Hannells Darley Park Concert - all you need to know!

Wed 30 Aug 2017

One of the UK’s biggest outdoor classical concerts, the much-loved Darley Park Concert will be returning on Sunday 3 September in the stunning natural amphitheatre of Darley Park. The event is supported by Hannells Estates Agents, Flint Bishop Solicitors, HUUB, Mortgage Advice Bureau, PKF Cooper Parry, Specsavers and Stratstone BMW Derby.

This year’s concert will be run in partnership with Classic FM, the UK’s most popular classical music station, which celebrates its 25th birthday in September. As in previous years, the Derby-based orchestra Sinfonia Viva, the Orchestra of the East Midlands, who are supported by Rolls-Royce, will be performing at the concert. Tim Lihoreau, presenter of Classic FM’s More Music Breakfast, will host the event and will also broadcast his breakfast show from Classic FM’s East Midlands studio the following morning.

This year’s programme is guaranteed to delight with an eclectic mix of returning favourites, popular pieces to celebrate Derby’s 40th year as a City, and a selection of classics chosen by the public. The weather is expected to be fine and sunny with a temperature of around 19-20 degrees Celsius for a spectacular evening of classical music and fireworks to enjoy with family and friends. Visitors are allowed to bring their own food and drink, including alcohol and many choose to experience the event with a picnic. There will be a range of catering units on site for those who wish to purchase food and drinks, including an on-site bar serving alcoholic and soft drinks. Glass bottles are allowed although visitors are advised to bring plastic where possible and ensure that all waste is deposited in the appropriate bins.

A full list of prohibited items can be found at derbylive.co.uk/darley17. For public safety and comfort, there are a range of security measures which will be in place on Sunday 3 September at Darley Park. Visitors are advised to arrive in plenty of time and to be prepared for bag searches and approaches from security personnel. There will be two entrances, one located at the Rowing Club end of the park and one at Darley Abbey Village end of the park and the gates will open at 2pm, with the concert starting at 6pm. No access will be granted into the auditorium without a ticket and the entrance gates will close at 8.30pm to those arriving. There will be an accessible viewing area located just off centre of the stage and only assistance dogs will be allowed into the auditorium area, although they are advised to leave before 9.10pm if the dog is afraid of fireworks.

Visitors are advised to walk or use public transport to get to Darley Park on the day of the concert. There is limited car parking available from 1.00pm at St Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy and Derby Rugby Club for £5 (cash only). There is limited, first-come-first-served parking available for Blue Badge Holders at the Cricket Club in Darley Village. It is located directly opposite the Abbey Pub, postcode DE22 1DX and is estimated to be no more than a 3 or 4 minute walk to the main event site. Blue Badges holders are advised to show the badge to a security steward on the gate who will show them to a parking space.

It is recommended that visitors wear sensible shoes, warm clothes and bring waterproofs and additional lighting such as a torch with them, although the entrances and exits to the park will be lit. Visitors to the event may bring their own seating as the grass can be wet and sometimes slippery, depending on the weather conditions. A full list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) is available on our website, along with a map of Darley Park, showing the location of the entrances.

Dame Betty Brioche will be making an appearance on stage during the concert interval, in advance of her performance in this year’s pantomime at Derby Arena, Beauty and the Beast. Morgan Brind, who plays the humorous character, is one of the Co-Directors at Little Wolf Entertainment who are co-producing the panto with Derby LIVE this Christmas. Dame Brioche will be reading out a list of dedications to those who are celebrating their birthday on 3 September, so visitors are invited to nominate people for a special mention on stage, making the evening even more memorable. Nominations can either be made via the online form at derbylive.co.uk or by visiting the In Derby tent before 7.30pm at the event to dedicate a message.

The Hannells Darley Park Concert, supported by Flint Bishop Solicitors, HUUB, Mortgage Advice Bureau, PKF Cooper Parry, Specsavers and Stratstone BMW Derby, will take place at Darley Park on Sunday 3 September from 6pm, with gates open from 2pm. Early bird tickets are available to book before the day of the concert and are priced at £2.50 with under 16s free with a ticket. Tickets for over 16s will be priced at £5 on Sunday 3 September.

With tickets selling fast it is advisable to book soon for this fantastic evening of classical music and fireworks. Tickets can be purchased from 01332 255800, online at derbylive.co.uk, or be booked in person at the Sales and Information Centre, Assembly Rooms, Market Place, Derby.