Two free community events to bring summer fun to Derby

Published: 20 May 2024

Families can look forward to two fun-filled community events in Derby this summer. The Big 1 at Chaddesden Park and the Alvaston Park Community Fun Day are back for 2024.

Both the free events will be brimming with live entertainment, games, stalls and an array of delicious food that are sure to make them a great day out for all ages.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Derby City Council cabinet member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, said:

As a Council, we’re proud to work alongside our partners to bring Derby’s diverse communities together for events like these, which are always a great day out for everyone. Both have a fantastic range of entertainment and activities lined up, so come along and join in with the fun!

The Big 1 will take place on Sunday 2 June, from 11am until 4pm. The annual event is produced by Derby City Council in association with Chaddesden East Neighbourhood Board, Chaddesden Traders Association, Friends of Chaddesden Park and Age UK, and sponsored by AW Lymn.

Attractions will include wrestling demonstrations from Aspire Community and Wrestling Alliance, large inflatables and Stickfit sessions. For those who don’t know, StickFit combines music, physical education and a touch of science to offer an immersive way of learning that is guaranteed to make the stomach ache from laughing and leave the mind and body feeling good! So why not give it a try?!

The popular dog show, sponsored by Scarsdale Vets in Oakwood, will have opportunities for your four-legged friends to win prizes in the cute, command and quirky categories, plus the coveted title of overall Best in Show, which will be announced at 3pm. Registration opens at 11am and costs £2, or three goes for £5.

There’ll also be a full programme of entertainment on the stage, with performances by local artists, musicians and dance schools.

It will be a shoppers’ paradise with stalls selling handmade gifts, jewellery, natural dog treats and pet products, home and cosmetic fragrances, crystals and dream catchers, children’s toys and books and plants. Food lovers can pick up some tasty homemade jams and chutneys, baked treats and cheeses or, if you fancy, you can have your hair braided, get a henna tattoo or have your face painted!

If you’re hungry, tantalise your tastebuds with Indian street food, Caribbean food, hotdogs and burgers plus ice cream, hot desserts, pick n mix and hot drinks.

As if that wasn’t enough, you can enjoy the thrills and spills of the funfair which will be at the park from Thursday 30 May until the big day on June 2. It will be open 6pm until 10pm on Thursday 30 May and Friday 31 May, 2pm until 10pm on Saturday 1 June and 11am until 6pm on Sunday 2 June, with the last ride at 5.30pm.

There’ll be more fun as Alvaston Park Community Fun Day returns on Sunday 21 July at 12noon until 4pm, in partnership with Alvaston Park Friends group. The event is sponsored by Riverside, Derbyshire Foundation, PPL/PRS, Alvaston Pirates Model Boat Club and Alvaston, Allenton and Wilmorton Neighbourhood Board.

Again, there’ll be wrestling demonstrations from Aspire Community and Wrestling Alliance, large inflatables and Stickfit sessions to enjoy, plus a bubble and circus workshop.

Enjoy a packed programme of live entertainment on the stage and take part in the dog show. A fun fair will be open for the duration of the event.

A huge selection of stallholders will be selling their wares, with handmade gifts, natural dog treats and pet products, jewellery, children’s toys, clothing and homeware. You can pick up some tasty treats including cookies, brownies, blondies and old school cakes, plus there will be hair braiding and games for everyone to enjoy.  

You certainly won’t go hungry, with caterers offering Indian street food, Caribbean food, a hog roast plus hot dogs and burgers. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll be spoiled for choice with candy floss, fresh popcorn, ice creams, hot desserts, slushies and sweet cones on sale. Entry is free and parking costs £2.

Go to the DerbyLIVE website for details of these events and to find out what else is going on in the city.

Children, Community, Events