This year Alton Castle celebrates its 30th anniversary as a residential retreat and to and to mark the occasion a huge lantern has been commissioned. Constructed by local blacksmith, Jim Plant of Cheadle, the lantern has been built in his workshop over a number of years. It's so large (about 8ft in diameter) that he could hardly move around his workshop during assembly! A local electrician wired the unit up to the British safety standard, and the unit now sits in an area wher

If you're interested in experiencing a local traditional event, consider attending the Cheddleton Well Dressing Weekend on June 20th and 21st. Entry is free, and everyone is invited! You can find out the history of Well Dressing activities here: https://www.cheadlecog.com/post/the-wonder-of-well-dressings Cheddleton Well Dressing Announced - created 27th of May 2026

Well Dressings are artistic creations made by hand using natural materials like petals and seeds, crafted by dedicated volunteers. If you visit the Peak District and Derbyshire between May and September, you'll likely encounter one of the area's most distinctive local traditions. Details for the Cheddleton Well Dressing The origins of this ancient custom are shrouded in mystery—believed to have been introduced to the region by the Romans or Celts to express gratitude for the

May-June 2026 Outside are inviting Moorlands folk for a joyful series of weekly tap dance sessions led by experienced teacher Teresa Pattison, designed to be creative, social and full of fun. Open to complete beginners and improvers, these relaxed classes focus on rhythm, movement and wellbeing – no previous experience needed. You can dance standing or seated, and everyone is welcome. Sessions take place in an accessible, ground-floor space, with time to stay for refreshments

Pride in the Moorlands 2026 is to take place this year on the 26th –28th of June. A spectacular weekend is promised for this community-let LGBTQ+ celebration of life, creativity and joy across the Staffordshire Moorlands. You can - follow the Pride Torch Relay as it travels through Cheadle, Biddulph and Leek, symbolising unity, visibility and pride, before culminating in a full day of celebration in Leek on Sunday 28th June. Across the weekend, expect a brilliant programme o

Discover Events | About the Cheadle Spitfire During the Second World War, the people of Cheadle raised enough money to purchase a Spitfire aircraft. It was called the "Spirit of Hope," and with sufficient funds remaining, they purchased a speedboat too. It was a coming together of local folk giving something up to help a common purpose important to all. It's also a remarkable tale of how a small town achieved big - something Cheadle has been doing for many years and still i

The Festival of Brilliant returns to Biddulph this summer and is going “all in” for the National Year of Reading. Announcing the first of its line-up of authors, illustrators, poets, and performers, the festival takes place at Biddulph Old Hall on 10th July for schools and community groups, and 11th July for families. A brilliant line-up of authors will bring stories to life across the festival weekend. Former Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho returns to the festival, invitin

If Staffordshire is known as the country's creative county, then Staffordshire Moorlands should be considered its crown jewel. This is not only because of the amazingly diverse range of art found throughout the moorlands but also due to the immense efforts of an organisation called Outside Arts. You may already know them; if not, your path will have crossed at some point with some element of their work. They provide funding, training, and every other kind of support imaginabl