Opening date set for new public garden and events space

A date has been announced for the opening of a brand-new public garden and events space in the heart of Derby city centre.

Electric Daisy has been created by Down to Earth Derby on a disused site near Sadler Gate and close to the Bold Lane car park.

The nature-based regeneration organisation has now confirmed that the new venue will open its doors in June, with a launch event that will run from 12noon to 9pm.

With landscaped planted areas, Electric Daisy is an outdoor venue, which includes food premises, a bar and outdoor dining areas, with an events area for occasional live music and theatre performances.

Jamie Quince-Starkey, founder of Down to Earth Derby, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of Electric Daisy, which will be an exciting new addition to Derby’s landscape.

“We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to Electric Daisy in June for what promises to be a wonderful day of festivities and community engagement.”

Down To Earth Derby is an organisation that aims to empower residents to be part of making the city a world leader in nature-based urban regeneration with a thriving, sustainable-regenerative economy.

Its vision for Derby is being supported by the Eden Project – and last year that vision was shared at a showcase event, which was attended by more than 300 people.

Attendees were introduced to spectacular visuals for six city centre sites, including the Bold Lane site, which used to form part of the now demolished Prince’s supermarket.

Electric Daisy will begin by hosting an event as part of the Derby Book Festival.

Taking place on its 20 May launch day, it will see the venue host author Charles Dowding who will talk about his book ‘No Dig: Nurture Your Soil to Grow Better Veg with Less Effort’.

Jamie said: “We are really pleased to be welcoming Charles Dowding.

“This promises to be a fantastic event for book lovers and gardening enthusiasts alike.

“He’ll be running a family-friendly workshop to promote his new children’s book.”

When plans for Electric Daisy were first lodged with Derby City Council, the application received the backing of Marketing Derby, which submitted a letter of support.

By way of thanks, Electric Daisy will be offering Bondholder a special 10% discount on bespoke team building sessions held at the venue.

The sessions provide an opportunity for teams to bond and have fun in an outdoor setting.

To find out more visit https://www.dtederby.org/electric-daisy .

Down to Earth Derby is also calling on businesses and individuals to back its fundraising efforts.

On 15 May, the team will be taking on a 45-mile walking challenge, from the Peak District to Derby city centre, to raise funds for the programmes, community offerings and curation of the space at Electric Daisy.

Jamie said: “Though we already do a lot of free work with the community, getting some extra funds would allow us to expand our efforts to a much larger scale, running our programmes based around connecting people with nature, more often and to more members of the community.”

To support the fundraising walk, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/down-to-earth-derby .