It has become a landmark event in the Derby calendar and as this year’s event kicks off tonight (Fri 25 Aug) we’re delighted to announce that The Darley Park Weekender will return for 2024, with tickets on sale at 10am.
As thousands of people gear up to attend the 2023 Weekender, we can confirm that 80s Mix Tape and Ultimate 90s will both be back next year with brand new, exciting line-ups.
80s Mix Tape, in what will be its third year, will once again be transporting us back to the era famous for its shoulder pads and perms, where leggings were a staple, and the music was epic. Next year, on Friday 30 August 2024, will see Jason Donovan, Chesney Hawkes and Scott Mills take to the stage in this party to remember.
Jason Donovan broke many hearts as boy-next-door Scott Robinson in Neighbours, before going on to top the charts alongside co-star Kylie Minogue with Especially for You. His career as popstar and actor went stellar, with highlights including 1989 album Ten Good Reasons and his performance in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in the West End.
Chesney Hawkes rose to fame with massive number one hit The One and Only and went on to have a varied career as popstar, musical theatre actor and television personality.
DJ Scott Mills has been ruling the BBC Radio 1 and 2 airwaves since 1998, after starting his career in the 80s aged just 16. He’ll take the party up a notch as he takes to the decks performing a banging 80s DJ set.
Joining them will be The 80s Reunion, a four-piece tribute act that authentically recreate the look and sound of the decade. With awesome dancers and a live band, they will recreate some of the very best chart-topping hits from icons such as Duran Duran, The Human League, Madonna, Eurythmics and more.
It joined the Weekender for the first time this year, and Ultimate 90s will see another crop of poptastic names heading to Derby on Saturday 31 August 2024, with Honeyz, Chris Moyles and special guests Blue on the line-up.
R&B girl group Honeyz had five UK top 10 hits Finally Found, End of the Line, Love of a Lifetime, Never Let You Down and Won't Take It Lying Down. Original members Celena Cherry and Mariama Goodman will take to the stage to bang out the hits.
The Darley Park Concert
Brit Award-winning boyband Blue, consisting of members Simon Webbe, Duncan James, Antony Costa and Lee Ryan, have sold 15 million records worldwide. All Rise for multiple hits including Too Close, If You Come Back and Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word.
DJ Chris Moyles is best known for The Chris Moyles Show, on BBC Radio 1 from 2004 and more recently on Radio X. The show came live from Derby’s Guildhall Theatre in 2010, with guests McFly! He’ll take the party up a notch as he takes to the decks with his 90s Hangover DJ set.
Joining them will be the Ultimate Boy Band Party Show, taking you back to the 90s with over 30 number one hits. With more key-changes than a Casio PT-50 the boys will be body poppin’ to bangers from Take That, Nsync and The Backstreet Boys as well as stepping from their stools for favourites from Westlife and many more… cue the wind machine!
Local Derby band Cassette Roulette are a five-piece band made up of full-time professional musicians and two of the best female singers around. They’ve entertained crowds at hundreds of events across the UK, playing the perfect mix of old favourites and modern classics to keep the dance-floor full, all killer no filler! They will be performing at both the 80s Mix Tape and Ultimate 90s.
Then on Sunday 1 September, audience favourite The Darley Park Concert will close The Darley Park Weekender 2024. The concert, which has been taking place for three decades, will have more classical music from Sinfonia Viva and the traditional fireworks in one of the UK’s biggest outdoor classical concerts.
As the Orchestra of the East Midlands, Sinfonia Viva has been a well-loved and respected organisation since its formation in 1982. As well as performing around the country, it is devoted to delivering creative community projects.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, said:
We’re so excited that the Darley Park Weekender is coming back next year. It really has become a highlight of Derby’s calendar and is enjoyed by thousands of people, both from the city and the wider area.
I hope everyone who’s coming along to this weekend’s event has a fantastic time. With next year’s line-up looking so brilliant, I’m sure many people will soon be booking their tickets for 2024.
Tickets for The Darley Park Weekender 2024 are on sale from 10am today. Buy now to get tickets for Ultimate 90s and 80s Mix Tape at the amazing Early Bird price of just £25 for adults until the 30 September 2023, under 16s £15 and under 5s going free. Tickets for The Darley Park Concert bought before 31 July 2024 are from just £5 for adults, under 16s are £2. Tickets can be bought on the Derby LIVE website or at the Sales and Information Centre, Guildhall Theatre, Market Place, Derby, DE1 3AE, or by calling 01332 255 800.