A celebration of making across the generations

A 14 year-old artist and a photography business going back nearly 175 years, are two of the 70 creators and artists inviting families to get hands-on with making things at this year’s Assemble: Derby’s Making Festival.

Taking place on Saturday 24 October 2026 from 11am-4pm at the Museum of Making, Assemble celebrates the different ways people make, create, and solve problems – from traditional crafts and skills to photography, engineering, digital technology and everything in between.

The festival will also feature YouTube sensations Kids Invent Stuff, the social enterprise group Kakou whose mission is to remove barriers excluding people with disabilities from accessing mainstream music, and for the first time this year, a Warhammer painting and making session, supported by Warhammer Alliance.

Among them will be Simeon Kai, a young paracord artist and wood carver whose creative journey began with a love of nature, bushcraft and the calming focus of making things by hand.

Simeon discovered that working with paracord and wood helped him feel more focused and grounded, and making has since become an important part of his life.

Now, he hopes to inspire other young people to discover the enjoyment and wellbeing that creativity can bring, encouraging them to put down their screens and have a go at making something themselves.

At Assemble, he’ll be demonstrating his work and showing visitors how to make their own paracord bracelets and keyrings.

“Making is a key part of my life. It’s not only a way I love to spend my time, but it helps my problem-solving abilities, focus and regulation,” Simeon said.

“I hope people feel inspired and motivated to make and start their own crafting journeys and see that if I can do it, so can they.”

His advice to aspiring young makers is simple: “Just start doing it. And keep doing it. It doesn’t matter if you fail at first. Everyone can and will learn by trial and error.”

Visitors will be able to step into the world of photography with one of Derby’s oldest businesses and discover that you don’t need a modern camera to take a picture.

W W Winter, the UK’s oldest photography business, first opened in 1854. Still operating from its studio on Midland Road, the photographers offer a fascinating link to Derby’s long history of creativity and making.

The team from W W Winter will be helping visitors make their own pin-hole camera, while explaining the science behind how they work.

Simon Vaughan, heritage manager and trustee at W W Winter Heritage Trust said: “Photography affects everybody. It brings memories back, and the pinhole camera is a really nice way of introducing people to the science behind photography.

“You can see how light rays work as they pass through a lens or a pinhole, and how the image is actually upside down and back to front.

“It’s a simple activity, but it introduces some fascinating science, and the great thing is that everyone can get involved. It covers all age ranges, so it’s something families can enjoy together.”

It’s just one of the many opportunities for visitors to get hands-on at Assemble, where makers will be sharing their skills and demonstrating their crafts.

Produced by Derby Museums, Assemble takes place at the Museum of Making – itself a celebration of Derby’s manufacturing heritage, located on the site widely regarded as the world's first modern factory and within the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Assemble benefits from an ongoing partnership with Vaillant who are in their third year of sponsoring the event.

James Fowler, Vaillant’s Marketing & Strategy Director, said: “Our partnership with Derby Museums provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our rich local manufacturing heritage and to inspire the next generation of makers.

“With over 90 years of history in Derbyshire, we are passionate about supporting initiatives that positively impact the region.

“We are delighted to support the Assemble event, where visitors can engage in a variety of hands-on making activities set against the backdrop of the historic Silk Mill. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the community and foster creativity and innovation.”

Dan Webber from Derby Museums said: “I can’t believe it’s the fifth year of Assemble and it’s been my absolute privilege to be a part of the team at Derby Museums who delivers the event along with our amazing community of makers and volunteers.

“With the support of Vaillant, Assemble really encompasses the ethos of the Museum of Making and the history of making and invention in Derby.

“I can’t wait to welcome the next generation of makers to the festival once again. We have a fantastic mix of makers from across the region, so come along and get stuck in!”

Tickets are free to under 16s and £5 per ticket for adults, with advanced booking recommended.