The Darley Park Weekender is returning for a spectacular three days of live music and family entertainment. Staged by Derby LIVE, Derby City Council’s arts and events team, in partnership with local sponsors, the festival offers an unmissable highlight to the summer season. 

The action kicks off on Friday 21 August with global pop royalty Billy Ocean headlining the main stage, alongside special guest Marti Pellow and Katrina (formerly of Katrina and The Waves). Opening the night are local favourites Cassette Roulette and DJ Mark Angels, with BBC Radio Derby’s Ian Skye hosting. 

On Saturday 22 August, chart-topping boyband JLS take top billing, joined by pop duo Appleton, hitmaker Chesney Hawkes, DJ Mark Angels, Cassette Roulette, and local band The Public Eye. BBC Radio Derby’s Becky Measures hosts the evening. VIP tickets are also available from £77, which includes access to our exclusive VIP area, which has its own bar, toilets and a great view of the main stage. You can also beat the queues with your own fast track entry! 

The festival concludes on Sunday 23 August with the much-loved Darley Park Concert. East Midland’s very own Orchestra Sinfonia Viva, conducted by Stephen Bell and featuring soloist Juliette Crosbie, who will be performing movie soundtrack themes. Radio Derby’s Ian Skye will be back to host, and the audience will also be treated to performances by powerhouse vocalist Red, The Derby Harp Ensemble and the Well-being Choir of the University Hospitals of Derby & Burton.  

Derby City Council has worked closely with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and Derbyshire Safety Advisory Group to find a way to safely close the Darley Park Weekender with the traditional and popular finale on Sunday evening. 

Following ongoing wildfire risk warnings in the recent hot, dry weather, this year’s display will feature low-level theatrical pyrotechnics consistent with last year's successful format, which remove the risk of igniting the ground on landing. This adjusted format delivers a vibrant visual experience while significantly reducing the risk posed by the dry ground. 

Visitor safety is the highest priority, and as part of the updated measures, the site has been adapted to include designated smoking areas, enhanced fire safety provisions and expanded safety perimeters around the stage. 

Councillor Gurkiran Kaur, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Culture and Tourism, said: 

“We know how much people look forward to the finale at the Darley Park Weekender, and we have been determined to find a way to retain this much-loved part of the event while putting safety first. 

“Given the ongoing dry conditions and wildfire risk, the low-level pyrotechnic display provides a spectacular finale while significantly reducing the potential risk of fire spreading. We’re grateful to Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service for working closely with us to help make this possible. 

“We want everyone to enjoy the Weekender safely, and I’m really looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors to Darley Park for what promises to be another fantastic weekend.” 

Across the weekend, onsite bars will be offering a range of lager, beer, spirits, wine and more. There will also be a wide range of food outlets offering a choice of delicious refreshments, including hot dogs, Greek gyros, Sri-Lankan Street food, wood-fired pizzas, crepes, cakes, coffee and ice cream. 

Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. To make sure the event is secure and fun for all, we have a few important safety measures in place. Timings for each event can be found on their respective webpages. 

In line with other large events across the country, security checks will be in place, and we are limiting what can be brought on site. Outside food is permitted within approved bag limits, though alcohol cannot be brought onsite during the Friday and Saturday events. A limited amount can be brought to The Darley Park Concert on Sunday. 

The event is designed to be accessible to all, featuring dedicated accessible entrances, viewing areas, BSL interpretation, a hearing loop system, and a Mobiloo mobile Changing Places facility. Pre-bookable Blue Badge parking is available on a first-come basis. Full access information including a site map is available on the Derby LIVE website. 

Because on-site parking is extremely limited, attendees are strongly encouraged to walk, use public transport, or make use of the dedicated drop-off point at Parkers Piece. 

The Darley Park Weekender is staged by Derby LIVE, Derby City Council’s arts and events team, with support from HUUB, Sami Tipi, WARD, AVIT Media, WDS and Don Amott Leisure Group. 

Tickets are still available on the Derby LIVE website. Friday and Saturday advance tickets are £47 per adult, £22 for under 18s, and free for under 5s, with a £10 savings available when booking both nights together. On-the-day tickets increase to £50 per adult. VIP packages are also available for £77 for JLS, Billy Ocean VIP tickets have sold out! 

Advance tickets for the Sunday, for The Darley Park Concert are £8 per adult and £5 for under-16s, rising to £11 and £6 on the day. Sunday VIP tickets are available for £30 and include access to our exclusive VIP area which has its own bar, toilets and a great view of the main stage. You can also beat the queues with your own fast track entry! Children are welcome, with no price difference for children. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Carers and under 5s can get into this area for free provided they are with a Darley Garden ticketholder. Customers will require a free carer or under 5 ticket to gain access to the main festival site. 

To book tickets, view the full running order, or read complete venue and safety guidelines, visit the Derby LIVE website.