Saturday 2nd December saw the launch of Festive Derby and Derby Days Out were invited along to join in the fun! 

 

The Market Place was aglow with the lights of giant Christmas presents, and tasty treats were on offer from surrounding chalets. The festivities kicked off with performances on the illuminated main stage on Corporation Street. Hosted by Smooth Radio's Gareth Evans and Emma Caudwell, the audience was treated to live entertainment including dancing, and later a fantastic set by Cassette Roulette, to build up to the Christmas light switch on.

 

 

Hundreds of people, including Derby school children, brought the city streets alive with a fantastic lantern parade and performances led by Surtal Arts, that wove its way to the Market Place. 

 

The big moment arrived when Santa, Coronation Street star Todd Boyce, Mother Goose, and the Mayor of Derby, Alan Graves, took to the stage to begin the countdown. Fireworks wowed and the excited crowd burst into song as the city was lit up.

 

We then made our way over to the fantastic Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink where we were treated to a special skating performance and a session of ice skating fun suitable for the whole family afterwards. 

 

 

The festivities didn't end there as we headed to the Nordic Bar, new to the Cathedral Quarter this Christmas, for a winter warmer. On offer was a wide selection of hot drinks, ales, spirits, festive cocktails, and of course, mulled wine! Entertainment was provided by Cassette Roulette once again to continue the party under the fairy-lit tipi. It was the perfect (and warm!) setting to relax and soak up the merriment after a brilliant evening beginning Derby's countdown to Christmas!

 

 

Cover picture by 'AV IT! Media

 

DDO