City comes alive as Festive Derby gets into full swing

Derby city centre has come alive with festive activities following the launch of Festive Derby – Derby LIVE’s Christmas events programme.

The city’s official Christmas lights switch-on at the end of last month marked the opening of many of Derby’s festive attractions, including the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink and the Nordic Bar tipis, in the Market Place.

New for 2024 is the Festive Derby Light Trail, which is made up of several stunning light installations through the city centre from The Spot all the way to Cathedral Square.

The highlight of the trail – the UK’s largest light-up Santa installation, powered by Tomato Energy.

Also lighting up the dark days of winter is the World of Flowers – Derby Lantern Sculpture Trail, with 11 awe-inspiring giant lantern sculptures dotted around the city.

There are plenty of opportunities to meet Santa, including at the Cathedral Quarter Christmas Grotto at Derby Museums’ Derby Museum & Art Gallery, or Santa’s Magic Cabin at Derbion.

There is also lots of festive shows taking place. The cherished and charming tale of Chicken Licken is showing at Derby Theatre as well as the timeless tale A Christmas Carol.

QUAD is staging FairyTale: An Adventure with Lockheart and Hawkins. It is also showing a selection of classic Christmas films.

And over at Derby Arena, there’s the smash hit pantomime Cinderella, starring Mina Anwar, from Happy Valley and Thin Blue Line, and Derby’s favourite pantomime dame Morgan Brind.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, said: “Every year Festive Derby gets bigger and better. It’s a joy to work with our partners across the city to create such a brilliant variety of fun and festivities.”

For more information about all the festive events and attractions that make up Festive Derby visit https://www.festivederby.co.uk/.