Folk Music and Halloween thrills at Derby Market Place

Published: 15 October 2020

More entertainment and a second market has been confirmed for Derby Market Place in the coming weeks.

Following its successful launch as an alfresco dining venue in the summer, Derby Market Place has transformed itself into a vibrant city centre entertainment venue for the autumn months. With large tables seating up to six, plenty of space in between, and service to your table if you order in food or buy drinks from the bar, it meets Covid-secure requirements. Visitors are reminded to play their part by only booking for one group of up to six, using hand sanitiser regularly, and following social distancing at all times.

When it is time to turn the space into a market, the number of people allowed in to browse will be limited at any one time to allow safe social distancing.

As the weather cools, heating has now been introduced in the chalets around the edge, and early booking is advisable as these tend to sell first. But even though you may have to wrap up warmer for the outdoor picnic tables, you are closer to the stage to enjoy what’s on offer.

Derby was unable to host its usual Folk Festival this year, but Derby Folk Festival at Home, a series of four online concerts by top acts, drew audiences from all over the world. We are delighted to announce that live folk music will be back in Derby Market Place for the Folk Sessions, with Bob On Arts, on 24th and 25th October.

A selection of Derbyshire acts will play a mix of traditional, contemporary, folk-rock, and old-time songs and instrumentals in four sessions over the weekend. Enjoy alfresco dining while you listen to the music. Pre-order before the session, or order when you arrive, for delivery to your table. All tables seat up to six people, and are priced at £30 for a chalet table, or £25 for a standard picnic table.

Saturday 24th October – Session 1: 11am to 4pm

• Doors 11am
• 11.30am: Steve & Julie Wigley
• 1.00pm: Some Antics
• 2:30pm: Sarah Matthews & Doug Eunson

Saturday 24th October – Session 2: 5pm to 10pm

• Doors 5pm
• 5.30pm: The Newcranes (acoustic)
• 7.00pm: Apple Skins
• 8:30pm: Lucy Ward

Sunday 25th October – Session 3: 11am to 4pm

• Doors 11am
• 11.15am: Threaded
• 1.00pm: Intarsia
• 2:30pm: Rare Occasion

Sunday 25th October – Session 4: 5pm to 10pm 

• Doors 5pm
• 5.30pm: Phil Doleman
• 7:15pm: Keith Kendrick & Sylvia Needham
• 8:30pm:  Barry Coope and Fi Fraser

On Saturday 31st October, get ready for a spine-tingling evening for our Hallowe’en Session and Quiz Night-mare. Popular theatrical duo The Lost Boys invite you to crack their crypt-ic conundrums, probe their paranormal puzzles, and mentally meander through their macabre mysteries in this one-off Halloween quiz night. We invite you to dress up for this event, with all ghouls, goblins, witches and creepy curiosities welcome!

Go head to head with other teams following the SpeedQuizzing format, with players given just ten seconds to answer the themed film, music and general knowledge questions over a number of fast-paced rounds, with the quickest person to answer correctly gaining bonus points.

Expect a fiercely fought, good-humoured contest with the chance to order your own treat this Halloween with our Alfresco dining and bar table service. Tables are £10 to book and seat up to six people, which is the maximum number allowed per team. Age guidance recommendation 18+.

To play, each team will need to bring a tablet or phone with the SpeedQuizzing app installed, and enough battery to last the full three hours.

For more information about both events and to book, go to www.derbymarketplace.co.uk.

Local breweries are taking part in the Beer Sessions from Thursday 15th to Sunday 18th October. Book yourself in to taste some of the best of Derbyshire’s beers and ciders, courtesy of Dancing Duck, Derventio Brewery, Derby Brewing Company, Brunswick Brewery, Falstaff, Littleover Brewery, Black Hole, Shiny Brewery, Darley Abbey Cider and Three Cats Cider. Enjoy live music from some great local acts while you sample the brews.  Confirmed acts are The Herron Brothers on Thursday, The Silicone Taxis on Friday, and Unforgiven on Saturday.

Advance booking for all Sessions is strongly advised as seating is limited, and the chalets tend to sell first. Book online at derbymarketplace.co.uk or call the Sales and Information Centre on 01332 255800. If there is still availability, tickets can be booked on the day from the Derby Market Place on site box office, but these will be sold on a first come, first served basis.

A second market has been announced. Following on from the Vegan Market on Saturday 7th November, the Make and Trade Autumn Market takes place from 13th to 15th November.  Considerately curated by Mainframe from QUAD, the market will include chalets of craft, food and creativity. Mainframe is an initiative that brings together digital and creative businesses across Derby and Derbyshire, so browse and buy to support local creatives this autumn. Entry is free, but to maintain social distancing and allow you to shop in confidence, there will be a limit on the number of people allowed in at any one time.

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