Last year we know that we fell short of expectations in some areas of The Darley Park Weekender. We want you to know that we’ve listened, that your feedback is valued, and that we’ve committed to making changes to improve the customer experience.
Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities at The Darley Park Weekender. To ensure a secure and fun experience for everyone, including other park users, we have important safety measures and restrictions in place.
Full details can be found at on the Derby Live websiteOpens in new tab. If you need any help or have queries, please contact us ahead of the event on 01332 255800 or email derbylive@derby.gov.uk.
You said: Queues were slow at the event entrance on Sunday, and the increased security checks seemed excessive.
We did: We'll have more security lanes open during peak times to keep delays to a minimum. There’s entertainment on stage as soon as the gates open, so please consider getting here earlier on, when queues should be shorter to minimise your wait.
You said: Security at the event entrance asked for the contents of flasks and kids juice bottles to be poured away.
We did: Whilst we can’t allow filled flasks and unsealed soft drinks on site, we are providing access to hot water for you to fill your flasks on site, as well as our usual provision of cold water, all available for free. Empty plastic bottles or sealed soft drinks are still allowed. If you need to bring unsealed baby milk/formula please contact us ahead of the event.
You said: Bar queues were long and slow, some of you missed getting back to see acts on stage.
We did: We’ve got bigger bars, more serving points, and cocktails (which can take longer to make) will be available from separate serving points.
You said: The Sunday fireworks display was poor, not as good as previous years.
We did: We are investing in improved pyrotechnics for this year’s display.
You said: No trolleys were allowed on site and there was no trolley park outside the entrance.
We did: Whilst we can’t admit trolleys to the site, we will have a trolley park outside the event entrance, to allow transportation of items for those who need it. Please note trolleys are left at your own risk. We understand some people may need assistance. If you have specific access needs, including the use of a trolley or other aid, please email us before the event at derbylive@derby.gov.uk. We'll assess each request individually and do our best to help. We also have an access entrance and wheelchair platform that allows for customers to have an improved view of the stage and hard-standing access to the site.
You said: Water ran out on wash bays near the toilets.
We did: We will ensure they are more regularly checked, cleaned and have water available.
You said: Some of you felt sound was poor on Sunday and you couldn’t hear from the zones furthest away from the stage.
We did: Sound technicians are aware of the cause of this issue and will adjust levels accordingly. We will also monitor sound levels at regular intervals throughout the concert.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said:
The Darley Park Weekender is one of Derby’s most exciting events, and we're committed to making it the best and most enjoyable experience for everyone.
We've listened to your feedback from last year's event, and our teams have worked hard to implement changes that will make a real difference. Come along and join us for an even better event this year!
The Darley Park Weekender is back for summer 2025, with three days of musical entertainment, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Darley Park.
80s Mix Tape returns on Fri 29 Aug with Bananarama, Haircut 100, The Fizz, Gary Davies and Cassette Roulette. Ultimate 90sOpens in new tab follows on Sat 30 Aug, featuring poptastic icons Heather Small, East 17, 911, Damage, Mark Angels and Cassette Roulette. Rounding off the weekend on Sun 31 Aug is The Darley Park ConcertOpens in new tab, Derby's annual spectacular evening of classical music, with Sinfonia Viva.
Save on tickets by buying in advance. Tickets bought in advance for 80s Mix Tape or Ultimate 90s are £27 for adults, £15 for children aged 5 -15 and under 5s are free. Tickets bought on the day are £38 for adults. £15 for ages 5-15 with under 5s free. Tickets bought in advance for The Darley Park Concert are £6 for adults and £3 for children aged 1 -15. Tickets bought on the day are £11 for adults and £6 for ages 1-15.
New for 2025, are VIP Darley Garden experience tickets. Enjoy access to our exclusive VIP area which has it's own bar, toilets and a great view of the main stage. You can also beat the queues with your own fast track entry! VIP tickets for 80s Mix Tape or Ultimate 90s are £65, VIP tickets for The Darley Park Concert are £30.
Tickets are available on the Derby Live websiteOpens in new tab, from or at the Sales and Information Centre, Chapel Street Arts Centre, Chapel Street, Derby, DE1 3GU, or by calling 01332 255800.