Arts festival to return to city centre after pause

The arts festival will return to Derby city centre after being cancelled in 2024

An arts festival in Derby is set to return in September after being cancelled in 2024 due to rising costs.

Derby Feste sees dance, theatre, circus, parkour and aerial performances take place in the city centre.

The free outdoor event will return on Saturday 27 September, featuring performances by local artists including Derby-based Maison Foo and Hubbub Theatre.

Leader of Derby City Council, Nadine Peatfield, said: "The event is a celebration of our city that highlights the passion, energy and commitment of the people of Derby and we all missed its dynamic presence last year."

The popular event was paused in 2024

"It promises to be a day to remember," she added.

Derby City Council said the event will include family-friendly performances and will be accessible to deaf audiences and those who do not use English as a first language.

The event has received project grant support from Arts Council England National Lottery funding, and is delivered in partnership with FABRIC, the Midlands strategic dance development organisation, with additional support from Derby Museums and QUAD.

Peter Knott, Midlands area director at Arts Council England, said: "We're delighted to be supporting Derby Festé 2025 with £47,000 of National Lottery Project Grants funding, and look forward to welcoming this much-loved event back to the city.

"Festé always brings a sense of excitement and exhilaration to Derby, as the community comes together to celebrate arts and culture. We're already looking forward to this autumn's edition of the festival."