Darley Park Concert to return celebrating city’s 300 years of making

Derby LIVE has announced that the Hannells Darley Park Concert will return this summer – and will celebrate Derby’s 300-year history of manufacturing.

One of the UK’s biggest outdoor classical concerts will be performed by orchestra Sinfonia Viva, supported by Rolls-Royce, and will mark 300 years of Derby’s Silk Mill – the world’s first factory – as it prepares to re-open as the Museum of Making.

The open-air classical music and fireworks show will take place on Sunday 29th August, as part of a bank holiday weekend of events.

Among the businesses sponsoring the concert are HUUB and Mortgage Advice Bureau.

Councillor Robin Wood, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, at Derby City Council, said: “This year’s Hannells Darley Park Concert promises to be an awe-inspiring celebration of the 300th anniversary of the world’s first factory, right here in Derby.

“I look forward to music to celebrate the city’s industrial heritage and spark the imagination in the way the Silk Mill did so many years ago.”

Kickstarting the weekend on Friday 27th August is Classic Ibiza, a celebration of the sounds of the Balearics for all the family.

Then on Saturday 28th August, Darley Park’s natural amphitheatre becomes an outdoor cinema for screenings of Frozen 2 and Singalong The Greatest Showman.

All events will be run in line with the guidelines in place for live outdoor entertainment following the Covid pandemic.

Then, on Sunday 29th August, at the main event, Sinfonia Viva will perform innovative and historically important music inspired by the theme of engineering, science and technology, ending with a spectacular firework finale.

The programme will also include a special tribute to the NHS and key workers.

Marianne Barraclough, Sinfonia Viva’s deputy chief executive, said: “Sinfonia Viva is very excited to be returning to Darley Park for another show-stopping year at this celebrated event.

“We will be performing well-known classics, beautiful stirring numbers and quirky pieces that might take you by surprise.

“2021’s theme is built around the exciting reopening of Derby Silk Mill and the celebration of Derby’s 300-year history of technological innovation.

“Expect fireworks both musical and literal this year, as the orchestra returns in inspired form.”

Tickets are now on sale for the weekend of events. For more information, and to book, visit www.derbylive.co.uk or call 01332 255800.