New funding opportunity for local creators at Tapton Lock Festival
Local creatives and community groups are being invited to apply for the ‘Bring it to Tapton: Tapton Lock Community Creators Fund’, offering grants of up to £500 to develop and present new work at Tapton Lock Festival this September.
Delivered by Junction Arts, organisers of Tapton Lock Festival, the fund aims to support local talent and strengthen the festival’s commitment to community-led creativity.
Taking place on Saturday, 5th September 2026, Tapton Lock Festival brings thousands of visitors to Chesterfield each year, with a vibrant programme of live music, performances, workshops, and family-friendly activities along the Chesterfield Canal.
The Community Creators Fund will help expand this offer by enabling new ideas and voices to become part of the festival programme, with a focus on engaging local people and communities.
Applications are open to individuals or community groups based in Chesterfield, including those living, working, volunteering, or studying in the area. All proposals must take place locally and be designed to engage festival audiences, from performances and participatory activities to interactive installations.
Successful applicants will receive a grant of up to £500, alongside a small stall space at the festival to showcase their work or connect with visitors.
A Festival Community Panel has also been introduced for 2026, bringing together organisations and individuals who have supported Tapton Lock Festival over the years. The panel will help ensure the festival continues to reflect its core values of inclusion, creativity, and community engagement.
Members include Derbyshire County Council Countryside Service, Tapton Lock Visitor Centre, Chesterfield Canal Trust, Pleasley Canoe Club, Polonia Chesterfield, ACCRA (African & Caribbean Community Association Chesterfield), Verba, S40 Local, and Junction Arts volunteer Katarina Pavlistova.
Alongside Junction Arts staff, members of the Community Panel will also sit on the selection panel for the Bring it to Tapton Fund.
Nathan Hamer, Project Coordinator at Junction Arts, said:
“Tapton Lock Festival is a free family festival that was established 13 years ago to bring people together to enjoy the outdoors, embrace nature and get creative. The focus has always been on community engagement, and this year we want to ensure that local people and groups are helping to co-create this special event.
“We would encourage anyone with a passion for creativity and community to apply for a chance to see their idea become a reality.”
Applications opened on Tuesday, 19th May 2026 and close on Tuesday, 16th June 2026.
For more information and to apply, visit: junctionarts.org/bring-it-to-tapton-lock-community-creators-fund
Junction Arts is one of over 200 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to support the local economy, working closely with Destination Chesterfield to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a destination to live, work, visit and invest.
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