Join us for a magical evening as we light up Derby for Christmas!

Join us in Derby on Thursday 27 November for the city’s Christmas Lights Switch On. The event will be staged in partnership with Smooth Radio and incorporate the popular city lantern parade by Surtal Arts.

From 5pm you can enjoy free live music from local acts and family entertainment ahead of the Christmas Lights Switch On, which takes place at 6:30pm.

An exciting stage show, presented by Smooth Radio’s Darren Parks kicks off at 5pm. Situated outside Riverside Chambers, across the road from QUAD and the Council House, the action starts with a performance by local indie rock/alternative band The Public Eye.

The dragon dancers Dragon dance from DANS Dance Company and Dhol Frequency Drummers and Bollywood Dancers from Surtal Arts will also take to the stage following the Season of Light Lantern Parade. They’ll be followed by the fantastic Cassette Roulette, playing the perfect mix of old favourites and modern classics.

Don’t miss a special appearance from not one, not two, but all seven principal stars from our pantomime Dick Whittington! They’ll be helping with the big moment, along with the most important guest of all – Santa.

The Lantern Parade, which is the climax of Surtal Arts’ Season of Light, will start from St Peter’s Church at 5pm. This year’s parade theme is ‘Peace and Friendship’ which reflects a key message celebrating Derby’s diversity, bringing communities together and making Derby a cohesive city. The dazzling spectacle will see families, children and young people from schools and the community unite to light up the night with vibrant lanterns as they parade through the city streets.

They will be joined by Bollywood Bhangra dancers from Surtal Arts and Derby College, Ukrainian Hopak dancers from Hoverla dance ensemble, Dhol drummers and Chinese umbrella dancers.

The procession, which is free and open to all, will set off at 5pm from St Peter’s Cross, travel down St Peter’s St and Albert St, through Osnabruck Square, and past the Council House before arriving at the stage at Riverside Chambers.

The early evening event ties in perfectly with Love Sadler Gate’s annual Sadler Gate Night Market, where the historic street will be brimming with over 60 artisan stalls, and the wonderful independent shops will also be open late. Derby Market Hall will be open too, with food, drink, shopping and free live entertainment.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said:

I’m so excited for Derby's Christmas season to begin with the Christmas Lights Switch On and Surtal Arts Lantern Parade. Tying the event in with the Sadler Gate Night Market will make it an even more magical evening to start the festive season in style.

It will launch a season of festive shopping, dining, and fun across the city centre, including the return of the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink and Nordic Bar!

The Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink will be open for a sneak preview before it officially opens on Saturday 29 November, along with the Nordic Bar. It will be open from 5pm with the last skating session at 8pm – tickets will be on sale on the night.

The cosy Nordic Bar will be serving a selection of cocktails, mocktails and mulled wine from 4pm. Cassette Roulette will get the tipis rocking following their performance at the Switch On stage show.

Why not indulge in some tasty treats, including authentic German sausages, Yorkshire pudding wraps, loaded fries, donuts and crepes? There will be fairground rides for the children located at The Spot, and look out for Christmas-themed illuminated stilt walkers around the Market Place.

The programme of events can be found on the Festive Derby website. The stage show will also be attended by a BSL interpreter. Don’t forget to let us know you’re coming on the Facebook event page, where we will also be posting updates.

There will be several road closures in place for the event – you can find all the details on the Festive Derby website, where you’ll also find information about parking. We will be offering all-day parking for just £3 at selected locations.

This year Festive Derby is bigger than ever and features events and attractions brought to you by Derby City Council, The Cathedral Quarter BID, St Peter’s Quarter BID and a range of other city partners.

The Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink returns, alongside the tipis of the Nordic Bar on the Market Place. Keep little ones entertained with Family Festivities at Markeaton Park, plus there will be a host of other shows, events and entertainment for all ages, including Merry Elwin the Adventurous Elf at Chapel Street Arts Centre and Dick Whittington at Derby Arena.

Add on fantastic festive shopping and a wealth of places to eat and drink and you’ve got the recipe for the perfect Christmas experience. Find out everything that the city has to offer on the Festive Derby website.