Curtain up for Derby’s new home of entertainment and events

In the latest edition of Marketing Derby’s Innovate Magazine we go behind the scenes at the newly named Vaillant Live – Derby’s brand-new home of entertainment and events.

The stunning £45.8 million, 3,500-capacity concert, conference and events arena has already held its first events – and has announced an ever-growing programme of shows and performances.

Not only that, but it is also moving forward with a new name – Vaillant Live, following a multi-year deal with local heating technology manufacturer Vaillant.

And it has brand-new team in place. Among them is Faye Nixon, head of sales, marketing and guest experience and general manager Marcus Sheehan.

Innovate caught up with Faye and Marcus for a look behind the scenes of the multi-use venue, which is owned by Derby City Council and operated by Legends and ASM Global, the world’s preeminent premium live events company.

At the time of Innovate’s visit, the building had just been handed over by main contractor Bowmer + Kirkland.

So, now that it’s finished, what can we expect? According to Marcus, audiences visiting Vaillant Live will be in for a treat.

“This is an absolutely gorgeous venue,” he tells Innovate. “We’ve invested a lot  of money, time and effort into the acoustics and so the sound experience is going to be amazing.

“The work that has been done in terms of seating and design will also ensure that there isn’t a bad viewpoint.

“There will be an elevated culinary offering, overseen by the group’s executive chefs and delivered from our state-of-the-art kitchens, ensuring tasty, high-quality food across retail, conferencing and events, and this can be tailored to suit the profile of different audiences.

“Our front of house staff are being carefully selected and trained to ensure that our visitors have the best possible time and that, when they leave, they are keen to share their experience with others.”

In terms of what’s on at Vaillant Live, new acts and shows are being added all the time.

Marcus added: “I think the line-up for 2025 is already looking really strong, and we’re super excited about the announcements we are going to be able to make for the back end of the year and in 2026.

“And, as we are a new venue, I think when promotors see we are selling tickets, they will be keen to bring other acts.

“And so, to help build confidence and get more artists to sit up and pay attention, we need the local community to support us and come and give the venue a go.”

According to Faye, the financial benefits of Vaillant Live should be felt beyond the doors of this impressive new venue.

She told Innovate: “We want to benefit the local economy. We want to see our friends and local businesses doing well and prospering.

“We hope that people spill out of our arena after a great show and go to an independent bar down the road.

“I live in the city and see things on a daily basis. I want to see that excitement and passion for the city centre reignite.”

To read the feature in full visit https://heyzine.com/flip-book/4f1b03a082.html#page/4 .