Tram Tours to take in the Well Dressings

Every year from May to September some 35,000 visitors travel to the Peak District & Derbyshire in order to see well dressings displayed in over 80 villages and towns.

The custom is thought to have its roots in pagan offerings to water gods. The Celts revered certain rocks, trees and water and obviously water is essential to life. Particular wells or springs were thought to have healing powers and, throughout early Christian times, offerings continued to be made to them. Over the years, the Church tried to outlaw the practice but it seemed to survive nevertheless. Nowadays, as part of the annual festivals, the wells are blessed by local clergy.

The uniquely detailed mosaic pictures are made using only natural materials. Displayed outdoors, they last for a week but this brief existence somehow adds to their beauty.

In 1840, residents of Higher Buxton were overjoyed when fresh water arrived at the Market Place fountain. As thanks to the Duke of Devonshire’s workmen, local people arranged a floral dressing and a tea party accompanied by brass bands and dancing children.

Ever since, Buxton has hosted an annual Well Dressing Festival in July. Three wells are dressed in the town every year: the Market Place Well and St. Ann’s Well opposite The Crescent are dressed by volunteers and the Children’s Well (Taylor Well) in Spring Gardens is dressed by pupils from Buxton Community School. The small fountain in the Pump Room is also dressed. These teams spending as many as 300 hours on just one creation.

The festival also involves the crowning of the Festival Queen and her retinue, a blessing ceremony, a fun fair and a carnival parade, among other events.

See a collection of archive photos from Buxton’s festival, dating back to 1897, here.