Invited to look into the possibility of reviving the Belper Carnival  at the start of 2001,  
David Robinson discovered not only the potential to revive this, but also the long defunct  Belper Arts Festival.


The outcome being  “ Belper Celebration” was formed , which sees both return at the end of May 2001, albeit with a new name and a slightly more modern look to them.
The response from Belper and the surrounding areas being more than David Robinson, Randall Sanders and Rex Barker  (The organising committee ) could ever have hoped for, Indeed what initially was viewed as a carnival day, with possible events of five of the previous evenings, has now become a fully fledged Festival with events though out the day on the week ranging from May 20th to 26th.


Linda Wain the internationally known wildlife artist who live in Belper, not only accepted the
position as Patron of the Festival, but also agreed to exhibit her work and give a talk during the Festival, In fact visitors to the Festival could actually see Linda painting during her week long exhibition at De Bradelei Mill Outlet Store, Chapel Street, Belper, Derbyshires.


The courtyard of of De Bradelei Mill was the venue for the work of Carole Kirsopp, one of Britain’s top female sculptors, during the week of the Festival and since Carole actively encourages people to touch her sculptures, this opens up the branch of art to the blind and partially sighted, On the Tuesday May 22 in the evening De Bradelei staged a Fashion show, which Featured an Exhibition by Dendy Pottery and music from Ryan McGhee/Andy Baker Duo


Working in conjunction with McDonald`s The Orangery  Belper, Belper Celebration also took the Arts Festival into schools, with David Robinson reading and performing is Juice story in all of the towns primary schools to form the basis of a painting competition with an exhibition of the best painting in   McDonald`s during the week of the Festival. Storyteller / Folk singer Pete Castle also went into the     primary schools during the week of the Festival with an educational story.


A special artistic menu at Jedediah`s Restaurant, which also hosted a poetry and music evening on the Monday, while St. Peters church was the venue for the True Riches Concert on the Saturday night at the end of Festival week,  A concert of music and poetry with Sensible Shoes / Belper Singer / Ruff Truffle Singers and Belper poetry Group.
And all this mixed with Darts Tournament, Quiz Night, Fun Run, Crime Walk, and Organ Music at Diner Times.


All this started on the Sunday with a Church Service at Christ Church, Bridge Street, Belper to launch the Belper Carnival & Arts Festival week.



And this all happened in our first Festival & Carnival year in 2001