The Bonsall Art Trail is a biennial event, with the next trail taking place over the weekend of 20th & 21st June 2026. The fully curated event is for artists who wish to exhibit their work. We are looking for contemporary work that is skilfully made by makers from Derbyshire and surrounding areas.

Applicants should demonstrate a high level of mastery of their chosen medium/media, and must be able to include original pieces available for purchase over the weekend.  The event requires that artists stand with their exhibited  work. 

We ask that your most recent work is submitted.

The Bonsall Arts Trail has a growing reputation and is taking place for the third time in the historical quirky village of Bonsall on the edge of the Peak District National Park. 

It showcases the work of talented established and new artists and makers who want to exhibit and sell their work.  We support young and emerging in the trail and look to include community groups, particularly those who are typically under-respresented in the arts or whithin society.

Longcliffe calcium carbonates is our main sponsor for this event, and again this year we will be hosting 'The Longcliffe' Prize. 

The £200 award is given for artwork that references the environment. 

Vouchers to the value of £100 are  awarded to the public's choice of their favourite artist, this is sponsored by Turners Art Supplies, a  local supplier of art in Lumsdale, Matlock.

The trail is a curated series of exhibitions hosted around the village in homes, community buildings and a large central marquee in the heart of the village we are looking for contemporary work that is skilfully made by makers from Derbyshire and surrounding counties. 

Successful applicants will demonstrate a high level of mastery of their chosen medium or media, and must be able to include original pieces available for purchase over the weekend. 

We also ask that artists and makers submit their most recent work. 

We can offer limited number of spaces for artists who wish to demonstrate their craft, this is a great opportunity to engage visitors and encourage sales.

We request that you upload a short description of your work or yourself as an artist (around 100 words) and six representative JPEG images which will be used on the website, social media and in the trail programme. 

Your application will be judged on  your images and information on your application, so good, clear quality images are essential.  (Images should be uploaded individually.  

A non-refundable administration fee of £10 will be required for all submissions. 

As a volunteer-led organisation, this helps us to cover the administrative costs of carrying out a fair and unbiased selection process. 

The fee is required on the same date that you submit your application in order for your application to be considered.

Artists will be accommodated in local homes, community buildings and a large marquee, situated in the village park. 

Artists in the marquee will be provided with a 6-foot plank table. 

Artists located in local homes and community buildings will have access to a table. 

All artists will be provided with a minimum space of 8 feet x 4 feet. 

Display boards and other display equipment should be provided by you. 

Please indicate on your application your preferred location, along with any access issues.

The event will have a field on the periphery of the village for parking over the weekend. 

The trail guide will be sold at this location to visitors. 

A minibus will be operating through the village to get paid visitors to the exhibiting locations around the village. 

Artists will have access to use the minibus.

Successful applicants will be asked to pay a subscription to the Bonsall Arts Trail Association of £60.00, which includes exhibition at the trail for both days and the opportunity to promote their work and other activities via our website, https://www.bonsallartstrail.org. 

Please reference your payment with your exhibiting name.

Payment is required to be paid by 28th February 2026

Payment details via BACS are: 

Bonsall Art Trail Santander Business

09-01-29

41781311

The event has its own insurance, but does not cover artists. 

All artists are advised to have their own insurance in place for the event. 

Event guidelines and terms and conditions have been added to the gallery/files section - please ensure you view them. 

The central marquee will be covered by 'Riber Security' overnight.

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