Festive Derby Event Information

Elf encounter title, cartoon elves and toys

A Christmas carol artwork showing The Lost Boys dressed as Scrooge and Marley

Precautions to make the Festive Markets COVID19 safe

Limited capacity
One group in, one group out
Social distancing marshals
Contactless payment
All stalls have an area in front of them that contains one group at a time (max. 6)
Hand sanitiser available
Robust evacuation procedures
Cleaning regime for toilets
Staff monitoring and assisting customers in social distancing
One-way system
Face coverings recommended for all stallholders and shoppers

Measures listed will be in line with updated local and national Government guidance and changes will be made in line with this if needed.

Festive Markets Frequently Asked Questions

How it works

Social distancing measures will be in place and we would encourage customers to use contactless payment where possible.

Where is Derby Market Place?

Derby Market Place ( DE1 3AH ) is located in the heart of Derby's Cathedral Quarter, with great transport links from all areas of the City and just a few minutes walk from the Bus Station. It is surrounded by two of Derby's entertainment venues - Guildhall Theatre and QUAD, along with a selection of shops, bars and restaurants.

What happens in bad weather?

The market will still go ahead in rainy weather conditions and are never cancelled more than 24 hours ahead of the opening time as the weather can change rapidly.

I have specific access requirements will I be able to attend?

Derby Market Place is accessible to all. Disabled car parking is available in the City Centre. Please get in touch, and we will do all we can to answer any questions.

Is parking nearby?

Save 20% on your parking at the Assembly Rooms and Bold Lane car parks when you have your ticket validated at the Market Place Box Office. Opening hours in line with Elf Encounter performances.

Are there toilets on-site?

Yes, the venue has its own. Derby Market Place offers accessible toilets to its patrons. Users of Changing Places toilets can use the Council House Changing Places room between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Are dogs allowed on site?

Assistance dogs only are welcome on site.

Elf Encounter and River Gardens Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in bad weather?

Performances will still go ahead in rainy weather conditions and are never cancelled more than 24 hours ahead of the performance time as the weather can change rapidly.

Performances will only be cancelled in extreme weather conditions e.g. high winds. Tickets are non–returnable and non-refundable except when an event is cancelled. In the event of a refund, please be aware that we are unable to give cash refunds. If you paid by any other method than card (including a mixed payment of card and something else) please note that the council will issue a cheque refund. We're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Can I smoke during the performance?

Smoking is not permitted within Venue . We ask visitors who wish to smoke to move outside the enclosed area, out of respect for other audience members. Please note this also applies to e cigarettes.

Will there be heating?

The Elf Encounter will be heated. The River Garden auditorium will be preheated before the performances to avoid noise interruptions.

What should I wear?

The performances are held in a temporary venue so please ensure you wear appropriate clothing. Please bear in mind that it can get chilly so make sure you bring something warm to wrap up in as it is the Great British Weather after all!

Will food and drink be available on site?

There will be no refreshments available on-site.

Will there be chairs available?

Chairs will be provided. These will be metal chairs so they can easily be cleaned and sterilised between each performance. You are welcome to bring your own cushion.

What do I do with my rubbish after the performance?

When the performance ends please ensure that you put your rubbish in the bins provided when you exit, or take it with you if you wish.

What else should I bring?

It is strongly advised that you bring something to keep you warm!

I have specific access requirements will I be able to attend?

The Elf Encounter cabin and whole area of the Marquee is accessible to all. Disabled car parking is available in the City Centre.

Is parking available on site?

The Assembly Rooms car park is a 5 minute walk from the River Gardens, and next to the Market Place. There is no parking on site at the River Gardens.

Alternatively, save 20% on your parking at the Assembly Rooms and Bold Lane car parks when you have your ticket validated at the Market Place Box Office. Opening hours in line with Elf Encounter performances.

Where and when can I purchase tickets?

You can purchase tickets in advance at the links below or via the Derby LIVE Sales and Information centre on 01332 255800.

Will there be toilets?

For Riverside Garden events, there will be temporary toilets located outside the Marquee. We would advise that if needed you use these facilities before taking your seat as there will be no interval during the performance and to keep movement to a minimum in the auditorium in line with Covid 19 restrictions.

There are no toilets at the Elf Encounter cabin, however there are toilets in the Festive Markets and the Market Hall when they are open.

Can I bring a dog to the performance?

No dogs are permitted in the performance area unless they are an Assistance Dog. If you plan to bring an assistance dog we’d be grateful if you could inform us when you book or at least 24 hours before the start of the performance.

We look forward to seeing you

Precautions to make the Elf Encounter COVID19 safe

Please only book tickets to attend with members of your own household or bubble.
If you or any member of your group are feeling unwell or are displaying any symptoms that relate to Covid-19, please don’t attend.
The Cabin will be set up with seating for a maximum of 6, there will be a clear screen between you and the artists.
All staff will be wearing face coverings
On your arrival, you will queue socially distanced at the entrance to the venue where the Front of House Staff will be situated.
Your bag will be checked and your ticket shown to a member of Front of House Staff.
There will be hand sanitiser and hand washing station available on your arrival that you will be expected to use.
You will be asked to wear a face-covering on arrival, and for the entirety of the event in line with government guidance.
A member of Front of House Staff will then show you in.
All seating benches are easy to clean, these will be cleaned and sanitised before every performance
The performance has no interval to keep movement around the venue to a minimum.
At the end of the performance, you will be asked to stay in your seats until asked to move to assist with everyone’s safety.
There will be bins at the exit for your rubbish.
If you have made a booking and are unable to attend please contact 01332 255800 or email boxoffice@derby.gov.uk. Bookings are non-refundable without 24 hours’ advance notice by telephone.

Precautions to make the River Garden events COVID19 safe

The Auditorium will be set up with pre booked square seating areas, these will have a two metre gangway around each of them.
All staff will be wearing face coverings
On your arrival you will queue socially distanced at the entrance to the venue where the Front of House Staff will be situated.
Your bag will be checked and your ticket shown to a member of Front of House Staff.
There will be hand sanitiser available on your arrival that you will be expected to use.
You will be asked to wear a face covering on arrival, and for the entirety of the event in line with government guidance.
All seating is metal chairs that are easy to clean, these will be cleaned and sanitised before every performance
The performance has no interval to keep movement around the venue to a minimum.
At the end of the performance you will be asked to stay in your seat until asked to move to assist with everyone’s safety.
There will be bins at the exit for your rubbish.