Thousands of people across Derbyshire took the opportunity to get out and about this weekend to enjoy some of the colourful and entertaining events taking place.
CLUTCHING her little Despicable Me minion keyring tightly, three-year-old Ruby Swan was delighted with her memento from the day's frivolities.
But she does not have to worry that it will be the only way to remember the Art in the Round event, with organisers hopeful they can stage the two-day festival again next year.
It was the first time the event, at Derby College's Roundhouse campus, had been put together and it saw 74 artists and about 1,000 visitors come through the doors.
It featured oil, pastel and watercolour painting, jewellery, photography, ceramics, textiles, rubber stamping, batik, lace making, mosaics and wooden toys – with workshops available in a wide range of arts and crafts.
Organiser Sharron Hood – who worked to arrange the event with Derby College, the Quad arts centre, Peak District Artisans, Ruth Grey Images, lace maker Louise West and artist Pete Gill – said: "It was a very successful two days over the weekend.
"The artwork was fantastic, of really high quality, and I think both the stallholders and the public were delighted with what they saw.
"I think there were lots of different things for people to enjoy – like our featured artist, John Connolly, who produced four paintings at the event while people watched him work.
"And we also had a guest speaker, Pete Mosley, the business editor of Craft and Design magazine, who supports individuals to set up their own creative businesses – which I think was also popular.
"As it was the first event, it was a learning curve and there are things we would do differently but there had been talk that, if it was successful, we would be able to hold the event again next year, so that's really exciting."
And the Art in the Round event was not the only one in Derby drawing in the crowds during the bank holiday weekend.
About 3,000 people turned up at the University of Derby for its family fun day – featuring sports such as archery, lacrosse and netball, science experiments, arts and crafts, a barbecue and live music.
Several cute creatures, including the meerkat, were also on show at the university's Kedleston Road campus, while other entertainment included a quiz and a Science of Star Wars talk.
Angela Drinkwater, from the university, said: "We're very pleased with how the day went and it was definitely busier than when we held it last year.
"It was an opportunity for the university to open its doors to the community and let families come in and take a look.
"A lot of people in the city don't get to come to the university but, at this event, they could get a taste for what it's like here and take part in lots of different activities."
And professor John Coyne, vice-chancellor of the university, said: "It's very exciting to showcase the fantastic facilities on offer and give everyone who attends the chance to get involved."
Meanwhile, in Castle Donington, more than 20 historic cars were involved a parade around the streets on Saturday.
It was part of the Donington Historic Festival – a three-day event being held at the nearby Donington Park circuit to showcase vintage cars from across the country.
And the parade was arranged by festival organisers, the town's parish council and bosses at the circuit.
Vehicles involved complete the route twice before parking in the Market Place, where crowds who had lined the streets to see them were able to talk to the drivers.
The festival – in its fourth year – continues today and features vintage cars racing on the track, memorabilia stalls, cafés, bars and food outlets.
![Weekend events: Art in the Round, University of Derby fun day and vintage cars at Castle Donington]( "Weekend events: Art in the Round, University of Derby fun day and vintage cars at Castle Donington")
