Three popular community events return to Derby this Summer

child playing with bubbles at alvaston park

Families can look forward to three fun-filled community events in Derby this summer. The Big 1, Alvaston Park Community Fun Day and Superhero Picnic in the Park are back for 2026. All the free events will be brimming with live entertainment, games, stalls and an array of delicious food that are sure to make them a great day out for all ages.

The Big 1 will take place on Sun 7 Jun, from 11am until 4pm. The annual event is produced by Derby City Council in association with Chaddesden East Neighbourhood Board, Chaddesden Traders Association and Friends of Chaddesden Park and Age UK.

Attractions will include wrestling demonstrations from Aspire Community and Wrestling Alliance and Mantis Martial Arts & Gym.

The popular dog show, sponsored by Scarsdale Vets in Oakwood, will have opportunities for your four-legged friends to win prizes in the cute, command and quirky categories, plus the coveted title of overall Best in Show, which will be announced at 3pm.

There’ll also be a full programme of entertainment on the stage, with performances by local artists, musicians and dance schools.

It will be a shoppers’ paradise with stalls selling handmade gifts, jewellery, natural dog treats and pet products, home and cosmetic fragrances, crystals and dream catchers, children’s toys and books and plants.

If you’re hungry, tantalise your tastebuds with BBQ food, wood fired pizzas, hotdogs and burgers plus ice cream, hot desserts, pick n mix and hot drinks.

As if that wasn’t enough, you can enjoy the thrills and spills of the funfair which will be at the park from Thu 4 Jun until on Sun 7 Jun. It will be open 6pm until 10pm on Thu 4 Jun, 4pm until 10pm on Fri 5 Jun, 2pm until 10pm on Sat 6 Jun and 11am until 6pm on Sun 7 Jun, with the last ride at 5.30pm.

There’ll be more fun as Alvaston Park Community Fun Day returns on Sat 27 Jun at 12noon until 4pm. The event is sponsored by Derbyshire Foundation, Riverside Housing, PPL/ PRS, and the Neighbourhood board.

Again, there’ll be wrestling demonstrations from Aspire Community and Wrestling Alliance as well as GKR Karate showcasing self defence in a safe and friendly environment.

Enjoy a packed programme of live entertainment on the stage and take part in the dog show. A fun fair will be open for the duration of the event.

A huge selection of stallholders will be selling their wares, with natural dog treats and pet products, children’s toys, homeware and soaps. You can pick up some tasty treats including cookies, brownies, blondies and old school cakes.

You certainly won’t go hungry, with caterers offering Greek gyros, a hog roast plus hot dogs and burgers. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll be spoiled for choice with candy floss, fresh popcorn, ice creams, hot desserts, slushies and sweet cones on sale. Entry is free and parking costs £2.

Superhero Picnic in the Park returns this summer, taking place across four of Derby’s parks from 11am until 3pm. Families are invited to dress up as their favourite superhero, pack a picnic and enjoy a fun-filled day of free activities. The popular event will visit Allestree Park on Tue 28 Jul, Chaddesden Park on Wed 29 Jul, Darley Park on Thu 6 Aug and Chellaston Park on Fri 7 Aug.

There’ll be plenty to keep little superheroes entertained throughout the day, with attractions varying at each park. Activities will include sports and craft sessions, gym activities, a superhero trail, face painting and much more.

Part of the national Love Parks campaign, the Superhero Picnic celebrates Derby’s fantastic green spaces and encourages families to get outdoors, get active and enjoy everything their local parks have to offer.

All you need to do is bring a picnic, wear your superhero costume and prepare for a super day out for the whole family.

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Parks and Leisure said:

We're delighted to welcome these popular community events back to Derby's parks this summer. With free entertainment, activities and attractions for all ages, they're a great way for families and communities to come together, enjoy the outdoors and make the most of our fantastic green spaces. We look forward to seeing residents and visitors join us for a summer of fun across the city.