Content
Fab Five
January to March 2025 Events
Popular Places and Attractions
Eating and Drinking
January to March 2025 / English
Derby GuideWhat's On
Welcome to Derby
Welcome to Derby, where culture, innovation, and excitement come together in an unforgettable line-up of events! From vibrant festivals and live music to art exhibitions and food fairs, Derby’s calendar is packed with experiences that celebrate the city’s unique spirit. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there's always something new to explore, enjoy, and inspire in Derby.
Derby is set for a transformative year in 2025, bringing new energy, culture, and entertainment to the heart of the city with the opening of Becketwell Live, the reimagined Derby Market Hall and modernised community spaces.
Explore our interactive guide to discover what's happening in Derby - just click on any listing for more details.
You’ll find a sample of What’s On in this guide, head over to visitderby.co.uk for more great things to do and places to visit.
The Tourism Team at VisitDerby
Tourist Information
Derby Sales and Information Centre
19 Chapel Street,
Derby, DE1 3GU.
Don't Miss A Beat
Top things to do and authentic experiences you can't miss in Derby
FORMAT25: CONFLICTED
13 Mar 2025 - 30 Mar 2025
Derby QUAD & Cinema, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 3AS
FORMAT is the UK's leading international contemporary festival of photography.
Derby Book Festival 2025
14 Nov 2025 - 18 Nov 2025
Various Derby venues,
Derby Book Festival returns this autumn with author talks, workshops and stories to inspire.
Derby Caribbean Carnival 2025
20 Jul 2025
Derby City Centre & Osmaston Park,
Celebrating 50 golden years of the vibrant Derby Caribbean Carnival with Street performances, colour, music and festivities.
TK Maxx presents Derby Summer Sessions 2025
5 Jul 2025 - 13 Jul 2025
Vaillant Live, 2 Colyear Street, Derby DE1 1LA
Headline acts for Derby Summer Sessions include Simple Minds, Rag'N'Bone Man, Human League, Jess Glynne and Blossoms.
Darley Park Weekender 2025
29 Aug 2025 - 31 Aug 2025
Darley Park, DE22 1EN
The three day music event returns on Friday with 80s Mixtape, Saturday with the Ultimate 90s and Sunday, The Darley Park Concert.
Derby Market Hall
More Than A Market
Opening in Spring 2025, Derby’s historic Grade II-listed Market Hall is being transformed into a flagship dining, retail and events destination showcasing the very best of Derby, Derbyshire and the East Midlands.
With a modern street food dining area and bars, traditional and contemporary retail units, and creative spaces for artisan traders, Derby Market Hall will offer an exciting new experience for visitors.
Our vibrant community of over 40 independent businesses, including rotating pop-ups, has something for everyone. You’ll be able to shop a range of market stalls, selling everything from handcrafted jewellery from local artists to quality produce from local farmers.
Derby Market Hall will be the city's newest culinary hotspot, offering a vibrant dining experience in the heart of Derby. Indulge in delicious street food from around the world and quench your thirst with a selection of handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, and local beers.
An ongoing programme of events, activities and entertainment will bring the Market Hall to life throughout the week with regular themed markets, live music, DJs, craft workshops and food and drink events.
We can’t wait to welcome you in Spring 2025!
Seasonal Highlights
Derby is a lively city of events. From January to March, you can enjoy a great mix of festivals, celebrations, exhibitions and cultural events. Find below a small selection of great events, there’s lots more, see visitderby.co.uk/whats-on
Dracula Returns to Derby
Derby marks 100 years of Dracula! Celebrate his legacy with citywide events exploring his evolution from 1924 to today.
UK Ghost Story Festival 2025
14 Feb 2025 - 16 Feb 2025, 21 Feb 2025 - 23 Feb 2025
Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill, Silk Mill Lane, Derby DE1 3AF
UK Ghost Story Festival returns for its 5th year with workshops, talks, interviews, panels & more on all things spooky!
Lockheart & Hawkins’ Museum of Curiosities – QUAD Gallery
12 Dec 2024 - 16 Feb 2025
Derby QUAD & Cinema, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 3AS
QUAD gallery transforms into a Victorian steampunk museum, exploring fairytales with digital magic and storytelling!
Derby Comedy Club
Until Nov 2026
The Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Alvaston, Derby DE24 8UX
Welcome to the ever-popular Derby Comedy Club - your monthly home for big laughs and top-tier comedy!
The Music of U2 by Candlelight at Derby Cathedral
24 Jan 2025
Derby Cathedral, 18-19 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3GP
U2 fans, this is for you! The Music of U2 by Candlelight has arrived, promising an unforgettable night!
Petra Szemán – Towards a New Monomyth
28 Sep 2024 - 9 Feb 2025
Derby QUAD & Cinema, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 3AS
QUAD is thrilled to present the work of Petra Szeman and their exhibition ‘Towards a New Monomyth’.
Of Mice and Men
6 Feb 2025 - 1 Mar 2025
Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter's Quarter, Derby DE1 2NF
Of Mice and Men, based on Steinbeck's 1937 novella, explores timeless themes of friendship, migration, and prejudice.
Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny
7 Feb 2025
Derby Arena, Royal Way, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8JB
Love fast-paced, edgy humor? Get ready - Jimmy Carr is back on tour with his new show Laughs Funny!
Paul Smith - Pablo
19 Feb 2025 - 20 Feb 2025
Derby Arena, Royal Way, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8JB
Attention all comedy fans! Paul Smith is back and better than ever with his latest tour show, "Pablo".
Sam Scherdels UK Tour ‘Meet me on the moon’
22 Feb 2025
Dubrek Studios, 67 Bridge Street, Derby DE1 3LB
Sam Scherdel’s debut EP Meet Me on the Moon drops in Feb, followed by his UK-wide tour. Don’t miss it!
Good for a Girl
28 Feb 2025
Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter's Quarter, Derby DE1 2NF
Join Queensgate FC as they make history, advancing to the final rounds of the Women’s FA Cup for the first time!
The Super Duper 70s Show
1 Mar 2025
The Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Alvaston, Derby DE24 8UX
Stage Fever Productions is thrilled to present their sensational 70s show - prepare to be amazed!
Black Is The Color Of My Voice
4 Mar 2025
Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter's Quarter, Derby DE1 2NF
Inspired by the life of Nina Simone and featuring many of her most iconic songs performed live.
Buffy Revamped
5 Mar 2025 - 6 Mar 2025
Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter's Quarter, Derby DE1 2NF
This fast-paced gem brings you the entire 144 episodes of the hit 90s TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Pirates Love Underpants
7 Mar 2025 - 8 Mar 2025
Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter's Quarter, Derby DE1 2NF
Join our pirate crew on a swashbuckling adventure to find the fabled Pants of Gold for the Captain’s Treasure chest!
Art of Andalucia Flamenco Dance
7 Mar 2025
Derby Cathedral, 18-19 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3GP
“ART OF ANDALUCIA” is a captivating celebration of Daniel Martinez’s exceptional artistry in the world of flamenco.
Crooners Uncaged
14 Mar 2025
Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter's Quarter, Derby DE1 2NF
A rip roaring comedy music show with a splendiferous injection of Big Band swing.
A Tribute to Hans Zimmer and Film Favourites Illuminated
15 Mar 2025
Derby Cathedral, 18-19 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3GP
Cinema’s most iconic music performed by the Illuminated Orchestra, enhanced by a stunning light show!
Paddy's Day Carnival
15 Mar 2025
Bustler Derby, The Chocolate Factory, Siddalls Road, Derby DE1 2QD
An unforgettable celebration of Irish culture, featuring live Irish bands, mesmerizing dancers, and top-notch DJs.
Martin Kemp Live DJ set - Back to the 80's
22 Mar 2025
Bustler Derby, The Chocolate Factory, Siddalls Road, Derby DE1 2QD
Spandau Ballet star MARTIN KEMP will be taking to the decks and spinning all the best of the hits from the 80's!
An Audience with Dame Prue Leith
24 Mar 2025
Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter's Quarter, Derby DE1 2NF
Join a GBBO star judge for a night of culinary charm, stories, and an audience Q&A to ask your burning question.
American Odyssey
26 Mar 2025
Derby Cathedral, 18-19 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3GP
Dive into American classical music with Olivia Clarke and Nadine Benjamin, stars of our sell-out The Planets concert!
Explore Further Afield
On Derby’s doorstep is the stunning Peak District and Derbyshire. There is always a great selection of events, whatever time of year you visit. Find out more at visitderby.co.uk/whats-on
Making a House a Home: The Lives of Women in Service at Calke Abbey
1 Jan 2025 - 27 Feb 2025
Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derbyshire DE73 7LE
Follow in the footsteps of the remarkable women who cared for this great house.
How the 1st Duke Created Chatsworth - Winter Talk
24 Jan 2025
Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1PP
An expert-led talk exploring how the 1st Duke's Chatsworth was a product of it's time.
Get Drawing - Winter
25 Jan 2025
Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1PP
Explore the garden and create a series of observational drawings under expert tuition.
Collecting Old Masters Drawings - Winter Talk
31 Jan 2025
Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1PP
Discover the history of one of the richest private collections of Old Master drawings in the country.
Wet Felting Workshop
8 Feb 2025
Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1PP
Learn how to needle felt your own landscape picture with Linzi Pattison.
Half-Term History Makers at Bolsover Castle
15 Feb 2025 - 23 Feb 2025
Bolsover Castle, English Heritage, Castle Street, Bolsover, Derbyshire S44 6PR
Join characters from the past for heritage-inspired hijinks and hands-on shenanigans at Bolsover Castle this half term.
Jersey Boys Tribute Night
28 Feb 2025
Casa Hotel, Lockoford Lane, Chesterfield S41 7JB
Step back in time and relive the music and magic with our Jersey Boys Tribute.
From Tradition to Sustainability in the Production Garden - Winter Talk
28 Feb 2025
Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1PP
Join the Chatsworth Production Garden Team for an exploration of the estate’s historic production gardens.
Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football
4 Mar 2025 - 5 Mar 2025
Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Played in Ashbourne on Shrove Tuesday and Wednesday, this historic game is among the oldest forms of football.
Popular Places and Attractions
Derby is a vibrant city with lots of events throughout the year. Many events take place within our award winning attractions. There are always lots of things to see and do, particularly around celebrations and holidays. Here are a few of our attractions where there is always something to see and do.
Derby Museum & Art Gallery
The Strand, Derby DE1 1BS
Lots of treasures to explore and lots of activities for families to enjoy together at Derby Museums.
Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill
Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill, Silk Mill Lane, Derby DE1 3AF
Explore Derby’s 300-year history of making and enjoy events and activities for families to enjoy together.
Pickford's House
41 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1DA
Come and experience our unique museum in the show home of the Enlightenment architect Joseph Pickford.
Derby QUAD & Cinema
Derby QUAD & Cinema, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 3AS
QUAD is a CINEMA, GALLERY, BAR & LOUNGE and WORKSHOP that anyone can use.
Artcore
8 Albert Street, Osnabruck Square, Derby DE1 2DS
Derby’s vibrant international centre for contemporary art and creativity, gallery, artist studios, shop, and café.
Derby Cathedral
Derby Cathedral, 18-19 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3GP
A fascinating place to visit and a venue for musical and cultural excellence in the heart of the city.
Electric Daisy
1 - 4 Bold Lane, Derby DE1 3NT
A vibrant space where people connect, culture blooms, and nature takes the spotlight with great events happening.
Derbion
London Road, Derby DE1 2PQ
Conveniently located in the heart of Derby, Derbion is the city’s premier destination for shopping, dining, and…
Eating and Drinking
Indulge in a culinary adventure in Derby's vibrant food and drink scene. From cosy cafes and traditional pubs to award-winning restaurants and international cuisines.
Pieminister Derby
34 Victoria Street, Derby DE1 1ES
Award-winning pie feast, pies made using quality, sustainable ingredients, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free pies…
The Old Bell Hotel
51 Sadler Gate, Derby DE1 3NQ
The Old Bell Hotel is one of Derby's last surviving coaching inns and one of the city's oldest bars and restaurants.
Exeter Arms
Exeter Place, Derby DE1 2EU
Award Winning Pub, that has been packing them in with its cutting edge approach, all in a very traditional setting.
The Bookcafé Derby
21 Cornmarket, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 1QH
Great coffee, drinks & food are our passion; freshly made & locally sourced dishes on our menus.
Lorentes Darley Abbey
The Cotton Yard, Darley Abbey Mills, Derby DE22 1DZ
The flavours of Madrid and Barcelona, set in a riverside bistro within the World Heritage site of Darley Abbey Mills.
BEAR Derby Irongate
7 Iron Gate, Derby, DE1 3FJ
Offering all-day dining from a locally-sourced menu, including an abundance of fresh seasonal treats.
BOA Derby
32/33 Sadler Gate, Derby DE1 3NR
BOA brings a fresh take on street food, cocktails and tapas to Derby.
The Pepperpot
Nightingale Quarter, London Road, Derby DE1 2UH
Exceptional dishes using the finest locally sourced produce. Awarded AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence 2024-2025.
Glamberry Café
10 The Strand, Derby DE1 1BQ
A chic boutique-style café, offering a range of artisan cakes, desserts, and a variety of hot and cold drinks.
Houseboat
89 - 91 St Peters Street, Derby DE1 2AB
Authentic Kerala flavours, enjoy South Indian dishes in a cosy houseboat-inspired setting.
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Experiences
Unlock a world of unforgettable experiences, plan your next thrilling adventure in Derby and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Letterpress Workshops
The Smallprint Co, 2-3 Friary Street, Derby DE1 1JF
Learn the intricacies of letterpress printing, typography, and bookbinding at our heritage print and design studio.
Spa Treatments at Breadsall Priory
Delta Hotels by Marriott Breadsall Priory Country Club, Moor Road, Morley, Derby DE7 6DL
Relax on a spa day and enjoy access to a leisure centre with gym, classes, pool and jacuzzi.
The Escape Room Guys
1-5 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3FJ
Try a range of immersive escape rooms, perfect for team-building and family outings.
Derby After Dark - Ghost Walks & Vigils
Various locations, Derby
Derby has plenty of spooky experiences waiting for you.... if you dare!
All details correct at time of going to print, January 2025.
All details correct at time of going to print, January 2025.
Derby Summer Sessions