City’s celebration of creativity and cultures set to return

An annual celebration of Derby and Derbyshire’s creativity and cultures, spearheaded by Surtal Arts, is set to return with a packed programme of events.

The Derby Season of Light (DSOL) 2024 will take place between October and December, bringing together thousands of people from across a range of communities and cultures.

It embraces various festivals including Diwali, Rabi’ Al-Awwal, Hanukkah, Bonfire Night, Christmas, and the upcoming Chinese New Year, which all share the common theme of light.

The festival is spearheaded by South Asian arts organisation, Surtal Arts, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

In the coming weeks, Surtal Arts and its key partners will host a series of arts activities and events across Derby and Derbyshire shining a spotlight on the universal theme of ‘light’ and ‘climate change’.

Highlights of this year’s festival includes a giant lantern sculpture trail across the city; two music concerts and a family-friendly storytelling performance; online international folk arts workshops; Diwali celebrations in Belper; as well as family lantern-making workshops ahead of the spectacular Derby Lantern Parade through the city.

Nisha Nath, Surtal Arts’ chair and celebrated South Asian dancer, said: “Derby Season of Light is Surtal Art’s flagship annual festival and is particularly special this year as we celebrate the organisation’s 30th anniversary.

“Our aim every year is to shine a light on the vibrant tapestry of our city and county’s culture through art, music and festivities, which weave together the threads of our communities and celebrate the rich traditions that make us who we are.

“The highlight is the Derby Lantern Parade, which heralds the city’s Christmas lights switch on, but we are also particularly excited about the lantern sculpture trail, which will encourage people to explore the city centre and Normanton – connecting Derby’s diverse communities and places.”

For more information about all the events taking place during the Derby Season of Light 2024 and to book tickets, visit https://www.surtalarts.co.uk/our-events .