The day we’ve been waiting for is almost here – the transformed Derby Market Hall reopens this Saturday 24 May! Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the big day. 

What is Derby Market Hall? 

The lovingly restored, Grade II-listed Victorian market hall is a flexible space that incorporates a modern street food dining area and bars, traditional and contemporary retail units, and creative spaces for artisan makers and traders. 

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 more. It’s also dog-friendly! 

When is it open? 

The transformed Market Hall will officially open at 11am on Saturday 24 May, almost 159 years to the day since its original grand opening. There will be a short opening ceremony outside the Osnabruck Square entrance. 

Usual opening times will be: 

  • Monday – Wednesday: 8am – 3pm 
  • Thursday – Saturday: 8am – 10pm 
  • Sunday: 11am – 3pm 

How do I get there?  

Derby Market Hall is at the heart of the city centre. There are entrances at Osnabruck Square, which is off Albert Street, and through the Guildhall Theatre, which is accessed from Derby Market Place. If you use what3words, it’s ///eating.pints.gangs. 

It couldn’t be easier to find if you’re travelling by bus – Derby Bus Station is just a couple of minutes’ walk away. If you’re driving, there are several car parks within walking distance including Bold Lane and Darwin Place. The nearest Blue Badge parking is in Morledge and Full Street. 

Who are the traders? 

Shopping and services: Explore a diverse range of traditional and contemporary stalls. Buy top-quality produce at Anthony Andrews ButchersOpens in new tab and Bailey’s FishmongersOpens in new tab. Derbyshire’s OwnOpens in new tab specialises in the best locally-sourced food and drink while Olivia’s Coffee and BakeryOpens in new tab will have artisan bread, pastries, specialty coffee, and fresh deli sandwiches. 

Pick up fashion finds at Mardy DucksOpens in new tab and PrelovedOpens in new tab, shop for your pets at Dawkins Pet SuppliesOpens in new tab, and find ethically sourced crystals and gifts at SpiritCrystalsOpens in new tab. Ayup BikesOpens in new tab specialise in servicing, repairs and maintenance classes and Derby City LabOpens in new tab will provide an interactive hub for engaging people in the latest regeneration projects in the city. 

Eat & Drink: Foodies will be in heaven with the cosmopolitan array of eateries on offer: 

Plus coming soon: The Spirit RunOpens in new tab – Distillery and bar, offering cocktails, locally-crafted spirits and more, from the team at Darley Abbey Wines. 

Make & Trade: On the first floor, you can meet local artists, makers and creators in our new Make & Trade spaces. LayerOpens in new tab create performance sportswear designed for athletes at all levels, while The Oddities StoreOpens in new tab is a luxury sustainable fashion brand specialising in made-to-order knitted collections and deconstructed fashion pieces. 

Regular pop-up traders will add to our permanent retail stalls, creating a vibrant community of independent businesses and products you won’t find anywhere else. 

What’s happening during opening week? 

Derby Market Hall will open with a spectacular week-long celebration packed with free music, creative workshops, and family-friendly activities – coinciding with the May half-term holiday. A detailed schedule of the week’s eventsOpens in new tab is available on the Derby Market Hall website. 

Highlights on opening day include live music from walkabout acts and sessions on the Market Hall stage. The musical entertainment will continue until 9:30pm, with a fantastic line-up of local talent including Carl North, Sura Laynes, Leah Wilcox, Anna Milne, and Mesha Terry. There will be workshops in photography, illustration and craft plus Virtual Reality headset sessions. 

The fun continues every day for the rest of the week and into the following weekend, with a packed programme featuring: 

  • Live music from talented local artists on the Market Hall stage 
  • Entertaining walkabout acts both indoors and outdoors, on Cornmarket and Osnabruck Square 
  • Theatre performances and virtual reality sessions in the Market Hall’s multi-use space 
  • Workshops in crafts, pottery, music, performance and songwriting 

But that’s just the start! Regular events will bring a buzz to Derby Market Hall throughout the year. 

How do I order food? 

When ordering food at Derby Market Hall, visitors are encouraged to use our new order and pay system, provided by Peazi.  

There’s no need to download an app, simply scan the QR code at your table, browse the menus and pay without having to leave your seat. You can order from multiple vendors at the same time, and you’ll receive a text message once your order is ready to collect. 

Ordering at the counter is still available from all of our traders, and cash is accepted when ordering directly. 

Is Derby Market Hall accessible? 

Thoughtful design with access and inclusion as a key priority ensures the Market Hall and its surrounding areas, including Osnabruck Square, are easily accessible and inclusive to all visitors. Features include: 

  • Levelled flooring to facilitate step free access 
  • New lift to provide access between the ground and first floors 
  • Changing Places toilet - the fifth in Derby’s city centre 
  • Muted colours to support visually impaired visitors and lighting designed at the correct lumens to improve visibility. Fixtures, fittings and furniture specifically colour contrasted to enhance accessibility 
  • Later in the summer, Osnabruck Square will reopen with accessible benches and dedicated disabled parking. 

Follow Derby Market Hall on FacebookOpens in new tab and InstagramOpens in new tab, or visit the websiteOpens in new tab, for all the latest information.