Derby Market Hall announces summer fun with programme of family-friendly activities
Tue 12 Aug 2025
Derby Market Hall is the place to be this summer with a packed line-up of free entertainment, live music, and creative workshops running throughout the school holidays and beyond.
Following the Grade II listed building’s stunning restoration, the Market Hall has been transformed into a vibrant destination that brings together the best of the region’s independent shopping, eating, drinking, and entertainment under one stunning roof. Since reopening on Saturday 24 May, where it attracted over 35,500 visitors in its first three days, the Market Hall has been buzzing with activity.
The exciting mix of live music, events and workshops will continue throughout the summer, offering something for everyone. Families can get creative with art and craft workshops in partnership with local organisations such as Artcore and Art in the Park. There will be an opportunity to participate in paper flower making, calligraphy, and even an eco-friendly recycling workshop. Young budding music lovers can also participate in a family percussion workshops.
Live performances are now a mainstay at the Market Hall - every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and most Thursdays, spanning everything from indie-folk and pop to vintage classics. August’s highlights also include a VJ Day vintage vocalist performance and the continuation of the Open Mic Night, which takes place on the last Thursday of every month.
A live wrestling show will also take place on Sunday 17 August – perfect for all ages and for families.
The Cathedral Quarter Artisan Trail takes place across the Cathedral Quarter, including the Market Hall, on Saturday 23 August and Sunday 24 August. The Artisan Trail is a two-day event which showcases the talent of local creators, makers, and artists from Derby and Derbyshire.
The fun doesn’t stop there. In addition to a packed summer programme, Derby Market Hall will also host regular quiz nights, karaoke sessions, and monthly open mic nights, ensuring that the Market Hall remains at the heart of Derby’s community spirit all year round.
Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said:
The newly transformed Derby Market Hall has quickly become a vibrant destination in the heart of the city which offers something for everyone. From international street food to vintage clothing, entertainment, and more, the Market Hall is quickly becoming an incredible venue which attracts visitors from across the region.
The summer entertainment programme looks incredible and has been specially designed for people of all ages. I can’t wait to head down to the open mic and karaoke nights!
Great food and drink are always on offer at the Market Hall. You can find traditional market stalls selling fresh, local produce and more alongside a great range of modern street food traders. Whether it’s coffee and cake or food and drink while enjoying one of our free performances, we’ve got it all.
To view the full programme of free events with dates and times, visit the Derby Market Hall website.
Derby Market Hall is also set to welcome an exciting new wave of traders. The new traders will be announced soon.