Hannells Darley Park Concert- weather update and all you need to know!

Wed 29 Aug 2018

One of the UK’s biggest outdoor classical concerts, the much-loved Hannell’s Darley Park Concert returns this Sunday 2 September in the stunning natural amphitheatre of Darley Park. The event is sponsored by Hannells Estates Agents, Flint Bishop Solicitors, HUUB, Invictus Communications, Mortgage Advice Bureau, PKF Cooper Parry, Redrow Homes and Stratstone BMW Derby.

Following on from last year’s successful collaboration, Classic FM, the UK’s most popular classical music station with 5.6 million weekly listeners, are the media partner for this year’s concert.As in previous years, the Derby-based orchestra Sinfonia Viva, the Orchestra of the East Midlands, who are supported by Rolls-Royce, will perform 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 classical and popular favourites. Marking the centenary of the end of the First World War the programme will reflect hope, peace and reconciliation with a diverse range of pieces from Beethoven to John Lennon. The weather is expected to be fine and sunny with a temperature of around 19-22 degrees Celsius for a spectacular evening of classical music and fireworks to enjoy with family and friends. Visitors can 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 here.

For public safety and comfort, there are a range of security measures which will be in place on Sunday 2 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 6.15pm. No access will be granted into the event area 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/ stage right and only assistance dogs will be allowed into the event area, although they are advised to leave before 9.15pm if the dog is afraid of fireworks. This year’s concert will be accompanied by screens flanking either side of the stage for audience viewing pleasure and information.

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 1pm 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 Badge 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. There will also be a dedicated Accessible Viewing Area for those with accessibility requirements. A full list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) is available here, along with a map of Darley Park, showing the location of the entrances.

The Hannells Darley Park Concert, supported by Flint Bishop Solicitors, HUUB, Invictus Communications, Mortgage Advice Bureau, PKF Cooper Parry, Redrow Homes and Stratstone BMW Derby, will take place at Darley Park on Sunday 2 September from 6pm, with gates open from 2pm. Tickets bought before the day before the concert are priced, Standard £5, Under 16s £2.50. Tickets bought on the day of the concert are priced, Standard £7.50, Under 16s £2.50.

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