Two musical superstars to kick off the 2026 Darley Park Weekender

The Darley Park Weekender Billy Ocean and Marti Pellow

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music as the Darley Park Weekender returns for 2026! We’re excited to announce the acts for the first of the three nights. Two renowned international artists - music icon Billy Ocean and very special guest Marti Pellow - will take to the stage on Fri 21 Aug.

Billy Ocean is one of the biggest recording stars Britain has ever produced, boasting over thirty million record sales and a pile of Gold and Platinum records across the globe.

His timeless hits, which include worldwide number ones such as Red Light Spells Danger, Love Really Hurts Without You, When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Goin, and the Grammy Award-winning Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run), are as popular today as ever, attracting millions of streams.

Billy Ocean

He'll be joined by Marti Pellow, best known as the frontman of the chart-topping group Wet Wet Wet, whose defining voice helped sell over 15 million albums and gave the world the iconic 15-week No.1 single, Love Is All Around.

Marti also brings his acclaimed solo career, spanning over a dozen albums, and his established status as a leading man in musical theatre.

Cllr Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said: “We’re bringing a fresh take to the Darley Park Weekender this year and I’m thrilled we’ve got two renowned international artists topping the bill on the Friday night! For kids of the eighties, they are icons for so many of us.

“I had a poster of Marti Pellow on my wall and I still remember the dance to When The Going Gets Tough. I'll be watching to see how many are re-enacting it on the night! It’s going to be fantastic.”

Marti Pellow

The Darley Park Weekender take place from Fri 21- Sun 23 Aug 2026. Details about Saturday’s line up will be released very soon, so keep your eyes peeled! The Darley Park Concert will return on Sun 23 Aug 2026.

Tickets for Fri 21 Aug go on general sale on Fri 7 Nov, with a presale to existing Derby LIVE customers on Thu 6 Nov at 10AM. To access the presale, you’ll need to create a Derby LIVE account at derbylive.co.uk by Wed 5 Nov.

Snap up your tickets before 31 Mar to get them for £40. Derby city residents can get tickets for just £35 until 31 Dec. From 1 Apr, tickets will be £45, and then £50 if bought on the day. Under 18s are £20 and under £5s free. VIP tickets cost £75, with access to the Darley Garden, with a VIP bar and toilets.