Derby was full of Christmas cheer as the crowds flocked to enjoy the Festive Derby celebrations. A record-breaking panto run, the ever-popular Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink and Nordic Bar, plus the stunning new light trail through the city centre combined to make it one of the most memorable festive seasons ever.
Derby LIVE and Little Wolf Entertainment’s Cinderella at Derby Arena was Derby’s highest grossing panto ever, as well as the best-attended panto in the arena’s history. It was enjoyed by almost 40,000 people, including almost 19,000 children, attracting sparkling reviews from audiences.
Derby City Council, Derby Museums, Derby Cathedral, Derby Theatre, QUAD, the Cathedral Quarter and St Peter’s Quarter Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Derbion worked in partnership to bring Christmas to the city, with Smooth Radio the media partner for Festive Derby.
The festivities kicked off with the Christmas Lights Switch-On event. It saw the city centre lit up by a city lantern parade as part of Surtal Arts’ Season of Light festival. Crowds flocked to see the live stage show in Corporation Street, which culminated in the official switch-on by stars of the panto Cinderella - with a little help from Santa Claus.
Back and even bigger for 2024 was the Nordic Bar, with Sami Tipi and Mambo Mobile Bars, situated inside the beautifully-decorated Festive Tipis. It offered an even-wider selection of festive drinks amid the twinkling fairy lights and disco balls, with a packed programme of free entertainment including live music, children’s entertainment and quiz nights attracting close to 23,000 visits.
Christmas lights in the Market Place. Image: AV IT Media
The Nordic Bar sat alongside the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink, with special events including a Christmas Eve party and sessions especially for toddlers. Almost 11,800 people got their skates on for a spin around the ice. The combined appeal of the ice rink and Nordic Bar proved more popular than ever, attracting almost 7,500 more visitors compared to the previous year.
New for 2024 was the Festive Derby Light Trail, which saw stunning light installations through the city centre from The Spot all the way to Cathedral Square, including the UK’s largest light-up Santa installation – powered by Tomato Energy – in the Market Place.
Festive food vendors, free outdoor entertainment and the giant snow globes all added to the city’s Christmas shopping and dining experience.
“Whether you’re here for the dazzling lights, festive drinks, or simply to soak in the Christmas spirit, Festive Derby 2024 offers something for everyone.” Derby Days Out
Christmas isn’t complete without a pantomime and Cinderella was a smash hit. The show, starring award-winning Dame Morgan Brind and TV star Mina Anwar, went down a treat with theatregoers and received dazzling reviews:
“Sumptuous and spectacularly realised, arena filling panto” The Stage
“A visually glittering spectacular” British Theatre Guide
“A true delight for audiences of all ages... 5/5” What’s Good To Do
“A lovely afternoon or evening out for all ages” West End Best Friend
“Truly magical” Theatre and Tonic
Roddy Peters and Morgan Brind as the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella. Image: Robert Day
Theatre goers also enjoyed Chicken Licken and A Christmas Carol at Derby Theatre and FairyTale: An Adventure with Lockheart and Hawkins at QUAD, which also hosted the Lost Boys Gallery Exhibition.
There were festive events at Derby Museum and Art Gallery and Pickford’s House, plus Christmas carol concerts, special services and events at Derby Cathedral, St Werburgh’s and St Peter’s Church.
Outside the city centre, Family Festivities returned to Markeaton Park on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December with even more fun for all ages. The free annual event featured a full programme of music from local bands and choirs, along with a craft fair, outside stalls, an elf trail, wreath making, plus festive food and drink. The popular event attracted hundreds of people over the two days.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, said:
Festive Derby 2024 has been the best Christmas our city has seen in many years, thanks to a fantastic Team Derby approach by the Christmas elves at Derby City Council, Cathedral Quarter BID, Love Sadler Gate and many more partners; all determined to deliver a Festive Derby to be proud of.
The UK’s largest light-up Santa has been a huge hit in the Market Place, along with the brilliantly busy Nordic Bar and ice rink. Partners have delivered a programme of entertainment, events and experiences, from Scrooge to Santa, and from community choirs to carols at the cathedral. I’ve loved hearing about people’s favourite festive moments in Derby.
The award-winning team behind Derby’s smash-hit pantos will be back next Christmas with the spectacular Dick Whittington at Derby Arena from Friday 5 December until Wednesday 31 December 2025. Tickets are priced from £20 to £35 with concessions available. Book now on the Derby LIVE website.