Top Picks for August - Summer Holiday Round Up

Top picks for August

Wed 12 Jul 2017

Summer is here and we've got some brilliant ideas to keep everyone entertained around Derby this August. From local parks events to the best things to watch, the city is buzzing with activity! This summer is one not to miss.

Families can enjoy a packed schedule of summer holiday activities, running from Saturday 29 July to Sunday 3 September. With plenty of choices, you can definitely find an event to go along to. Queen’s Leisure Centre will be hosting pool parties, learn to swim courses and family splash sessions throughout the holidays. Sport enthusiasts can give track cycling a go at Derby Arena in the family track cycling sessions, or take advantage of half price sports court hire. There’s a brilliant mix on offer at Springwood Leisure Centre, including giant games sessions, cupcake decorating and ninja warrior style circuit sessions. Find more details on our website.

The Reading Agency and Libraries present Animal Agents Summer Reading Challenge 2017. Kids aged up to 11 years old can take part in the free challenge from Saturday 15 July to Saturday 16 September. The challenge is to read six library books during the school holidays, and children can collect stickers for each book they read. There will also be a range of free activities to enjoy across Derby Libraries, including animal handling shows and mask making workshops, for children signed up to the challenge. To enter, take your child to your local library any time from Saturday 15 July. Find out more on the libraries page.

The Summer Musical Theatre School is perfect for kids and teens interested in the performing arts. Young people aged 8 to 16 years can take part in a weeklong series of workshops at the Guildhall Theatre from Monday 31 July to Friday 4 August, with tips and tricks about singing, acting and dancing performance, as well as general stage craft. They'll be putting on a performance on Saturday 5 August, that parents can attend. Find out more on the event page.

Superheroes, it’s time to grab a cape and head to the local park – Superhero Picnic in the Park is back! Running from Monday 31 July to Friday 4 August, the week of events kicks off at Markeaton Park at 11am on Monday 31 July. The events are free to attend, and everybody is welcome to dress as their favourite superhero and take a picnic to enjoy in order to celebrate Derby’s parks. Events will be taking place at Markeaton Park, Darley Park, Derby Arboretum, Chaddesden Park and Sunnydale Park. Don’t forget your picnic! More information is available on the website.

The Outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season is back in full swing, with two films on show in August. Firm favourites Mamma Mia! (PG) and Grease (PG) will be screened at Markeaton Park’s Craft Village on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 August,both starting at 9pm. The hit films will be fantastic entertainment on a summer evening, with catering available for the full experience! Get your tickets online.

Derby Arena will be hosting the Derby Arena Grand Prix on Saturday 26 August at 2pm. You can witness the thrill of the track and join the party atmosphere throughout the track cycling competition, which will see national-standard track cyclists compete in a range of events including a scratch, points, elimination and a 10 mile Grand Prix final. Tickets are priced at £10 and can be purchased on the Derby Arena website.

Derby’s much loved classical concert, The Hannells Darley Park Concert, is back! Taking place on Sunday 3 September, the concert is one of the UK’s biggest outdoor classical concerts in the stunning natural amphitheatre that is Darley Park. This is an event for everyone to enjoy – an evening of classical music and fireworks. Don’t forget to bring a picnic! You can buy your tickets online.