Supported by Arts Council England, FABRIC and Without Walls
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About the Event
Expect the unexpected as the streets burst into life with a spectacular mix of dance, theatre, circus, parkour, and aerial performance.
Leap into the extraordinary as Derby Festé returns for 2026 with a spectacular line-up of free, outdoor performances featuring a diverse range of shows from leading UK and international artists.
On Sat 26 Sep, Derby city centre will be transformed into a vibrant playground of creativity, as the city’s premier free outdoor arts festival promises a truly unique, family-friendly celebration right in the heart of the city.
Watch as the streets become a stage for a diverse, captivating, and spectacular lineup. From high-energy outdoor dance and playful performance to stunning art and breath-taking circus.
The Derby Festé programme will run from 11.30am and this year will extend into the evening, so you can experience Festé after dark!
This year’s line-up features a host of unforgettable experiences, showcasing everything from internationally acclaimed artists to exciting East Midlands talent.
Audiences can look forward to high-energy outdoor dance, playful performances, stunning art, breathtaking circus, interactive walkabout dogs, sky-high trumpet players, and dancing hippos. Catch the action at Derby Market Place, Cathedral Green, Derby Market Hall and Osnabruck Square.
Feste after Dark is back, with a stunning performance on Cathedral Green at 7.30pm. Gorilla Circus brings A.I.Thentic to Feste. Set on a 20-metre-high moving stage, A.I.Thentic blends circus, dance, and narrative to explore the line between human and artificial intelligence. Following the character of Loki, the story examines his growing dependence on AI assistant TAM, questioning the nature of reality, connection, and what truly matters.
Derby Festé is proudly presented by Derby City Council with project grant support from Arts Council England National Lottery funding, and supported by Fabric, Without Walls, Cathedral Quarter Derby, and Derby Theatre. Funding details for individual artists, companies and productions can be found on the Derby Feste website.
Reviews
"We got to see acts that we wouldn’t have had a chance to see without Derby Festé putting this on for people to see for free. Thank you for making the arts accessible to a wider community."
"….vibrant and buzzing."
"….the best day of the year for anyone living here."
"Great to see Feste back, was always a highlight of the year for our family. Thank you!"
"...a great way to catch up with local friends and see some amazing acts."
"A great afternoon. We watched 7 performances back-to-back...
"The centre of Derby felt transformed..."
"Just so good to have Feste back!"
Dates & Times
Derby Festé
Sat 26 Sep 2026, 11:30am
Prices & Offers
- FREE entry
Supported by Arts Council England, FABRIC and Without Walls
Location
Derby City Centre
Corporation Street, Derby, Derby, DE1 2FS
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