It's a project which has suffered more than its fair share of setbacks, but things are looking positive in 2022 for the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust as they launch their new season of live and online events aimed at the High Peak community.

With the gradual easing of Covid restrictions, their long-planned public events and activities can finally go ahead. 

Residents are spoilt for choice for ways to learn about the Crescent. 

Starting on Wednesday 9 February, Buxton Heritage Talks are back in the Pump Room, with local Buxton Museum curator Anna Rhodes sharing her research on the Georgian Derbyshire Grand Tours. 

In her 'romp' through Derbyshire in the 1800s, Anna will kick off the Buxton Crescent Trust's talks programme as it means to go on - sharing quality educational experiences in much-loved venues. 

But it doesn't stop there - with talks planned each month both at the Pump Room, Assembly Rooms and online via Zoom, there's lots of ways to get involved in their events. 

Scott Russell, Head of Education and Engagement for the Trust, said: "It seems like we've been planning, cancelling and rescheduling these events for such a long time now, so we're really pleased to finally be able to open our doors to the local community to learn more about the history of the Crescent, Buxton and Derbyshire. 

"Heritage talks have always been an important part of our plans for sharing the heritage of this town and they are just the beginning."

"With topics ranging from historic spa towns (on 16 February there's an online Zoom talk with Cheltenham author Lesley Sainty) to the wonders of the Buxton waters (at a Pump Room talk with local historian Gill Williamson on 16 March) there's something for anyone with an interest in their local area."

While heritage talks are very much treading a familiar path for a charity whose aims are to further the education of the history of the Crescent and Buxton, the Trust is ambitious about spreading its wings and engaging with new and more diverse audiences. 

"This is very much just the beginning of what feels like a fresh start after such difficult times," Scott added.

"But we're not resting on our laurels and are developing ways to put on events and activities which we hope non-traditional audiences will enjoy.

"We're talking with other organisations in the area and will be reaching out to the local community and young people in particular to find out from them what kind of things we could be doing to make our spaces and stories more accessible." 

A large part of this plan is to make use of a limited amount of dates the Trust has use of the stunning Buxton Crescent Assembly Rooms during the year with public open days, family activities and events. 

During half term on 22, 23 and 24 February, the Trust will open the doors of one of the finest Georgian rooms for the community to enjoy. 

You can get involved with family craft activities as part of the Buxton Alphabet project, try a game of Faro with one of the new volunteers, or just sit and marvel at the multi-coloured plasterwork ceiling, which was once the backdrop for countless regency balls and assemblies. 

Stephen Owen, Chief Executive Officer of the Trust, said: "After over two years of seeing a woefully-empty event listings page on our website, it's so encouraging to finally see it growing with more and more activities being added each week." 

To find out more, visit the Trust's website on buxtoncrescentexperience.com/events 

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