Darley Park Weekender 2024 Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Caroline Owen
The Darley Park concert is an annual event which has taken place in Derby for 30 years. In recent years, it has expanded into a weekend extravaganza, featuring everything from orchestral performances to 80s tribute bands. When I say that there is something for everyone here, this is no exaggeration. I was lucky to attend the whole weekend this year and thoroughly enjoyed every part of it.
Firstly, hats off to the organisers: the setting is immaculate and the facilities were plentiful and varied. The event is set in the beautiful Darley Park in a fenced-off area to the north of the site. We were blessed with great weather this year which was a bonus! The VIP area is a brilliant addition. With its own bar, food stalls and adjacent toilets, it provided an excellent viewing point for the 3 days. Priority entry was also a very welcome addition to the package.
Day 1 was an homage to 80s kitsch. The entertainment was provided by 2 tribute bands – Cassette Roulette and 80s reunion, who played a wide selection of 80s hits, from Kim Wilde to Simple Minds and everything in between: really good fun and the tone was set for the main attractions, 80s icons Chesney Hawkes and Jason Donovan. I was unsure what to expect, but I was very pleasantly surprised by both acts, who were engaged with the crowd, brilliant performers and just joyful. Chesney’s pop punk covers were my personal highlight! Scott Mills rounded off the evening with his 80s disco.
Saturday night and more of the same. The cover bands delighted the crowd with a medley of memorable 90s hits, followed by performances from the Honeyz and Blue. Blue were fantastic, playing a selection of their hits. The crowd loved every minute. Chris Moyles provided the full 90s disco experience to round off the evening.
By Sunday, I was ready for something different and this is where Derby really did itself proud, with its own “proms” style classical concert. It was absolutely packed to the rafters! A classic family event, picnics and drinks were enjoyed whilst being entertained by choirs, a steel band and a full symphony orchestra, with Sinfonia Viva conducted by Timothy Redmond and soloist Nicky Spence providing the simply stunning music, featuring music from the movies, including ET, Superman, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Sound of Music and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, it was the perfect event for family and friends to enjoy together and everyone had a lovely evening.
I would recommend this event to absolutely everyone: choose your night, get your family and friends together and revel in the atmosphere. This was an unforgettable experience – thank you Derby live for a superb weekend!
Food and drink outlets were available onsite with alcoholic drinks starting at £5 and soft drinks available from £1.50. There was a range of food outlets offering a choice of delicious refreshments, including gourmet burgers, noodles, Greek street food, wood-fired pizzas, Mediterranean kebabs, churros, coffee and ice cream.
Tickets for Ultimate 90s or 80s Mix Tape are £29.50 per adult – book for both at the same time and save £5 – or £35 on the day. Tickets are £15 for children aged 5-16, with under 5s going free. Tickets for The Darley Park Concert are £7 per adult and £4 for under 16s. Buy on the day prices are £10 per adult and £5 for under-16s. excellence.
Tickets can be purchased from Derby LIVE website or at the Sales and Information Centre, Guildhall Theatre, Market Place, Derby, DE1 3AE, or by calling 01332 255 800. Subject to availability, tickets are available to buy on the day of each event, at the park.
https://www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/the-darley-park-weekender/
Rating: 5/5. Superb!!