Official launch of Dronfield's community heritage and arts centre

The building, which dates from 1430, has undergone a radical transformation and extension thanks to funding from many sources but principally The Heritage Lottery Fund.

This weekend marks the official start of a packed programme of events and the launch weekend offers a host of attractions to guarantee a busy three days.

On the Friday night at 8pm, The Barn’s residential artist John Sutcliffe will be showing a projection installation called Elemental onto the historic timber beams in the upstairs gallery of the Barn at 8pm.

On Saturday, entertainment includes the Lizzie Dripping woman’s dance team and U3A International Dance Troupe who will perform in the Barn courtyard and there will also be the Lah de Dah Vintage Choir

On Sunday throughout the day there will be performances by Dronfield Handbell Ringers, Dronfield Ladies Recorder Ensemble with a medieval set to reflect The Barn’s musical roots, and local medieval choir ‘Sunday Best’.

Also opening this weekend is Dronfield’s Sleeping Beauty - an exhibition telling the story of Barn.

Across the weekend, there will also be plenty to see and do for younger visitors, with indoor and outdoor activities. Volunteers will be wearing period costumes to help set the scene.

A group of five local artists will also be showing their work in the education room of the barn. The group, known as This Painting Malarkey, have previously exhibited at regional art shows. Their work is a mix of styles and media, and original artwork and cards will be on sale. 

Returning visitors will find plenty of new things to see and do over the weekend and as well as existing displays like the Timeline and Talking Heads characters there will be more heritage displays to see. These will include a series of quilts which have been designed around the three main periods of Dronfield’s history – Medieval, the 17th and 18th centuries and the Victorian period. Local Primary Schools took up the challenge of quilting and their work will be exhibited alongside others

made by volunteers.

Entrance over the weekend is free though there will be a small charge for children’s activities.

Full details of timings at www.dronfieldhallbarn.org