Delia Derbyshire (1937–2001) worked in the BBC Radiophonic Workshop during the 1960s, where she developed her famous arrangement of the iconic Doctor Who theme tune. 

In later years, she moved to Gilsland in Cumbria where she worked with Chinese artist Li Yuan-chia at LYC Museum and Art Gallery. She was also involved in community activities like playing in the local darts team at The Samson Inn. This period of Delia's life hasn’t been widely documented until now.

The project launches with the Trailblazer Festival – a celebration of her pioneering work, featuring a Doctor Who themed exhibition, sound workshops and film.  

We are excited to work with our local community to this important cultural figure and her little known connection to Gilsland, Hadrian's Wall and the legendary LYC Museum.

Amanda Drago, Creative Producer at Green Croft Arts 

A community activity programme will include recruiting and training volunteers in using archives to research Delia's life and work in Gilsland. Participants involved in the research will create a newspaper featuring stories, news items and photos. 

Local young people will be involved in music sessions and digital storytelling. They will work with older people to record intergenerational oral histories and develop a podcast of stories from those who knew Delia. An exhibition will bring the project to a close.

Amanda Drago, Creative Producer at Green Croft Arts, said: "With funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund we are able to celebrate Delia Derbyshire's pioneering work in electronic sound. After a festival to launch our Trailblazer project we are excited to work with our local community to explore the village's connection with this important cultural figure and her little known connection to Gilsland, Hadrian's Wall and the legendary LYC Museum."

Find out more about the Delia Derbyshire celebration activities on the Green Croft Arts website.