Derby Market Hall will hold a special programme of events to celebrate the 160th anniversary of its opening later this month.

Since its foundation stone was laid in 1864, the Market Hall has been a cornerstone of local life. From its official opening on 29 May 1866, the building has survived fires, wars, and even a 1950s proposal to replace it with a helicopter landing pad. 

Following a meticulous restoration, Derby Market Hall was reopened last year, ready to embrace the future while honouring its past.

The anniversary will be celebrated with a week of events, including themed pop-up markets during May bank holiday weekend, the popular Farmers’ Market, plus a host of creative and family-friendly workshops.

The festivities begin on Saturday 23 May, the late May Bank Holiday Weekend, marking one year since the Market Hall’s grand 2025 reopening. Osnabruck Square and the Market Hall interior will transform with vintage-themed entertainment and events including the Indie Crafters Carnival and Northern Soul Night on Saturday, and Derby Farmers’ Market on Sunday 24 May.

For May half term, families can enjoy craft activities and music workshops, as well as a SEND Friendly Market Day on Wednesday 27 May. It will be a welcoming, inclusive drop-in event for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), alongside their families and carers.  

Later that week, check out the Derby Young Traders Market on Saturday 30 May to see what the city’s next generation of entrepreneurs is up to. Then, on Sunday 31 May, the Derby Makers Market will feature a diverse range of products and a vibrant shopping experience.

Visitors can explore an artifact display in the upstairs gallery, featuring rare items from the Market Hall’s past, and a specially created audio tour. ‘160 Years of Derby Market Hall’ is an immersive audio experience that brings to life the rich history of the iconic space. From the bustle of Victorian traders to the grand re-opening in 2025, this short journey through time uncovers the sights, sounds, and stories that have echoed through the Market Hall’s grand interior for generations.

The celebrations will provide the opportunity to find out more about the building’s fascinating history, highlights of which include: 

1864–1866: Foundation & Opening
The Victorian landmark began with a foundation stone laid in 1864. After a redesign of its famous iron roof by Rowland Mason Ordish, it officially opened on 29 May 1866.

1872: The Police Tunnel
To avoid marching criminals through the market crowd, a tunnel was built connecting the police lock-up to the Guildhall. It still exists underground today.

1895–1897: The Lighting Dispute
Electric lighting was installed in 1895 but proved so unpopular with stallholders – who found it too dim – that the market actually switched back to gas for several years.

1908: Near Disaster
The hall narrowly escaped destruction when two young boys lit 16 separate fires inside the building. Disaster was only averted by the fires being discovered early.

1917–1945: War and Tunnels
During the First World War, the tunnels were used to transport Alice Wheeldon during her high-profile trial for a plot against the Prime Minister. During the Second World War, they served as air raid shelters and storage for emergency coffins.

1951: The Helipad Plan
A town planning proposal suggested moving the market out of the Market Hall. This does not come to fruition – nor does the proposed town centre helicopter landing pad.

1977: Listed Status
The Market Hall’s architectural importance was officially recognised on 24 February 1977, when it became a Grade II Listed Building.

2018–2025: Restoration
A major, multi-million-pound refurbishment began in 2018. During the work, two time capsules were discovered ahead of the grand reopening on 25 May 2025.

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

This anniversary is not just a celebration of this beautiful building, but also the people – the generations of makers, traders and shoppers that make it the beating heart of our city.

We’re marking this milestone with a vibrant mix of events that both honours the Market Hall’s rich history and looks ahead to its future with the next generation of traders and shoppers.

For full event listings, please visit the Derby Market Hall website.