What's on in Derby in January and February 2024? Comedy shows, live music, workshops and more

Planning for January and February 2024 may seem as if you’re wishing your life away. But… there’s a certain satisfaction to being organised, especially if you’re on course for a crazy mad Christmas. 

Knowing what your diary looks like can help you plan your life and social commitments, so there’s never a chance that you double book.

Being super organised and knowing exactly what is happening when, is also an excellent antidote to that odd time in between Christmas and New Year, when the country loses track of what day it is.

Read more: What's on in Derby?

You’re also avoiding major FOMO (fear of missing out) as you’ll already have all the cool events in your diary that you need to attend!

There are plenty of fun and entertaining things to do in Derby.

Events from the world of drama, comedy, live music, history and fashion collide in our epic listings covering January and February 2024. 

Dates for your calendar include funky jazz evenings with internationally acclaimed artists, stand-up comedy from Bill Bailey, and even a fashion workshop where you can make your own t-shirt.

Here is our round-up of events that have caught our attention. 

If we've missed an event off the list please email [email protected] and we’ll take a look.

January 2024

January 7

Record Fair - shopping at Annie’s Burger Shack Derby

Pick up some vinyls at this free-to-attend event, where food will also be served all day. Find out more by clicking here.

January 10

Mark Watson - comedy at Derby Theatre

Mark Watson performs his award-winning comedy routine at Derby Theatre. Find out more by clicking here.

January 13

The Ukranians - music at The Hairy Dog

This British band plays traditional Ukrainian music heavily influenced by Western post-punk. Find out more by clicking here.

January 15 - 20

Murder In The Dark - drama at Derby Theatre 

This atmospheric ghost story stars TV and stage favourite Tom Chambers (Holby City, Casualty and Strictly Come Dancing champion). Find out more by clicking here.

January 23 - 25

The Gruffalo’s Child - children’s show at Derby Theatre 

The show is a treat for little ones in this enchanting adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s beloved book. Find out more by clicking here.

January 26

The BBC Big Band: James Bond - musical show at Derby Theatre

One for fans of the music in James Bond, this musical extravaganza features toe-tapping tunes such as Diamonds Are Forever and Thunderball. Find out more by clicking here.

January 26

Robert Vincent - jazz at The Hound Dog

Another musical event on this day is Robert Vincent's jazz evening. The award-winning singer is considered to be one of the most acclaimed new voices in UK Americana, country and folk. Find out more by clicking here.

January 28

Super 6s Finals Day Hockey - live sports at Derby Arena

Spend a sporty day enjoying watching the country’s best hockey teams play-off for the national title and a place in Europe. Find out more by clicking here.

January 29 - February 3

Twelve Angry Men - drama at Derby Theatre

This courtroom thriller features an all-star cast including Jason Merrells, Gray O’Brien, Michael Greco and Gary Webster. Find out more by clicking here.

February 2024

February 2

Tom Clarke - music at The Hairy Dog

An Evening with Tom Clarke of The Enemy sees Tom playing stunning acoustic versions of all classical hits by The Enemy. Find out more by clicking here.

February 3

PAKIt In - drama at Derby Theatre

Adam Iqbal’s debut play about a cross-cultural romance guarantees rom-com vibes whilst it does a deep dive into what it means to be a British Pakistani. Find out more by clicking here.

February 3

As December Falls - music at The Hairy Dog 

The Hairy Dog is hosting the Derby leg of As December Falls which is a series of events supporting grassroots music venues around the country. Expect excellent performances by Artio and Greywind, whose latest song Antidote went viral on TikTok hitting 100k views in 24 hours.

Find out more by clicking here.

February 4

Can Bears Ski? - children-friendly show at Derby Theatre

This adaptation by Raymond Antrobus and Polly Duntbar is perfect for teaching people of all ages about the power of communication. Find out more by clicking here.

February 6

Energy - community drama at Derby Theatre

See the culmination of students’ hard work who have created music through collaborative workshops to shine a light on the energy and climate crisis. Find out more by clicking here.

February 9 - 10

Rapunzel - children-friendly show at Derby Theatre

This is a family-friendly retelling of Rapunzel by leading dance theatre company balletLORENT. Find out more by clicking here.

February 9 - 10

Forever Young Festival - music at The Hairy Dog

Travel back to the amazing 80s with this festival that celebrates musical hits from this year.  Find out more by clicking here.

February 11

Hey Beatles - music at Annie’s Burger Shack Derby

Enjoy an afternoon packed with Beatles’ classics by the band who have been wowing audiences across the country for over a decade. Find out more by clicking here.

February 11

Mary Pickford - history at Derby Museum 

Learn more about the fascinating history of Mary Pickford, wife of celebrated Derby architect Joseph Pickford. The illustrated talk will be given by Dr Peter Collinge, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Find out more by clicking here.

February 12

Bill Bailey - comedy at Derby Arena

Get your funny bones tickled with Bill Bailey’s trademark deadpan humour. Garnering plaudits from The Observer as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy and landing in Channel 4's Top 100 Greatest Stand-Ups, this critically acclaimed comedian’s show is set to be a real treat.

Find out more by clicking here.

February 14 - 17

Flying High Gang Show 2024 - mixed entertainment at Derby Theatre

Enjoy a show packed with song, dance and comedy by five times winner of the Derby Theatre Amateur Theatre Eagle Award for Outstanding Achievement. Find out more by clicking here.

February 17

The Mechanist and others - music at The Hairy Dog 

Enjoy the finest rock and metal tunes from The Mechanist with Akkadian, The Cartographer, Sixth Wonder, Crimea and Contemno. Find out more by clicking here.

February 18

Crescendo 2024: The Concert - music at Derby Theatre

Derby Community Choir will be belting their hearts out, singing chart-toppers by Ed Sheeran, Abba, Queen, Metallica and many more. Find out more by clicking here.

February 18

Steve Williams and Steve Hall - comedy at Annie’s Burger Shack Derby

Enjoy a double dose of laugh-out-loud comedy with this acclaimed pair of comedians who have appeared on the Russell Howard and Michael McIntyre shows. Find out more by clicking here.

February 20

Our Dementia Choir - music at Derby Theatre

Choirs are uplifting communities, and this one focussing on the power of music aims to raise awareness of dementia. Find out more by clicking here.

February 21

Geoff Norcott: Basic Bloke - comedy at Derby Theatre

Stand-up Geezer delivers epic one-liners in his Derby Theatre stand-up comedy routine. Find out more by clicking here.

February 22 - 23

Dear Zoo - children’s show at Derby Theatre

The city’s leading theatre brings Rod Campbell’s children’s classic to the stage. Expect his distinctive illustrations to leap from the page in this colourful show packed full of puppetry and songs. Find out more by clicking here.

February 23

Big Boy Bloater & The Limits - music at The Hound Dog Derby

This band won plaudits from Jools Holland and Mike Lamarr has also been described as the ‘best R&B guitarist and singer in the UK’ which is high praise indeed. Find out more by clicking here.

February 24 - 25

Sewing workshop - DIY t-shirt workshop at Derby Museum 

Unleash your inner Paul Smith or Vivienne Westwood and learn how to make your own organic t-shirt and sweatshirt. You can even personalise it with fancy cuffs and labels. Find out more by clicking here.

February 25

Kumite Combat Wrestling - sports at The Hairy Dog

Get up close to the action as you watch live combat wrestling featuring a variety of stars including Harley Harris and Jason Joshua. Find out more by clicking here.

February 28 - March 16

Animal Farm - classic drama at Derby Theatre 

George Orwell’s chilling and timeless novel has been adapted for the stage by the talented Ian Wooldridge. Find out more by clicking here.

February 29 - March 1 

Self-Raising - biographical drama at Derby Theatre 

Said to be ‘blisteringly honest’, this one-woman show shines a light on growing up deaf in a family who closely guards their secrets. Find out more by clicking here.