Music is on the menu at Derby Market Place, with some of the area’s finest acts lined up to keep diners entertained as the outdoor city centre venue enters its next phase.
Over the next four weekends, Alfresco Dining Sessions will feature live acoustic bands, DJ sets, and a steel pan band, giving the local cultural sector a boost while setting the scene for good times in a COVID-secure environment.
All the sessions are free, but we advise you to book your table in advance on the Derby Market Place website to avoid disappointment. You can also book by calling the Sales and Information Centre on 01332 255800.
Tables seat up to six people and all you pay for is your food, by ordering from one of our partner restaurants or bringing your own takeaway, and your drinks, which are brought straight to your table after you order online from the Derby Brewing Company.
To help ensure the health and wellbeing of our visitors and colleagues, all visitors must adhere to current government guidelines relating to Covid-19, and follow any other guidance provided at Derby Market Place. Our onsite team will be on hand to make sure we all stay as safe as possible.
Derby Market Place is supported by our media partner, Smooth Radio. The Alfresco Dining Sessions are the latest phase in the gradual opening-up of Derby Market Place in line with the lifting of Government restrictions.
Future plans include a marquee alongside the dining area. Tickets are now on sale for The Wind in the Willows, a summer family show by Derby Theatre, with more announcements to follow.
The full line up for the Alfresco Dining Sessions is as follows:
The Rockin’ Robin Sessions
Relaxing acoustic sounds, curated by Rockin’ Robins, perfect for chilling with friends. Each Session features four acts from Derby and the region, each playing 30 min sets.
Rockin' Robins is the brainchild of Professional Musician, Ben Tennett, who at just 24 has more than ten years’ experience of performing and working as a Drum Tech all over the UK and Europe.
With Ben’s infectious love for the local Music Scene, we are delighted to be bringing some fantastic musical talent to Derby Market Place. For more information on Rockin’ Robins head to their website or find them on social media @rockinrobinsdrumservices
Saturday 22 May, 12.00pm – 3.00pm and 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Saturday 12 June, 12.00pm – 3.00pm and 6.00pm – 9.00pm
The Baby People Sessions
Eat to the finest beats with a full session with live DJ, KB from Baby People, plus two guests.
Baby People is a music and arts development organisation, and the UK’s first dedicated Hip Hop school which uses art and culture to engage and support the needs of the most deprived in our communities.
Friday 28 May, 6.00pm – 9.00pm, with guests Ami Sharpe and Vybrant
Friday 11 June, 6.00pm – 9.00pm, with guests Keke Manikii and Tdot
The Pure Steel Sessions
Steel Pan group Pure Steel perform three 30 min sets, lighting up Derby Market Place with musical sunshine.
Founded in 2002, and evolving from Heanor Gate Science College's music department, Pure Steel have been playing fantastic steel pan music at events all over the country since their formation, and it's wonderful to bring them to Derby Market Place for some great sounding sessions.
Saturday 29 May, 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Saturday 5 June, 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Outside these events, you can book a table to enjoy from 12 noon to 3:00pm every day to enjoy the Derby Market Place Alfresco Dining Experience.
Derby City Council and partners in the private sector launched Derby Market Place in 2020 as part of a recovery plan for the city after the first lockdown, and to support the local hospitality industry.
Councillor Robin Wood, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said:
We are delighted to be bringing back Derby Market Place this year. This next phase enables us to support our local cultural partners, with exciting plans for the summer to welcome audiences back to live shows when it is safe to do so.