Our Matlock Bath Illuminations return for a seven-week season from 7 September.
One of the region’s top autumn events will run every Saturday and Sunday until 27 October – 127 years since the Illuminations were first staged to celebrate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee.
Derbyshire Dales District Council, which took over the running of the event in 1984, launched early bird tickets this week at 2023 prices, including free entry for accompanied under 16s.
The early bird prices are being held until the first night of the 2024 Illuminations.
A family of two adults and two or more under 16s can enjoy a Saturday night out at Matlock Bath Illuminations for just £15 - including a fireworks finale - if they buy in advance by 7 September.
Entry charges recognise the different levels of entertainment provided on each night.
Advance sales give the District Council improved monitoring of likely crowds and give it the option to designate certain nights "all ticket" if necessary. On-the-night tickets are not guaranteed and will not be available if the event sells out in advance.
Derwent Gardens and Lovers’ Walks will be bedecked with colourful lights and the famous parade of decorated and illuminated boats will take to the river every weekend throughout the season.
The boats are created painstakingly with thousands of LED lights by members of the Matlock Bath Venetian Boat Builders’ Association.
Fireworks finales will take place at 8.30pm every Saturday in October and also on the final night, Sunday 27 October. Every Illuminations night will once again be themed for younger visitors.
District Council Leader Councillor Steve Flitter said:
“The Illuminations continue to be one of this region’s most popular autumn events, playing a crucial role for local businesses in extending the tourist season here in the Derbyshire Dales.
“The District Council is proud to organise this annual spectacle, which draws around 100,000 people into the district every year.”
Entry charges recognise the different levels of entertainment provided on each night.
In the early bird regime, accompanied under 16s continue to be free and adult prices are £7.50 on Firework Saturdays (£6.50 concessions) and £6.50 on Non-Firework Saturdays and Sundays (£5.50 concessions) if bought online in advance - apart from the final Sunday (29 October) when Saturday prices apply.
It means a family of two adults and two or more under 16s can enjoy a Saturday night out at Matlock Bath Illuminations for just £15 - including a fireworks finale - if they buy in advance.
On the night prices (card payments only) are more expensive than buying online. Advance sales give the District Council improved monitoring of likely crowds and give it the option to designate certain nights "all ticket" if necessary. On-the-night tickets are not guaranteed and will not be available if the event sells out in advance.
The 2023 decorated boats
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