A splendid night of classical music will mark the culmination of this year’s Darley Park Weekender.
The Darley Park Concert is the third and final act of Derby’s extravaganza of entertainment.
Set in the beautiful surroundings of Darley Park, this year’s Weekender starts on Friday 30 August with 80s Mix Tape, featuring Jason Donovan, Chesney Hawkes and a DJ set from Scott Mills. On Saturday 31, it’s Ultimate 90s with Honeyz, Blue and the Chris Moyles 90s Hangover. To round off the weekend on Sunday 1 September, families can enjoy Music from the Movies with orchestra Sinfonia Viva.
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. The orchestra’s appearance at Darley Park is supported by Rolls-Royce.
The Darley Park Concert, which has been taking place for three decades, is staged by Derby LIVE, Derby City Council’s arts and events arm, with support from Bloc Digital, Circulayo, Fortitude MSP, HUUB, Sami Tipi, Tomato Energy, University of Derby and Ward Recycling. Andy Twigge and Jack Tymon from our media partner Radio Derby’s Breakfast Show will be hosting.
Timothy Redmond will be back as this year’s conductor, joined by soloist Nicky Spence. Timothy is a regular guest conductor with the London Symphony and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras, co-founder of the international conducting masterclasses And Other Duties and is conductor and co-creator of the Royal Albert Hall’s My Great Orchestral Adventure concert series.
Opera singer Nicky is an artist and broadcaster aiming to bring more people to classical music than ever before. Upcoming appearances include the Peter Grimes Programme at the Welsh National Opera and a return to Glyndebourne Festival and Royal Opera House to sing Boris Katya Kabanova and Laca Jenůfa respectively.
The audience will be treated to a thrilling setlist including music from movies including ET, Superman, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Sound of Music and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, to name but a few, along with a host of other well-loved pieces.
The event will close with the traditional fireworks finale rendition of Land of Hope and Glory, which has proved to be a highlight for audiences over the years.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said:
The Darley Park Concert is always a highlight of the summer and a fantastic opportunity to enjoy music from our renowned orchestra for a brilliant ticket price.
It’s the perfect evening to enjoy with family and friends, rounding off what promises to be a fantastic weekend from start to finish. Don’t forget your picnic.
This year’s concert, which starts at 6pm, will be opened by Derby-born DJ Sapphire, who has been DJing for 15 years. Her show on YouTube went viral in March 2023 and she’s now the world’s number one DJ specialising in Smooth Jazz.
DJ Sapphire will be followed by the Derby West Indian Community Association Steel Pans, a community-based group set up to bring steel band music to the city of Derby and further afield. They are led by Lionel McCalman, former leader of Nostalgia Steelband and renowned as a ‘godfather’ of steel band music in the UK.
Also performing will be the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) Staff Wellbeing Choir, who will join Sing Viva on stage after Act One. The UHDB Staff Wellbeing Choir was founded by Air Arts, as a way to support wellbeing for the Staff of University Hospitals of Derby and Burton during the Covid Pandemic. Led by Felicity Biacsi, they sing an eclectic mix of songs and their main aim is to have a great time whilst singing great music.
Sing Viva is Sinfonia Viva’s community choir dedicated to those in caregiving or support roles. Sing Viva’s members pride themselves on singing an exciting and diverse range of choral favourites.
Tickets for The Darley Park Weekender 2024 are on sale now. Advance tickets for Ultimate 90s or 80s Mix Tape are priced at £29.50 for adults and £15 for children aged 5-16. Under 5s are free. Buy tickets for both Ultimate 90s and 80s Mix Tape at the same time and save £5.
Tickets bought on the day are priced at £35 for adults. £15 for ages 5-16 with under 5s free. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Advance tickets for The Darley Park Concert are just £7 for adults and £4 for under 16s. On the day, it’s £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s.
The quickest way to book is online. You can also buy tickets from the Sales and Information Centre inside the Guildhall Theatre, Market Place, Derby, DE1 3AE or call 01332 255800.