The streets of Matlock are set to be filled with colour, joy and music as the town plays host to its first ever Pride in the Peaks day, one year on from a controversy which brought the community together in saying love and diversity should be celebrated in all their splendid shades.

The landmark moment arrives on Saturday, June 27, with support from residents, visitors, performers, local businesses community organisations.

Mayor of Matlock and event co-founder Ashley Orwin said: “Pride in the Peaks is about creating visibility, promoting acceptance and providing opportunities for education around LGBTQIA+ lives and experiences.

“But just as importantly, it's about celebrating the incredible inclusivity and community spirit that exists here in Matlock, across our neighbouring towns and into the wider Peak District and beyond.”

Mayor Ashley Orwin and deputy Jenny Lowthrop want to celebrate the community at its inclusive best.

placeholder image — Mayor Ashley Orwin and deputy Jenny Lowthrop want to celebrate the community at its inclusive best.

He added: “For generations, Pride events have helped people feel seen, valued and supported, as a lot of discrimination and hate still remains. Bringing our first Pride to Matlock sends a powerful message that everyone belongs here.

“We're incredibly proud to be creating an event that welcomes all ages, backgrounds and identities, while showcasing the very best of our local talent. This is a celebration of love, kindness, diversity and togetherness, and we can't wait to fill Hall Leys Park with pride.”

The carnival begins around midday with a parade setting off from Bakewell Road tool merchants Twiggs, and proceeding towards Crown Square with a temporary rolling road closure.

On arrival at the park, everyone is welcome to join the free, family-friendly festivities running from 1-9pm, then an after-party over the road at the Loft until midnight.

The Pride party is coming to Matlock for the first time on Saturday, June 27, and everyone's invited. (Photo: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)

The line-up promises a packed day of live entertainment, food and drink and community engagement.

Throughout the day, the bandstand will hum to a continuous soundtrack from seven different DJs, each bringing their own unique sound and style.

Elsewhere in the park, the main stage will see 13 live acts, including singers, bands and dance groups from across the region.

Alongside the entertainment will be an impressive marketplace featuring 38 traders, charities, community projects and refreshment vendors, the vast majority of them rooted in Derbyshire.

The event has been inundated with support from local businesses and other groups. (Image: Contributed)

Visitors can browse and support a diverse range of local artists, makers, creators and independent traders, including the Tipsy Toad's "Toad on the Road" mobile bar, magical gift shop Punnydukes and TikTok trendsetter Becky Theo.

The strength of local support first became apparent in summer 2025, when Matlock Town Council removed one of its own Pride flags from outside the Cornerstone Christian Bookshop on Dale Road while a second flag was later torn down from another building nearby.

The incident made national headlines – but it also prompted businesses all over town to request even more of the rainbow flags to put on display in their premises.

After reflecting on the incident in the council offices, Ashley and others were inspired to create Pride in the Peaks with the ambition to cement Matlock’s reputation as a fully inclusive place where anyone can live free of prejudice.

The intervening events have seen a number of fabulous fundraising shows, but now the day itself has finally arrived, organisers say the event is still about far more than fun.

Co-founder Jamie Hadleigh, Ashley’s partner in life and Bank Road hair and beauty salon Aspire Creative, said: “When we first imagined Pride in the Peaks, we wanted to create something that truly reflected our rural community – something welcoming, accessible and full of heart.

“The response from local performers, traders, volunteers, businesses and community groups has been overwhelming. The fact that so many Derbyshire people and organisations are involved makes this event especially meaningful.”

He added: “Pride in the Peaks isn't just about one community. It’s about bringing everyone together to celebrate what makes our area such a special and welcoming place to live, work and visit.

“We're creating a space where people can be authentically themselves, make new connections and enjoy an unforgettable day of music, entertainment and community spirit.”

For more updates and event information, go to prideinthepeaks.org or follow @prideinthepeaks on Facebook and Instagram.