Chatsworth Renewed marks completion of monumental 10-year restoration project
2018 will see Chatsworth House and Garden presented in its full glory following the culmination of the 10-year long restoration project. The £32.7 million programme of restoration and conservation began in 2005 and is one of the largest projects undertaken at Chatsworth since 1828. A special exhibition will reveal how the work has taken place and celebrate the skills of the craftspeople who have played their part to ensure Chatsworth is preserved for many more hundreds of years.
Key dates for the diary for the 2018 season include:
Chatsworth Renewed: The house past, present and future: 24 March–21 October
Chatsworth Renewed will celebrate the house through the ages, and mark the completion of the largest restoration and conservation project ever undertaken at Chatsworth. From rebuilding the Belvedere turrets to replacing vast tracts of lead on the roof, and from carving the tiniest details in stone to replacing huge blocks in the walls; over the last decade Chatsworth has seen a monumental effort by teams of skilled men and women. Discover hidden stories and forgotten features as revealed through the insights of the skilled people involved, past and present. Explore conservation in action and understand how much care and effort goes into even the smallest piece of work. Finally, look forward to the future to explore what’s in store for the next 100 years.
Linder Sterling Exhibition: 24 March–21 October
Award-winning artist Linder Sterling has spent several months over winter 2017 immersing herself in the life of the Chatsworth Estate as the inaugural artist-in-residence. As well as creating a new image bank for future photo montages to take Chatsworth ‘out into the world’, some of the pieces created during her residency will go on display at Chatsworth.
Easter Eggstravaganza: 24 March-8 April
Spread throughout the house, garden and farmyard, there’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy throughout the Easter holidays at Chatsworth. Along with the hugely popular Easter egg hunts taking place in the farmyard throughout Easter weekend, Eggspress Trailer rides and hands-on craft activities, the garden will be bursting with new life.
Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials: 11–13 May
World-class competition, from elegant dressage and exciting show jumping to gripping cross country combine with entertainment for all the family in the beautiful surroundings of Chatsworth for three days of thrilling world-class equestrian action.
RHS Chatsworth Flower Show: 6–10 June
The newest show from the RHS returns to Chatsworth for the second year and blends tradition with unexpected, innovative design all set in an unforgettable location. Wednesday 6 June is exclusive for RHS members. Advance day tickets starting from £33.50 are now on sale for 2018. Accompanied children under 16 get in free.
Chatsworth Country Fair: 31 August–2 September
The Chatsworth Country Fair is one of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor events. Held in the park, it attracts large crowds from all over the country. With a packed programme of grand ring entertainment, a cookery theatre and fine food village, there’s lots to see and do. Visitors will be spoilt for choice with military bands, stunt teams and aerobatics displays galore as well as the chance to have a go at a myriad of heritage country sports. There is also a packed offer for the younger members of the family, and not forgetting four-legged friends too!
Art Out Loud: 21–23 September
The Chatsworth Festival – Art Out Loud returns in 2018 for its fourth edition with talks by speakers from across the world of art.
Halloween: 27 October–4 November
Lurking around every corner at Chatsworth are spooktacular surprises for all ages this Halloween from Fright Flights to an abandoned coal tunnel.
Bonfire and fireworks: 2–3 November
One of the Midlands’ biggest and best firework displays for adults and children alike returns to Chatsworth for two nights, along with lighting of the bonfire, a children’s firework display and a grand finale firework display.
Christmas in the House: 10 November–6 January 2019
The house will be transformed for Christmas once again with beautiful festive decorations; show-stopping fir trees and twinkly lights. The theme for 2018 will be announced in September 2018.
Christmas Markets: 16 November-4 December
Set on Lodge Hill, the Chatsworth Christmas Market offers one of the best festive shopping experiences, with lots of artisan gifts and premium food and drink on offer.
For more information, please visit www.chatsworth.org
