Christmas officially kicked off in Derby as thousands of people gathered in the city centre for the Christmas Lights Switch-On. Festive Derby 2024 officially launched on Saturday 30 November, with live entertainment, ice-skating, festive food and family activities.
Skaters took to the ice as the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink opened for the first time, enjoyed a festive tipple in the Nordic Bar and took in the new Festive Derby Light Trail, which features several stunning light installations through the city centre from The Spot all the way to Cathedral Square.
Crowds enjoyed a fun-filled stage show in Corporation Street from 4pm, presented by Smooth Radio presenters Gareth Evans and Emma Caldwell. Performers included the choir from The Invisible Friends, a Derby-based charity raising awareness of Invisible Disabilities, plus music from local bands The Public Eye and Cassette Roulette.
Dragon dance from DANS Dance Company and Dhol Frequency Drummers and Bollywood Dancers from Surtal Arts also took to the stage following the dazzling Derby Lantern Parade.
Panto stars from Cinderella joined the fun, with award-winning dame Morgan Brind (one of the Ugly Sisters), Mina Anwar (Fairy Godmother) and Nicola Martinus-Smith (Dandini) helping with the big switch-on. They were joined by Leader of Derby City Council, Councillor Nadine Peatfield, the Mayor of Derby Councillor Ged Potter – and Santa!
The Market Place and Cathedral Quarter were packed as families enjoyed fairground rides, met the cheeky elves, grumpy Grinch, Gingerbread Men, and the Ice King and Queen on their walkabouts, and grabbed a festive photo in the giant snow globe and with the UK’s largest light-up Santa, powered by Tomato Energy. The food stalls, serving up tasty treats including authentic German sausages, Yorkshire pudding wraps, loaded fries, donuts and crepes, also proved popular.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield said:
Wow, what a fantastic evening we had on Saturday! It was wonderful to welcome around 3,500 people to enjoy the Christmas Lights Switch-On. We all got into the festive spirit with music, dance, laughter and even ‘snow’!
I’d like to say a huge thank you to all our partners and sponsors across the city. Together we’ve delivered another fantastic Festive Derby, showcasing the richness and diversity of our city.
The icing on the cake is the amazing feedback and happy faces. So many people have commented that this is the best Christmas we’ve delivered in years.
This year Festive Derby is bigger than ever and features events and attractions brought to you by Derby City Council, The Cathedral Quarter BID, St Peter’s Quarter BID and a range of other city partners.
You can book your tickets now for a spin around the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink with family and friends, while the cosy Nordic Bar will be serving up a programme of free entertainment over the coming weeks, alongside its selection of hot and cold festive drinks. They will be open until New Year’s Eve (Tuesday 31 December).
There will be a host of other shows, events and entertainment going on for all ages, including Fairy Tale: An Adventure with Lockheart and Hawkins at QUAD, Chicken Licken at Derby Theatre and the spectacular panto Cinderella at Derby Arena.
Add on fantastic festive shopping and a wealth of places to eat and drink and you’ve got the recipe for the perfect Christmas experience. Go to the Festive Derby website for full details.