This is how Derby’s Darley Park Weekender 2023 will be different

Organisers have announced changes to this year’s Darley Park Weekender - in a bid to make it a “bigger and better experience for all”.

The popular event will take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, featuring acts such as Peter Andre, East 17, Atomic Kitten and Five on the Ultimate 90s stage, and DJ Martin Kemp, ABC and Hue and Cry at the 80s Mix Tape section.

Now, Derby LIVE, Derby City Council’s arts and events arm, have made changes to both layout and licensing at the attraction.

This year the site will move towards the Derby Rowing Club end of Darley Park, with the council saying this flatter area will provide better access for audience members with mobility issues and firmer ground on the footpath for wheelchair users to reach the gates.

And there promises to be more space in the area in front of the stage, giving audiences extra room to get up and dance to some of the best sounds from the 80s and 90s.

Another change is that festival-goers will no longer be able to bring in unlimited alcohol this year.

A council spokesperson said: “To bring Darley Park Weekender in line with other large events across the country, such as Glastonbury, Creamfields and Y Not Festival, a personal allowance of four cans of larger/beer/mixed spirits/cider and 750ml of wine is now being introduced.

“Derby LIVE has actively sought out changes to the licence which will enable better control over challenging underage drinking and ensuring better public safety at the events.

“The new licence will limit the sale of alcohol until 10.30pm to help address concerns from nearby residents about noise levels.

“Bar capacity on-site will be significantly increased with a range of lager, beer, spirits, wine and more available at a number of outlets at the Darley Park Weekender.

“Drink prices will be kept on a level with local pubs.

“While there is no limit to the amount of soft drinks, they will need to be unopened when brought on-site.”

The entire weekend is also now going glass-free.

The council spokesperson said glass bottles and drinking glasses will be “strictly prohibited”.

“This is in response to safety issues broken glass has created in previous years,” they added.

Robbie Kerr, general manager of Derby LIVE, said: “These changes really help us deliver a safe, sustainable event which customers can continue to enjoy at low prices while being a considerate neighbour to nearby residents.

“We have a duty of care at these events, and as they grow in popularity, it is essential that we ensure we deliver on our licensing objectives and protect all customers.

“The approved changes to licensing enable us to challenge ID to help cut down on underage drinking.

“By limiting the alcohol customers can bring in, we can better regulate alcohol consumption on-site and create a safer environment for all our customers, including the families who join us.

“A number of bars on-site with a range of drinks to suit all tastes will further add to the festival feel of the weekend.”

For more information about Darley Park Weekender and to buy tickets, visit derbylive.co.uk