treneman writes fascinating and down-to-earth articles as the 'brilliant new gardening columnist' for The Times newspaper, where she has worked for 25 years as an award winning feature writer, political sketch writer and chief theatre critic. She won both the People's Choice Award and a silver gilt medal for her Wild Kitchen Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and is an RHS Chelsea author of "Horti Curious" and "Greener Gardening".
Ann recently moved from Bakewell and is now establishing a new garden at her home in Kent, returning to Derbyshire specially to appear at the Repton Festival. She will be signing copies of her latest book “Horti Curious” after her show.
There is no wheelchair access to the Library and approximately 8 steps.
Sunday 6th July | 2pm
£10
The Library
Creative Writing Masterclass
Discover your voice in this engaging creative writing workshop led by Tristram Fane Saunders. Through inspiring prompts and guided exercises, explore fiction and poetry in a supportive setting. Perfect for beginners and seasoned writers alike—come ready to experiment, share, and develop your unique storytelling style.
​
Tristram Fane Saunders is a poet, critic, and journalist. Appointed in October 2024 as Fellow Commoner in the Creative Arts at Trinity College, Cambridge, he previously served as Senior Commissioning Editor at The Telegraph, where he championed poetry and cultural criticism. His acclaimed debut collection, Before We Go Any Further (Carcanet, 2023), showcases his distinctive voice. At Trinity, he engages the academic community through workshops and events, while researching his forthcoming poetry collection and a non-fiction study, The Isle is Full of Noises.
​
The Furneaux building is wheelchair accessible on request and otherwise has approximately 5 steps
Sunday 6th July | 11am
£10
Furneaux building
Sins Of Our Forefathers
Crime Novels using the past as a backdrop
The past is never truly buried—it lingers in shadows, shapes motives, and fuels the crimes of today.
Join renowned crime authors Chris Lloyd, Kate Griffin, and Natalie Marlow, alongside expert moderator (and author) Guy Hale, as they unravel the art of weaving historical settings into compelling crime fiction. From wartime conspiracies to secrets lurking in forgotten alleys, these writers masterfully use bygone eras to craft mysteries that grip and haunt.
​
How does history influence the choices of criminals and detectives alike? What truths lie hidden in the sins of our forefathers? This insightful discussion will explore the power of the past to drive unforgettable storytelling.
Expect fascinating revelations, thought-provoking ideas, and a deep dive into the historical heart of crime fiction. If you're drawn to tales that blend intrigue with the echoes of history, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Will you uncover the secrets of the past?
​​
There is no wheelchair access to the Library and approximately 8 steps.
Saturday 5th July | 11:30am
£7.50
The Library
George Nash in Concert
Meet the sensational George Nash, a dynamo of fingerstyle wizardry hailing from Nottingham! This musical prodigy is turning heads with his mind-blowing percussive guitar techniques, seamlessly traversing through an eclectic mix of genres that guarantees to sweep you away on a sonic adventure during his electrifying performances.
Adding a pinch of Celtic influence to his tunes, George proudly channels his Welsh roots, infusing his music with a distinctive flavour that sets him apart from the rest. Brace yourself for a genre-defying experience as George Nash, this young fingerstyle virtuoso, takes you on a musical adventure like never before!
Saturday 5th July | 1pm
£7.50
Tithe Barn
The Glory of Derbyshire Gardens
Step into a world of natural beauty with Hildegard Wiesehofer as she unveils The Glory of Derbyshire Gardens. Discover the charm and history of these beautiful green spaces. Perfect for garden enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, this lively presentation will inspire you with ideas for your own garden and leave you enchanted by Derbyshire's verdant treasures!
Hildegard Wiesehofer is the county organiser for the National Garden Scheme and a 40-year connoisseur of gardens and gardening. Each year the NGS donates millions of pounds to charities collected at hundreds of private garden openings and through events such as this.
There is no wheelchair access to the Library and approximately 8 steps.
Sunday 6th July | 11am
£7.50
The Library
Paul Stevens' Repton Walking Tours
Delve into the rich history of Repton with an enlightening guided walking tour by the expert and entertaining Paul Stevens.
​
This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to uncover the storied past and architectural grandeur of Repton, providing profound insights into its heritage and legacy.
​
Note that this walking tour has steps and is not suitable for wheelchairs
Saturday 5th July | 10am, or Sunday 6th July | 1pm
£7.50
Meet at the Arch
History of the Undercroft
Step back in time and uncover the secrets of one of Repton’s most atmospheric historic spaces in The History of the Undercroft. In this captivating talk, Paul Stevens—expert historian, storyteller, and Repton School’s Librarian and Archivist—will explore the rich past of the 12th-century Undercroft, a remarkable survival from the great Augustinian priory founded around 1153–60.
With his trademark blend of deep knowledge and engaging delivery, Paul will guide you through the Undercroft’s centuries of transformation, from its monastic origins to its evolving role in Repton’s history. Discover the lives of the canons who once walked its echoing stone passages and how this architectural gem has stood the test of time.
​
Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the hidden heritage beneath Repton’s surface, this event promises fascinating insights, lively storytelling, and a deeper appreciation of one of the village’s most iconic medieval treasures.
​
Don’t miss this journey into the past!
​
Note that there is no wheelchair access to the Undercroft and approximately 10 steps
Sunday 6th July | 3:30pm
£7.50
The Undercroft
Am I a Viking?
Join Heritage Conservationist Tony Waldren on a fascinating journey of self-discovery as we delve into the realm of genetic ancestry in order to answer the intriguing question ‘Am I a Viking?’
​
Using the speaker’s own DNA profile, this enlightening talk will help to unravel the mysteries of discovering your heritage using the power of DNA analysis.
​
Join us as we explore the science, history and cultural significance of tracing your ancestors’ origins and how the regions your ancestors hailed from have influenced your identity.
Sunday 6th July | 10am
£7.50
Tithe Barn
Samantha Niblett MP
One year since being elected as South Derbyshire's MP, Samantha Niblett will be interviewed by Jason Seagrave using questions proposed by you! Come along to find out who she is, what her first year in her new job has been like and the answers to your own questions.
Ticket holders should send questions to questions@reptonfestival.co.uk by 2nd July.
There is no wheelchair access to the Library and approximately 8 steps.
Saturday 5th July | 3:30pm
£5
The Library
Imaginary Landscapes - Poetry and Harp
Imaginary Landscapes: Poetry and Harp is a captivating lunchtime performance blending the spellbinding words of acclaimed poet and storyteller Chris Tutton with the ethereal music of international harpist Lucy Nolan. Described as “magical and mesmerising… an exquisite fusion of words and music,” this unique collaboration invites audiences into a world of poetic beauty and sonic wonder.
Tutton, dubbed “the master of the short poem” by Ned Sherrin, brings his award-winning verse to life with wit and lyrical depth, while Nolan’s boundary-pushing harp performance enchants and surprises. Together, they have graced stages from the Hay Festival to the Royal Albert Hall, delighting audiences at sold-out shows across the UK.
​
Presented in an intimate setting, Imaginary Landscapes offers a moment of reflection and inspiration—perfect for a festival lunchtime escape.
“This should be at the heart of every festival.” —Andy Stuart, Rye Arts Festival
“An absolute gem.” —Martin Denny, Windsor Arts Festival
Sunday 6th July | 12:30pm
£7.50
Tithe Barn
Burton Concert Band
Join Burton Concert Band for two uplifting concerts showcasing the talent and passion of this accomplished community wind band. Formed in 1993, the band brings together experienced musicians from Burton-upon-Trent, Derby, and the surrounding areas, performing a wide range of music—from classical favourites and film scores to contemporary wind band compositions.
With a reputation for high-quality, engaging performances, Burton Concert Band has played at everything from outdoor fêtes to prestigious concert venues. Their commitment to musical excellence has earned them national recognition, including a Boosey & Hawkes Gold Medal and a place in the National Wind Band Finals.
Whether you're a seasoned concertgoer or simply enjoy live music in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, these concerts promise an entertaining event for all. Come and support your local musicians and enjoy the power and beauty of live wind band music at its best!
Saturday 5th July | 12:00 and 2:30pm
Free - included in the Paddock Pass
The Paddock
Tony Luke
It was while standing in the atmospheric 8th century crypt of St. Wystan’s church, Repton, that Tony Luke was inspired to write a story about the arrival of the Great Heathen Army in the year 873.
Author and retired vicar Tony Luke appears at the Repton Festival to present The Bones of Mercia, a gripping historical novel set along the River Trent in South Derbyshire. Weaving real locations with a cast of both historical and fictional characters, the book tells the dramatic story of the Viking assault on Repton in 873–874 and the later recapture of Derby by Lady Aethelfled in 917. Tony vividly captures the fear and upheaval felt by those witnessing Viking ships on the river. Fast-paced and immersive, the novel explores how communities survived and resisted during one of England’s darkest chapters.
Sunday 6th July | 10:30am
Free
Inferno Book Club
Elizabeth Chadwick
Bestselling historical novelist Elizabeth Chadwick appears at the Repton Festival to celebrate her latest novel, The Royal Rebel, and offer an early look at her future work. Winner of a Betty Trask Award for her debut The Wild Hunt, Chadwick has been shortlisted four times for the UK’s Best Romantic Novel of the Year Award and is internationally published in sixteen languages. Hailed by the Historical Novel Society as “the best writer of medieval fiction currently around,” she is renowned for her meticulous research and immersive storytelling. Her novels continue to illuminate the lives of powerful medieval figures with depth and authenticity.
Sunday 6th July | 11:30am
Free
Inferno Book Club
Jane Bettany
Jane Bettany brings her latest cozy crime, Murder on Bluebell Hill, to the Repton Festival, continuing the adventures of amateur sleuth Violet Brewster. Set in a charming Peak District village, the novel unfolds around a new tearoom at Bluebell Hill garden centre and the mystery of its owner’s death. Reviews from Waterstones and Hatchards praise the book as “an entertaining and engaging cozy mystery set against a beautiful backdrop” (Clare Chase) and “a perfect cozy mystery with an engaging cast of characters and a beautifully‑drawn setting” (Roz Watkins). Bettany’s richly drawn characters and inviting landscape create a delightfully immersive reading experience.
Sunday 6th July | 12:30pm
Free
Inferno Book Club
Jackie Kabler
Jackie Kabler brings her latest psychological thriller, The Revenge Plot, to the Repton Festival in an event celebrating her reputation as a bestselling crime writer. Author of Am I Guilty?, The Perfect Couple and The Vanishing of Class 3B, Kabler has earned Amazon UK/Canada number-one and USA Today bestseller status, with translations into eight languages. Her debut Cora Baxter Mysteries and recent standalone work earned her a Nielsen Silver Bestseller Award. The Revenge Plot has been praised as “filled with suspense, intrigue and a cast of engaging characters” (Lucy Clarke) and “an unputdownable thriller” (B P Walter). This event highlights an author consistently delivering gripping narratives and emotional tension.
Sunday 6th July | 1:30pm
Free
Inferno Book Club
Chris Shepherd
Chris Shepherd, BAFTA-nominated filmmaker and acclaimed storyteller, appears at the Repton Festival to present his debut graphic novel Anfield Road—a deeply personal and visually striking work set in 1989 Liverpool. The story follows 18-year-old Conor as he navigates grief, family duty, and dreams of art school, all against the backdrop of the Hillsborough disaster and the gritty realism of working-class life. Shepherd will share illustrations from the book during his talk, offering insight into both his creative process and the emotional truths behind the narrative. Anfield Road has been praised for its honesty, wit, and evocative portrait of a city and its people.
Sunday 6th July | 2:30pm
Free
Inferno Book Club
Sue Moorcroft
Sue Moorcroft, award‑winning Sunday Times and international bestseller, appears at the Repton Festival to spotlight Over the Sea to Skye, the emotionally compelling finale of her Skye Sisters Trilogy. With Kindle UK #1 status and Top 100 rankings in the US, Canada, and Italy, Moorcroft brings a wealth of heartwarming, page‑turning storytelling. Waterstones calls the novel “a moving tale of resilience, self‑discovery, and the bonds that tie us together, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Isle of Skye”. Drawing on her diverse upbringing and meticulous research, Moorcroft crafts an evocative journey through family, place, and belonging—a fitting showcase of her feel‑good fiction.
Sunday 6th July | 3:30pm
Free
Inferno Book Club
