Record-breaking panto crowns Festive Derby celebrations

Derby LIVE has been reflecting on highly successful Festive Derby celebrations, which attracted tens of thousands of people to the city.

A record-breaking panto run, the ever-popular Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink and Nordic Bar, plus a stunning new light trail through the city centre combined to make it one of the most memorable festive seasons ever for the city.

Derby LIVE and Little Wolf Entertainment’s Cinderella at Derby Arena (BH) was Derby’s highest grossing panto ever, as well as the best-attended panto in the arena’s history.

It was enjoyed by almost 40,000 people, including almost 19,000 children, attracting sparkling reviews from audiences.

Meanwhile, Derby City Council (BH), Derby Museums (BH), Derby Cathedral (BH), Derby Theatre (BH), QUAD (BH), the Cathedral Quarter and St Peter’s Quarter (BH) Business Improvement Districts and Derbion (BH) worked in partnership to bring Christmas to the city.

The festivities kicked off with the Christmas Lights Switch-On event. It saw the city centre lit up by a city lantern parade as part of Surtal Arts’ (BH) Season of Light festival.

Back and even bigger for 2024 was the Nordic Bar, which offered a packed programme of free entertainment including live music, children’s entertainment and quiz nights attracting close to 23,000 visits.

The Nordic Bar sat alongside the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink, which saw 11,800 people get their skates on for a spin around the ice.

The combined appeal of the ice rink and Nordic Bar proved more popular than ever, attracting almost 7,500 more visitors compared to the previous year.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, culture and tourism, said: “Festive Derby 2024 has been the best Christmas our city has seen in many years, thanks to a fantastic Team Derby approach by the Christmas elves at Derby City Council, Cathedral Quarter BID, Love Sadler Gate and many more partners; all determined to deliver a Festive Derby to be proud of.”

Tickets are already on sale for the 2025 Derby Arena panto. Dick Whittington will take place from Friday 5 December to Wednesday 31 December.

To book, visit https://www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/dick-whittington1/.