Festive Derby Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink And Nordic Bar Review
DISCLOSURE – THIS EXPERIENCE WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST/S FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Anon
The official start of Derby’s Festive programme for the Christmas season was split over two evenings this year. Once again, it was very well advertised with Derby residents receiving a pamphlet in the post. Year on year, there is an extremely comprehensive offering for all ages, budgets, and interests. Therefore, it was with great delight when my family and I were given the opportunity to sample a section of the yuletide line-up. Wonderfully, my school were already participating in The Lantern Parade on Thursday which marked the climax of the Derby Season of Light festival, organised by South Asian city-based arts organisation ‘Surtal Arts’ (www.surtalarts.co.uk). This year celebrated ‘Light’ and ‘Peace & Friendship’; an essential theme if there ever was.
We started our afternoon in the St Peters Quarter, (www.stpetersquarter.co.uk) the central high street of the city centre, from where the Lantern Parade was departing. It was a mild, but no less merry day thanks to the festive visitors and, not yet lit, but impressive decorations. Pop-up events and costumed characters are out and about through, entertainers and groups who are bringing free music and fun at the weekends up until New Year.
Celebrating the diversity of the city, the dazzling spectacle began with an array of dance and music performances from across the world. Led by a stunning, elaborately dressed Caribbean carnival queen, hundreds of school children, holding aloft their handmade lanterns, with their families, teachers, and the public, danced through the streets to the Riverside Chambers. To the mighty beat of traditional Indian drums, we were accompanied by Chinese dragon performers, masqueraders, and a range of dancers in luminous and vivacious costumes. This year, we stopped off at Osnabruck Square, extremely well rejuvenated alongside Derby Market Hall, for in-the-round street performances. I really liked how this gave the audience the opportunity to see the performers in multiple areas of the city. The parade concluded with an energetic Bollywood dance and drumming performances – adding colour and dynamism to the Christmas Light Switch On. An exceptional cultural celebration showcasing what makes the city so special!
Building up to the Big Switch On, a temporary stage in the glow of the Riverside Chambers hosted a range of compelling acts which raised spirits of all ages. In front of thousands, breakfast presenters of Smooth Radio (www.smoothradio.com/eastmids) were joined on stage by the stars of Derby Live’s panto Dick Whittington (https://www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/dick-whittington), musicians, the Mayor and the main man himself – Father Christmas! The countdown culminated in the dazzling lighting of the streets and a flurry of fireworks. A rousing and crowd pleasing crescendo!
We retraced our steps, this time taking in the illuminated Festive Derby Light Trail to St Peter’s Cross – its Rudolph Reindeer Arch being my particular favourite. If you venture a little further up St Peter’s Street to The Spot, you can enjoy traditional fairground rides. It was a wonderful Thursday evening and we looked forward to returning…
On Saturday, our destination was the cultural heart of the city centre – Derby Marketplace – in the Cathedral Quarter (www.derbycathedralquarter.co.uk). Lit beautifully from above, this is the home of the Light Trail’s Giant Teddy Bear and Present canopies, pop-up attractions throughout December, and food cabins that surround the spectacular real Ice Rink (http://www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/cathedral-quarter-ice-rink-2025 ), plus the family-friendly neighbouring Nordic Bar (www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/festive-bar).
On arrival, we were greeted by the Ice King and Queen on stilts. No frosty reception from these two – just a little unexpected moment of joy that occur when you bump into one of multiple Walk-Around Acts this season. Once on the ice, the glittering rink was spacious and accommodating varying abilities. It is fully undercover, allowing for all weather frozen fun. Starting at £10 with additional discounts for concessions/groups, the Ice Skating is fantastic value and inclusive of skate hire, which were clean and comfortable, and the use of cute aids, including a sit on raft, for little gliders. The rink is also wheelchair friendly. Enhancing the experience, the team were incredibly friendly and helpful; being on hand to help visitors fasten their skates and pass out the aids.
After forty-five minutes of skating, we were ready for refuelling and visited Derby’s Market Hall (https://www.derbymarkethall.co.uk). Dinner was from the delicious ‘Bethel Kitchen’; a vibrant culinary treat of French-African fusion cuisine. The stews, grilled turkey and lamb pasties were delicious. It is great to see the expanding gastronomic offering in Derby. I spied a Venezuelan eatery across the way, so I know where I’ll be heading next time I am in town.
A super job has been done on the regeneration of the Market Hall, and it’s buzzing when busy. It is quickly becoming a destination in itself, and a personal favourite, in thanks to the brilliant line-up of live music and entertainment. This evening, the talented live soloist Claire Andress was performing Christmastime hits. I recommend visiting the website to find out What’s On.
Glad tidings surrounded us, our hearts light and our bellies content, we headed outside to the Nordic Bar. The three peak tepee is the perfect pre-or post-skate venue for hot and cold winter tipples. Best described as Scandi hygge mixed with disco chic, under the cosy canopy you will find a welcoming fire pit, a well-stocked bar with an extensive menu and plentiful seating. Prices were reasonable and we ordered mocktails and hot chocolate for the children. I tried the delicious Festive Derby; they didn’t scrimp on the good stuff either!
Additionally, for those wanting to enjoy their drinks outside, takeaway is allowed. The aroma of the German sausages and loaded fries are incredibly tantalising, plus the sweet crepes and waffles also caught our eyes! As now seems tradition after a night at the Nordic Bar, our dessert and home time treat was inevitable.
Hosting a programme of entertainment including live music, children’s entertainment, quizzes, and more, tonight we were entertained by the incredible, local, party band Cassette Roulette (who had also played on the Light Switch On stage). Belting out pop hits and medleys from across the decades, the energetic quartet raised the roof and created an unrivalled atmosphere.
As we headed for the car park, we were showered with artificial snow and reflected on the fabulous festive fun that can be found in our home city.
Overall, an incredible couple of days for young and old celebrating in the heart of Derby that yule love! Christmas has officially started!
The welcoming and safe city has excellent transport links and several car parks which make visiting easy and accessible. From magical seasonal activities and dazzling entertainment to bustling shopping, delightful dining, and captivating theatre, Festive Derby has it all. A true Christmas gift wrapped in joy and wonder, it’s the perfect destination to make your celebrations unforgettable!
Further highlights we hope to enjoy include: Christmas at Pickford’s House; Bustler market; multiple theatre productions by Derby Live and Derby Theatre; services and celebrations at the local churches; Santa’s Grotto in the Market Hall; the Snowman Experience in the Derbion Shopping Centre; check out what’s happening in the Museums and Artcore too. We may even find time to squeeze in some Christmas shopping (plenty of gift buying options from craft fairs to independent retailers to the high-street big hitters), as well as entering the Golden Ticket Prize draw.
This season, Derby is the ultimate choice for unforgettable experiences that will shine brightly in your memories for years to come!
Rating: 5/5 Five Very Merry Stars!
Prices range from free and are dependent on the experience. For those that require booking, do so online or by visiting the dedicated Box Office in the Market Place or specific venues.
Visit www.festivederby.co.uk for more information, map and what’s on guide.