Theatre, music, markets and festivals at Derby Market Place

Members of the band The Open Road in a line

The Open Road is one of the bands who will be playing at Derby Market Place

Mon 7 Jun 2021

Derby Market Place is changing. Later this month a large marquee will be erected on the city centre alfresco dining space ready to host live entertainment, markets, festivals and more throughout the Summer and into the Autumn.

Outdoor dining will still be on the menu, so audiences can book a table and enjoy a meal from our local partner restaurants, or a takeaway of their choice, before the show. While ticket prices apply for shows, tables are free, but booking is essential if you want to be guaranteed a table or chalet. Tables seat up to six people. You can also watch the show without enjoying alfresco dining.

Two extra performances of The Wind in the Willows from Derby Theatre, a gig by former Bellowhead frontman Jon Boden, Derby Folk Festival, concerts from Derby Jazz, classical music from Sinfonia Viva, a beer festival, Mainframe Market and even a creative family art maze by Artcore are among the highlights from June until the end of October. Full listings information is below.

Derby LIVE, Derby City Council’s arts and events arm, is working closely with its cultural and local partners to use the Derby Market Place space creatively and flexibly, in line with whatever Government restrictions are in place at the time.

As ever, the safety of the public is our priority in our COVID-secure space, and some shows are currently on sale with social distancing in place, awaiting further Government guidance.

Councillor Ross McCristal, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said:

“Since its launch last year, Derby Market Place has given small, independent businesses in the hospitality industry a much-needed boost, providing them with some extra outdoor seating space, and now it’s time to do the same for our cultural industries.

“With the Derby Ram Trail, and the opening of the Museum of Making, we are thrilled to be a part of the city centre’s recovery as it opens up again, and we are using all our experience of running events safely at Derby Market Place last year to bring something special and vibrant back to the heart of the city, with something for everyone.”

Derby Market Place is supported by our media partner, Smooth Radio. You can book tickets for all events below or by calling the Sales and Information Centre on 01332 255800. 

The Alfresco Dining Experience is also available at Derby Market Place from 12 noon to 3pm every day, and from 6pm to 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, even when shows are running.