Derby Arena has reopened its doors for sports and events, now its time as Derbyshire’s mass vaccination centre has come to an end.
With COVID-19 vaccinations moving to Midland House, Derby Arena can once again welcome visitors safely to enjoy exciting shows and track cycling.
While the gym and health and fitness facilities were able to remain open when Government restrictions allowed, a number of scheduled shows had to be postponed and the velodrome had to stay closed.
Councillor Ross McCristal, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said:
No one could have predicted how Derby Arena would help so many of us increase our protection against COVID-19. Everyone involved in running the mass vaccination centre should feel rightly proud.
Now that vaccinations have moved to their new location at Midland House, it’s time to get back on track and let Derby Arena do what it does best. It’s time to start coming back to enjoy what we’ve missed, while continuing to Do the Right Thing for Derby and treating each other with consideration.
Now track cycling sessions are back and are easier than ever to book using the free InDerby app. Make sure you’ve added Derby Active as a club, and simply click on the bike icon. The app allows you to see real-time session information and also gives you access to great content about things to see and enjoy with In Derby.
You can still book online through the Derby Arena website or by phone on 01332 640011. If you haven’t registered for online booking, you will need your membership number.
To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable return to the track, we will have some new guidance to follow on booking your session to ensure everyone is riding at their current ability. There will also be some continued COVID-19 rules in place at the venue to support your safe return.
The entertainment gets under way with the Elvis Tribute Artist World Tour on Thursday 14 October. Three of America’s leading Elvis tribute artists, Shawn Klush, Dean Z and Cody Ray Slaughter, are backed by an incredible live band and orchestra. Tickets start at £33.
Seven Drunken Nights brings the story of one of Ireland’s favourite band, The Dubliners, to the Arena stage on Saturday 30 October. Enjoy a musical career spanning 50 years in this ultimate feel good Irish show. Tickets are from £26.50.
While tickets are available for both shows, dates for two of the country’s leading stand-up comedians have now sold out – Jimmy Carr on Saturday 23 October and Sarah Millican on Friday 29 October.
Don’t press the snooze button, because now is the time to buy your tickets for Sleeping Beauty, the Derby pantomime, which runs from Friday 10 December to Saturday 8 January. After being postponed in 2020, the team behind Jack and the Beanstalk and Peter Pan are back to lift the spell, with former EastEnders star Rita Simons appearing as the evil Carabosse. Tickets are available from £29.50 with concessions and offers available.
Due to the large number of postponed events, day-to-day sports on the infield will not be resuming until Tuesday 1 February 2021.
A number of safety measures will be in place to keep visitors safe and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Measures will be influenced by Government and industry guidance, but hand washing, social distancing and face coverings will be encouraged. Hand sanitising stations will also be available around the Arena, and visitors should not attend if they show any COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive.
Looking ahead, there are lots of shows to look forward to in 2022. January sees The Circus of Horrors and a celebration of the music of Tina Turner in What’s Love Got To Do With It? Further highlights include RuPaul’s Drag Race UK: The Official Tour on Friday 25 March. Full listings and ticket information is available at the Derby LIVE website.