Inside Derby’s Creative Heart: Banks Mill’s April Makers Market

There’s a certain energy about Banks Mill Studios when the doors are thrown open to the public. Tucked just off Bridge Street, the historic mill, now a thriving hub for independent creatives, came alive once again for its April Makers Market, a growing fixture in Derby’s cultural calendar and the second we’ve attended this year.

Running on the first Saturday of the month, the market is the brainchild of the building’s own tenants, artists, designers and makers who wanted to recreate the buzz of the much-loved Open Studios events on a more regular basis. The concept is simple: open the studios, meet the makers, and buy directly from the source.

Stepping inside, the atmosphere is immediate. The building hums with conversation, curiosity and creativity, with visitors moving between studios and pop-up spaces, each one offering a glimpse into a different discipline, from printmaking to animation, glasswork to bespoke design.

The lobby itself set the tone. Jenny Marshall was on hand welcoming visitors in, creating an immediate sense of openness and community. Nearby, CRZYBEST showcased handmade jewellery crafted using metal clay, with each piece feeling tactile, unique and carefully considered. Flamingo Glass & Mosaic Art brought the entrance to life with stained glass and mosaic pieces, colour catching the light and pulling people in as soon as they arrived.

Print culture is also well represented, with Green Door Printmaking Studio opening up its space to showcase traditional techniques and contemporary prints. Visitors linger here, asking questions and learning processes. This is as much about connection as it is commerce.

Elsewhere, Stage Left Lux offers one of the most distinctive showcases in the building. Their lighting pieces are created through upcycling, transforming reclaimed and repurposed materials into completely unique designs. Each piece feels like it carries its own history, whether it’s industrial components, salvaged objects or unexpected materials reworked into functional lighting. The result is not just décor, but conversation pieces that blur the line between art and utility. In a setting like Banks Mill, the ethos fits perfectly, giving new life to old materials while reflecting Derby’s industrial heritage in a contemporary way.

The line-up changes month to month, meaning no two visits are ever quite the same. Having now attended twice, there is a clear sense of momentum building, with more visitors discovering the space and more makers leaning into the opportunity to showcase new work.

There is also a wider sense of place here. Banks Mill isn’t just a venue, it is a community of over 30 creative businesses, all operating under one roof, each contributing to Derby’s evolving cultural identity.

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