The sun will be out, so make the most of the Bank Holiday right here in Derby. The Darley Park Weekender will be taking over the beautiful natural amphitheatre of Darley Park as it returns for it’s second year. After last year’s success the event has grown to Fri-Sun event, with music, fireworks and activities for the whole family.
Kicking off the party is Classic Ibiza on Friday 26 August with the Balearic beats with a live orchestra transporting us back to the white isle. On Saturday 27 August a new addition will be joining the weekender line up in the form of 80s Mix Tape. Featuring the icons from the era, Nik Kershaw, Carol Decker and DJ Pat Sharp along with local four-piece band Cassette Roulette. Donna Alos the presenter of BBC Radio Derby weekend breakfast shows will also be hosting 80s Mix Tape. Closing the weekend is the return of the much-loved Darley Park Concert, conducted by James Holmes, with soloists Helen Power, Dan Gill and Preetha Narayanan also appearing. Your hosts for the Sunday will be BBC Radio Derby presenters Andy Twigge and Sally Pepper. The mayor of Derby and Derby’s award-winning Dame Morgan Brind will also be making an appearance.
The evening will help celebrate Sinfonia Viva’s 40th Anniversary showcasing classical music and a spectacular firework finale. For timings see the Derby Live website for more information.
If you are joining us this weekend don’t forget the bring you can bring your own picnics, and your preferred alcoholic tipple. There is food and drink available on site, with a bar serving a selection soft drinks.
Derby City Council would not be able to stage the weekend without our partners in the city and region. The Weekend is supported by Huub, Meridian Business Support, Project D, and RDS. Sinfonia Viva is supported by PRS Productions, and Rolls Royce. Our media partner is BBC Radio Derby.
While the met office is predicting fine weather, we would always advise wear sensible shoes, warm clothes and bring waterproofs with you. You can find all you need to know about the event on the FAQs page. All events across the weekend will be BSL sign interpreted. Tickets are available for Classic Ibiza, 80s Mix Tape and The Darley Park Concert on the Derby LIVE website. Tickets can also be purchased at the Sales and Information Centre Riverside Chambers, Full Street, Derby, DE1 3AF, or by calling 01332 255 800.
Car parking is available at Chapel Street and the Assembly Rooms car park sites. 24-hour parking is available for £4 which is payable on exit with cash or card. Similarly, parking at St Benedicts Catholic Voluntary Academy will be available on a first come first serve basis for £5 cash only. There is also limited parking available at Darley Village near the Cricket Club for Blue Badge Holders. The full details about parking can be found on the FAQs page on our website.
We urge everyone to remember that this year various road closures are in place around Darley Mills, including the Darley Abbey Toll bridge. Customers are advised that it may take longer to get to the event due to the closure of this bridge.
Elsewhere in Derby this Bank Holiday, there is still chance to catch Forest of the Future, which has seen The Market Place in Derby transformed into a woodland wonderland. The last of our summer holiday activities will be taking place join us for Summer Badminton Fun (5-11 years) at Springwood Leisure Centre or test your golf skills with Pitch and Putt at Markeaton Park, suitable for ages eight and over. Young bookworms can join the Summer Reading Challenge which helps children of all reading abilities maintain their reading skills over the summer break. The summer Reading Challenge is the UK library sector’s biggest free annual reading event and runs until the 5 Sep.
Find out more about holiday activities and events across Derby at Inderby.org.uk