Your Guide to Melbourne Arts Festival 2025 (and Where to Find Us)

This September, Melbourne in Derbyshire will once again come alive with creativity, colour, and community as the Melbourne Arts Festival returns. The highlight is always the famous Art & Architecture Trail, which takes place across the weekend of 20–21 September 2025.

If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know about making the most of the festival — and why it’s the perfect opportunity to stop by our showroom and see the new Autumn 2025 Collection in person.

1. What Is the Melbourne Festival Art & Architecture Trail?

The Art & Architecture Trail is at the heart of the festival. Each year, historic homes, gardens, and venues in Melbourne open their doors and transform into temporary galleries. It’s a rare chance to explore hidden spaces while discovering work from some of the most talented artists and makers in the region.

You’ll find paintings, sculpture, textiles, jewellery, ceramics, and more — all set against the backdrop of Melbourne’s charming conservation area.

Practical details:

• Dates: Saturday 20th – Sunday 21st September 2025

• Time: 10 am – 5 pm each day

• Entry: £5 per adult wristband + Trail Guide (under-18s free), available from street sellers on the day

• Walking routes connect the venues, making it easy to explore everything at your own pace

2. What to Expect This Year

Last year’s festival welcomed 163 artists across 68 venues and drew almost 6,000 visitors, and 2025 promises to be even bigger.

Some of the highlights to look forward to:

• Family Trail — themed “Home Is Where the Heart Is”, with children’s gardens, storytelling, music, and even giant chess.

• Festivity Events — interactive workshops, performances, and storytelling in outdoor spaces.

• Live music and Food — busking stages, a bustling Food Fayre, and performances at Melbourne’s Assembly Rooms.
  

It’s a weekend full of creativity and community spirit — whether you’re an art lover or just looking for a unique day out in Derbyshire. 3. Local Artists at Our Showroom

This year, we’re proud to be part of the trail by hosting five talented local artists in our Lynne Kelly Interiors showroom.

Their work will be displayed alongside our interiors collections, creating a space that blends art, design, and seasonal style. It’s the perfect chance to meet the makers, explore their creativity, and maybe even find a piece to take home. The artists we are hosting this year are: Patrice Egan - Photographer Waney Grain Artisan Wood Works - Guilding and Woodturning Emma Jeanne Felting - Felt Artist Rosie Priestley - Jewellery Ruby Beau Art - Contemporary Painter

4. Plan Your Visit

To make the most of the Melbourne Arts Festival 2025, here are a few tips:

• Arrive early — venues and gardens can get busy as the day goes on.

• Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be walking around Melbourne’s historic streets and gardens.

• Pick up your wristband and guidebook as soon as you arrive.

• Bring a bag or tote — you’ll almost certainly come across handmade pieces you’ll want to take home.

• Plan time for food and music — the festival atmosphere is as much about the buzz as the art.

5. While You’re Here — Visit Our Showroom

If you’re heading into Melbourne for the festival, we’d love to welcome you to the Lynne Kelly Interiors showroom while you’re here.

Our showroom is just around the corner from the festival trail and is the perfect place to take a break, soak up some interiors inspiration, and explore our brand-new Autumn 2025 Collection.

Why visit?

• ✨ See the collection in person — touch the fabrics and explore the textures.

• 🛋 Get styling ideas tailored to the season.

• 🍂 Discover cosy autumn décor that perfectly complements the creative energy of the festival.
  

  

The Melbourne Arts Festival 2025 is one of the highlights of the year here in South Derbyshire — a weekend of art, culture, and community spirit. If you’re coming along, make sure to explore the trail, enjoy the atmosphere, and stop by our showroom to discover the Autumn Collection for yourself. Love Lynne Kelly Interiors