Broxtowe Women’s Project celebrates Garden of Expression project from the D.H. Lawrence Festival

Broxtowe Women’s Project (BWP) took part in several events during the 2025 D.H. Lawrence Festival as part of their ‘Garden of Expression’ project thanks to a UK Shared Prosperity Fund grant from Broxtowe Borough Council. The Garden of Expression focused on three specific areas at this year’s festival: A Wellbeing Walk, a music trail, and the D.H. Lawrence Music Festival.

Led by Museum and Collections Officer, Carolyn Melbourne from the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum, the Wellbeing Walk explored the relationship between music and the life and writings of Lawrence, stopping at the Lawrence grave, then joining the Erewash Canal to the Great North Basin at Langley Mill. 

BWP, with Mayor of the Borough of Broxtowe, Councillor Robert Bullock, also led a music trail down Eastwood High Street to the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum, marking the beginning of the 10^th edition of the D.H. Lawrence Music Festival. The group marched down from Eastwood Library with a variety of instruments, filling the town with noise before the day’s festivities.

Once at the museum, the charity co-hosted an acoustic stage in the garden featuring festival organiser Ben Mark Smith, and friend of BWP. JJ Lovegrove, who debuted some new Lawrence inspired songs and will look to collaborate with them on more musical opportunities in future.

Grant funding from Broxtowe Borough Council also allowed for appearances at four summer Play Days alongside the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum in the Cultural Zone, allowing BWP to raise awareness of the fantastic work they do.

Reflecting on their involvement in the D.H. Lawrence Festival, Broxtowe Women's Project Partnership Manager Chris Harris said, “focussing on music with this year’s Garden of Expression has allowed BWP to be very actively involved in this year’s festivals. This has been fantastic for raising interest in the area and drawing new people along to explore the creative aspects on show.”

Portfolio Holder for Asset Management and Development, Councillor Milan Radulovic MBE, said, “I’m proud that we’ve been able to support Broxtowe Women’s Project for another year throughout the D.H. Lawrence Festival, they do such important work across the borough in raising awareness and supporting those that have been victims of domestic abuse. We’ve managed to foster such a great relationship with the charity through the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum, and long may it continue.”

Speaking about the experience, Museum and Collections Officer Carolyn Melbourne said "Broxtowe Women's Project were a great support at several of the D.H. Lawrence Festival events and there is a strong partnership between the two organisations. We are building on events from previous years to offer something of real value to the community".

BWP do incredible work supporting women who are experiencing domestic abuse through a dedicated helpline, outreach services, training courses, and much more. You can find out about their work on their website (Opens in a New Window).

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is providing £25.17 million of funding for local investment across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in 2025/26. This funding, distributed by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), aims to boost pride in place and increase life chances in the region. The investment will focus on supporting communities and businesses, as well as developing skills for individuals.

Broxtowe Borough Council has been allocated a total of £1,056,720 in 2025/26. Activity funded includes local business and skills support and a set of community projects.