The archive consists of memorabilia about the annual community celebratory tradition known as the “Wakes Week and Carnival” which has been held at the village of Winster, in Derbyshire, since before 1831.
The “Wakes” were traditional holidays originally run by parish churches and linked to the feast day of the church’s patron saint. 1831 is the date of the archive’s oldest item and is a newspaper cutting which describes how bear baiting was popular that year. The material in the archive charts the changes in fashion and activities over subsequent years, up until to the present day, including the changing role of the Church.
The collection is of national importance given the involvement of Morris dancers over much of Winster carnival’s history. Morris dancers were first mentioned in 1863 and the team claims an unbroken history since then. The archive material also documents the carnival queens, brass bands, competitions, sports and myriad other social events which have been held over the Wakes Weeks and the carnival day.
The material is currently being curated by the community thanks to a grant awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. It consists of documents, photographs, newspaper cuttings, digitized cine film and video, audio interviews, digital scans of photographs and slides, and artefacts. Upon completion of the project (estimated 2027) it will be transferred to the Derbyshire Records Office in Matlock.
Memorabilia from ensuing years will continue to be added to the archive using the heritage skills, connections and practical experience which have been acquired during this project.
This website is part of the Winster Community Wakes Week and Carnival Archive project which is wholly funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This project is being delivered in collaboration with Derbyshire Records Office in Matlock, the University of Derby, and numerous societies in Winster; in particular Winster’s Morris Dancers and Winster’s History Group.
The Winster Community Wakes Week and Carnival Archive Project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to provide training in archiving and curation, collate an archive of memorabilia, and develop resources for future educational projects.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past