The Wells 2007

The Custom of Well Dressing

 The Custom of Well Dressing is mostly unique to Derbyshire, its origins and history are not certain but its roots are said to come from pagan customs of making offerings to Water Gods, many Wells were thought to have healing powers and during early Christian times offerings continued to be made, as a result some Wells were dedicated to Christian Saints as St. Ann’s Well in Buxton.

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The Art of Well Dressing

A Well Dressing is a picture wholly made up of natural materials on a base of clay housed within a wooden frame.The picture is a collage of flower petals, leaves, moss, bark, seeds etc. Of varying colours and textures which with the skill of the dressers bring the subject matter to life. Each Community has slight variations in the method used to make a dressing but the general principles are the same.The Wells are constructed of three main components:

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Wells Dressing Events

• Demonstration of the ancient art and craft of Well Dressing
• Children's Concert
• Mellors Funfair
• Blessing of The Wells
• Crowning of the Festival Queen
• Best Dressed Competitions
• Look back at Buxton
• Car Treasure Hunt
• Carnival Parade
• 5 Mile Road Race
• Duck Race
• Parade of Queens
• Pet Show
• Concert ...
• Bowls Competition

and more events all taking place in Buxton during the Buxton Wells Dressing Festival