Darley Park Weekender 2026 – 21st to 23rd August

The Darley Park Weekender is returning for a spectacular three days of live music and family entertainment. Staged by Derby LIVE, Derby City Council’s arts and events team, in partnership with local sponsors, the festival offers an unmissable highlight to the summer season. The action kicks off on Friday 21 August with global pop royalty Billy Ocean headlining the main stage, alongside special guest Marti Pellow and Katrina (formerly of Katrina and The Waves). Opening the night are local favourites Cassette Roulette and DJ Mark Angels, with BBC Radio Derby’s Ian Skye hosting. 

On Saturday 22 August, chart-topping boyband JLS take top billing, joined by pop duo Appleton, hitmaker Chesney Hawkes, DJ Mark Angels, Cassette Roulette, and local band The Public Eye. BBC Radio Derby’s Becky Measures hosts the evening. VIP tickets are also available from £77, which includes access to our exclusive VIP area, which has its own bar, toilets and a great view of the main stage. You can also beat the queues with your own fast track entry! 

The festival concludes on Sunday 23 August with the much-loved Darley Park Concert. East Midland’s very own Orchestra Sinfonia Viva, conducted by Stephen Bell and featuring soloist Juliette Crosbie, who will be performing movie soundtrack themes. Radio Derby’s Ian Skye will be back to host, and the audience will also be treated to performances by powerhouse vocalist Red, The Derby Harp Ensemble and the Well-being Choir of the University Hospitals of Derby & Burton.

Across the weekend, onsite bars will be offering a range of lager, beer, spirits, wine and more. There will also be a wide range of food outlets offering a choice of delicious refreshments, including hot dogs, Greek gyros, Sri-Lankan Street food, wood-fired pizzas, crepes, cakes, coffee and ice cream. Because on-site parking is extremely limited, attendees are strongly encouraged to walk, use public transport, or make use of the dedicated drop-off point at Parkers Piece. 

The Darley Park Weekender is staged by Derby LIVE, Derby City Council’s arts and events team, with support from HUUB, Sami Tipi, WARD, AVIT Media, WDS and Don Amott Leisure Group. 


To book tickets, view the full running order, or read complete venue and safety guidelines, visit the Derby LIVE website.

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