Derby Market Hall to host free Lara Croft Day as city celebrates gaming icon

An actor dress as Lara Croft posing inside the Market Hall

Derby Market Hall will host a day of free family-friendly activities as part of a city-wide celebration marking 30 years of gaming icon Lara Croft.

Created by Derby-based games studio Core Design, Lara Croft has become one of the most recognisable characters in video game history. With 2026 marking the 30th anniversary of the original Tomb Raider game, organisations across Derby are coming together to celebrate the character’s legacy and the city’s place in gaming history.

As part of the celebrations, Derby Market Hall will host Lara Croft Day, a free event organised in association with Tomb Raider Derby, bringing together creative workshops, retro gaming experiences and an evening dance party inspired by Derby’s famous adventurer.

Councillor Gurkiran Kaur, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for City Centre, Culture and Tourism, said:

Thirty years after Lara Croft first appeared on our screens, Derby still has every reason to be proud of the city’s role in creating one of gaming’s most iconic characters. Lara Croft Day at Derby Market Hall is a chance to celebrate that incredible legacy while enjoying a great day out with family and friends.

Alongside the wider programme of events taking place across the city, it promises to be a fitting tribute to a character whose story began right here in Derby.

The event comes as Derby Market Hall prepares to welcome a statue of Lara Croft in the coming weeks, following a successful fundraising campaign to bring it to the city.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy a packed programme of activities throughout Saturday.

Lara Crafts with Artcore (11am to 2pm)

Young explorers and creative minds can take part in free drop-in workshops inspired by archaeology, adventure and discovery. Hosted by Artcore, participants will be able to create and decorate clay artefacts, fossils, amulets and ancient-inspired treasures, as well as try their hand at clay tile and relief-making.

Retro Tomb Raider Gaming Zone (all day)

Gaming fans can experience Lara Croft’s adventures as they were originally played, thanks to Derby Computer Museum. Visitors will be able to play classic Tomb Raider titles on original hardware, including 1990s and early 2000s PCs, a PlayStation 1 featuring Tomb Raider I, II and III, and a PlayStation 2 running Tomb Raider: Anniversary.

Tomb Raver with DJ Rosco (5pm to 10pm)

As the day draws to a close, Derby Market Hall will transform into a retro-inspired party venue for Tomb Raver. DJ Rosco will provide a soundtrack of 90s girl-power anthems, dance classics and nostalgic throwback hits as visitors celebrate three decades of Tomb Raider.

The event is free to attend and offers something for everyone, whether they are lifelong fans of Lara Croft, retro gaming enthusiasts or families looking for a fun day out.

Lara Croft Day at Derby Market Hall is one of several events taking place across the city to celebrate the anniversary. At QUAD, TR30 – Tomb Raider Day will bring together fans for a ticketed event featuring guest panels, autograph sessions, photo opportunities and more.

Meanwhile, Derby Museums has transformed Pickford’s House into Croft Manor for Lara Croft: 30 Years On – From Derby to Global, an exhibition co-curated with collector Luke Earle. The exhibition features original Tomb Raider development materials on loan from former Core Design developers, memorabilia and collectables from private collections, interactive activities and themed cosplay days throughout its run. The exhibition is open until 28 November.