The Hannells Darley Park Concert is this Sunday - Here’s your weather update and all you need to know

Thu 29 Aug 2019

There’s not long to wait for this year’s much-loved Hannells Darley Park Concert which returns this Sunday, 1 September to the stunning natural amphitheatre of Darley Park. This year’s event will be supported by Hannells, Derby Telegraph, Flint Bishop Solicitors, HomesOpportunities, HUUB, Mobile Solutions, Mortgage Advice Bureau, Stratstone BMW Derby and WDS Limited

The event, which will be compèred by BBC Radio Derby presenters Andy Twigg and Steve Jordan, will help the crowds celebrate 1969 and Golden Anniversaries through a programme of music put together by East Midlands Grammy-nominated orchestra Sinfonia Viva, who are supported by Rolls-Royce.

The programme is set to delight audiences with a mix of classical favourites and a selection of music to commemorate iconic moments from 1969 including the release of Abbey Road by the Beatles, the Moon Landing and Concorde’s first flight. The programme kicks-off with Strauss R’s opening of Also Sprach, the most famous piece linked with space and the launch of the space craft used in 2001’s film Space Odyssey.

There are classical takes on The Beatles Here Comes the Sun and Liberty Bell, Monty Python’s theme song and the ultimate nod to 1969 with Bryan Adam’s unmistakable hit Summer of ’69. Fans of dancing will be wowed with the toe-tapping number Gold and Silver Waltz and Derby County fans will be entertained with the sound of Steve Bloomer’s Watchin’ – performed like they’ve never heard before.

The weather is expected to be dry with sunny spells and a temperature of around 15-12°c for this spectacular evening of classical music and fireworks to enjoy with family and friends. Visitors can bring their own food and drink, including alcohol as many choose to experience the event with a picnic. There will be a range of catering units on site for those who wish to purchase food and drinks, including an on-site bar serving alcoholic and soft drinks. Glass bottles are allowed, although visitors are advised to bring reusable plastics where possible and ensure that all waste is deposited in the appropriate bins. A full list of prohibited items and the concert’s FAQs can be found at here

For public safety and comfort, there are a range of security measures which will be in place on Sunday 1 September at Darley Park. Visitors are advised to arrive in plenty of time and to be prepared for bag searches and approaches from security personnel. There will be two entrances to the event area, one located at the Rowing Club end of the park and one at the Darley Abbey Village end of the park and the gates will open at 2pm, with the concert starting at 6pm. In addition to last year’s access to the park itself, this year, the pathway at the Darley Park Drive entrance will be open. No access will be granted into the event area without a ticket and the entrance gates will close at 8.30pm to those arriving.

There will be an Accessible Viewing Area located just off centre of the stage/ stage right and only assistance dogs will be allowed into the event area, although they are advised to leave before 9.15pm if the dog is afraid of fireworks. This year’s concert will be accompanied by screens flanking either side of the stage for audience viewing pleasure and information. Members of the audience using social media could even get featured on the screens by using the hashtag ‘#darley19’ whilst at the event.

Visitors are advised to walk or use public transport to get to Darley Park on Sunday. There is limited car parking available from 1pm at St Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy and Derby Rugby Club for £5 (cash only). There is limited, first-come-first-served parking available for Blue Badge Holders at the Cricket Club in Darley Village. It is located directly opposite the Abbey Pub, postcode DE22 1DX and is estimated to be no more than a 3 or 4 minute walk to the main event site. Blue Badge holders are advised to show the badge to a security steward on the gate who will show them to a parking space.

It is recommended that visitors wear warm clothes, bring waterproofs and wear sensible footwear as the grass can be wet and sometimes slippery depending on weather conditions. Although entrances and exits are lit, it is recommended you bring additional lighting such as a torch. Visitors to the event may bring their own seating. A map of Darley Park, showing the location of entrances is available here.

With tickets selling fast it is advisable to book soon for this fantastic evening of classical music and fireworks. Tickets can be purchased from 01332 255800, online here, or booked in person at the Sales & Information Centre, Riverside Chambers, Full Street, Derby, DE1 3AF. The Sales & Information Centre will be closed on the day of the concert, however, two Box Office points will be open from 12.30pm at Darley Park. These are located opposite the play area at the Darley Abbey Cricket Club end of the park, and the second near to the Rowing Club entrance to the park.

In the meantime, to get the crowds excited for this weekend’s event, watch the event’s trailer which captures why people love The Hannells Darley Park Concert.