What’s new at Derby LIVE – new events announcements

Citywide celebrations are about to take over Derby city centre with 50:50, inspired by the cultural connection with Osnabrück. Expect live music, dance, art, workshops, traditional funfair rides and family activities across the city.

It’s the perfect time to dive in! Explore what’s happening over the upcoming months.

Motherhood – Oddsocks Productions
Sat 14 Nov | Chapel Street Arts Centre

“Making the decision to have a child – it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body” – American author, Elizabeth Stone…

Forever? Really? Actress and writer Elli Mackenzie thinks so and in this moving and yet hilarious work of autobiographical theatre, Elli, explores the highs and lows, the frustrations, the joy, the bizarre and downright unbelievable aspects of raising children whilst running a family business.

The World’s Number One Pink Tribute
Sat 20 Mar | Derby Arena

Since 2007, Vicky Jackson has set the gold standard in tribute performance while her hand-picked band recreate some of the most iconic moments from P!nk’s legendary live performances.

From the attitude to the anthems. Every hit delivered with the power and presence that P!nk fans expect

The Magic of Motown
Sun 9 May | Derby Arena

Seen by millions, The Magic of Motown is back! It’s no surprise that this show is one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history.

Get ready for all the hits, glittering costumes, dazzling dance routines and outstanding musicianship in this breath-taking live concert spectacular.

The Darley Park Weekender
Fri 21 – Sun 23 Aug | Darley Park

Kick off the weekend on Friday with Britain’s Caribbean King of Pop, Billy Ocean, joined by 90s favourite Marti Pellow of Wet Wet Wet and the ever‑uplifting Katrina of Katrina and the Waves.

Saturday keeps the momentum going as JLS headline a night of chart‑topping hits, with Natalie and Nicole Appleton bringing both their own classics and All Saints favourites, plus Chesney Hawkes returning with his trademark pop‑rock energy.

The weekend wraps up on Sunday at The Darley Park Concert, where Sinfonia Viva deliver a spectacular soundtrack filled with dramatic film and musical favourites.

Osnabrück Day in Derby
Sat 6 Jun | Derby City Centre

This free event kicks off the 50:50 celebrations – a bold, city-wide day of music, art, dance, creative workshops and community. Inspired by the cultural connection with Osnabrück, this festival transforms the city into a dynamic, immersive experience. Visitors can enjoy a traditional “Hook an Ay-Up-Me-Duck” stall, fairground rides, maypole dancing, Doodle Art workshops, live music, puppet shows, street performers and so much more – there really is something for everyone!

K-POP All Stars
Sun 5 Jul | Derby Arena

K-POP All Stars transforms the stage into a vibrant explosion of sound and colour, showcasing everything fans love about the global phenomenon. Powered by a phenomenal cast with brand-new choreography created exclusively for the show, every performance hits with incredible precision and energy.

The setlist is packed with the biggest names in the genre – Blackpink, BTS, NewJeans, Itzy, Twice, Stray Kids, Jung Kook, and more – paired with stunning lighting, bold visuals, and the electric atmosphere that only K-pop can bring.

The Lady Boys of Bangkok
Fri 17 – Sat 25 Jul | Bass Recreation Ground

Prepare yourself for an exhilarating evening filled with stunning costumes, mesmerizing choreography and show-stopping performances that will leave you laughing, applauding, and moving to the rhythm. Immerse in chart-topping hits, hilarious comedy and the dazzling charm of Thailand’s most glamorous Ladyboys as they light up the stage.

Whether you’re a devoted admirer or discovering the magic for the first time, this is your moment to revel in pure joy, extraordinary glamor, and unforgettable entertainment.

Pop Up Theatre – Under the Sea Stories
Sat 4 – Sun 5 Jul | Markeaton Park Craft Village

Grab your friends and some popcorn and settle down to a unique theatre experience.

AVP Theatre is back with another show, this time taking our audiences deep beneath the waves to hear some classic stories inspired by the oceans! Join our mermaid and our cast of mischievous puppets as they bring you even more stories.

Julius Caesar
Wed 15 – Sat 18 Jul | Markeaton Park Craft Village

Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company bring their retelling of Julius Caesar!

Set in the heart of ancient Rome, Julius Caesar tells the story of a city on the brink. As Caesar’s popularity soars, fear and suspicion grip the Senate. A group of conspirators decide the only way to save the Republic is to kill its leader – but the consequences of their actions spiral far beyond anything they planned.

Romeo and Juliet
Wed 22 – Fri 24 Jul | Markeaton Park Craft Village

Oddsocks return with their new take on this well-loved classic, finding laughs and pathos in the most dramatic of tragedies.

A family feud divides the community! Violence stalks the streets. Who can see beyond the hate and dare to follow their heart? A pair of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet!

Will Romeo pull himself together to escape with Juliet? Will the Nurse think of a better plan than the Friar? Will the audience help the lovers elope? All will be revealed as Oddsocks create uplifting comedy from the depths of despair in a show that’s the perfect antidote to prejudice.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Fri 31 Jul | Markeaton Park Craft Village

Fasten your garter belt and relive the time-warping, gender-bending cult CLASSIC!

When a newly engaged couple (Barry Bostwick + Susan Sarandon) break down on a rainy night, they wind up in the creepy castle of Dr. Frank-n-Furter (Tim Curry).

There, they have an adventure that will thrill you, chill you and fulfill you like never before!

Dirty Dancing
Sat 1 Aug | Markeaton Park Craft Village

This timeless, Oscar® winning classic is a phenomenally popular Coming-of-Age tale which is loved by generations!

Teenager Baby (Jennifer Grey) goes with her family on vacation to Kellerman’s holiday resort in the Catskill’s Mountains. Things are pretty tame until she meets Johnny (Patrick Swayze), a dance teacher at the resort who mesmerizes Baby with his dance moves, his passion and his misunderstood ‘bad boy’ image. During that summer of 1963, Johnny teaches Baby how dance and more importantly, how to love.

Experience Motherhood at Chapel Street Arts Centre