Derby City Council’s Derby LIVE has been named as the Public’s Business of the Year following a public vote.

The win at the Lots for Tots Awards follows closely on the heels of Derby LIVE and Little Wolf Entertainment’s record-breaking production of Cinderella receiving nominations in two categories at the UK Pantomime Association’s Pantomime Awards.

The Lots for Tots AwardsOpens in new tab recognise and celebrate the exceptional businesses and individuals who make a positive impact on the lives of families throughout Derbyshire.

The Public’s Business of the Year Award specifically honours family-focused organisations that work with or support families and children in the Derbyshire area. This award, along with only one other category, was entirely decided by public vote, highlighting the strong connection Derby LIVE has with the local community.

Upcoming family entertainment presented by Derby LIVE and partners includes the St George’s Day celebrationsOpens in new tab in the city centre on Saturday 26 April, the Pop-up Theatre events at Markeaton ParkOpens in new tab in June and Derby Parks’ Superhero PicnicsOpens in new tab in July.

Derby LIVE’s award success comes after their spectacular pantomime Cinderella, a collaboration with Little Wolf Entertainment, was recognised on a national stage at the UK Pantomime Association’s Pantomime Awards. Facing competition from hundreds of productions across the country, Cinderella received nominations for:

Carmen Silvera Award for Best Magical Being – Mina Anwar (Fairy Godmother)
Best Sisters – Morgan Brind and Roddy Peters

While Cinderella didn't take home the trophies at last weekend’s Awards Ceremony, the nominations themselves are a testament to the high-quality family entertainment produced by Derby LIVE and Little Wolf Entertainment.

The cast of the 2024 panto Cinderella

The cast of Cinderella

Little Wolf won two awards, with their production of Snow White at Loughborough Town Hall named as Best Pantomime (500-900 seats), and Emma Robertson receiving the award for Best Newcomer to the Industry for her role in the same show.

Derby LIVE and Little Wolf are already hard at work creating this year’s magical Derby Arena pantomime, Dick WhittingtonOpens in new tab. Following the unprecedented success of Cinderella, which was Derby’s highest-grossing and best-attended pantomime in the arena’s history, tickets for Dick Whittington are expected to be in high demand. Tickets are on sale now, and families are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said: 

Since I passed on the ownership of Lots for Tots back in 2022, the business has gone from strength to strength and it’s wonderful to see their annual awards taking off here in Derby. Derby LIVE has been rightly recognised for their tireless work, bringing vibrancy and family fun to Derby. I’m so proud of the entire team.

This recognition, together with the incredible success of Cinderella, fuels our passion for providing these events and we can’t wait to share the magic of Dick Whittington this year.

Book tickets for Dick Whittington at derbylive.co.ukOpens in new tab or by calling 01332 255800. The show will be at Derby Arena from Friday 5 December until Wednesday 31 December 2025. Book before 31 May to get tickets at the Early Bird price of £20-£35. Concessions and family ticket savings are available.