Derby's Festé's line-up of free entertainment including circus, dance and art will transform city centre into a vibrant playground of creativity
Leap into the extraordinary with a spectacular line-up of free, outdoor performances when Derby Festé returns this year.
High-energy dance and playful performance, stunning art and breath-taking circus will be showcased by leading UK and international artists on the streets of the city centre on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Audiences can look forward to interactive walkabout dogs, trumpet players performing high above the crowd, roller-skating choreography, and breathtaking dance - all building towards a Saturday evening spectacle, not to be missed! Catch the action at Derby Market Place, Cathedral Green, Derby Market Hall and Osnabruck Square.
The programme will run from 11.30am and this year will extend into the evening, so you can experience Festé after dark!
Derby Festé is proudly presented by Derby City Council with project grant support from Arts Council England National Lottery funding, and supported by FABRIC and Derby Theatre.
Councillor Gurkiran Kaur, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for City Centre, Culture and Tourism, said: “Derby Festé is a spectacular celebration of creativity that transforms our streets into a vibrant, living stage. We’re proud to work with Arts Council England and our brilliant local partners to bring such a diverse and international line-up to the city.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for families and visitors to experience world-class, breathtaking street theatre, dance, and circus right here in the heart of Derby. Best of all, it’s completely free for everyone to enjoy.”
The Festé programme is highly accessible to audience members with additional needs, with many performances completely non-verbal and some featuring British Sign Language.
Full details of the Festé programme, including more detail on the performances, times and locations, will be available on the Derby Festé website closer to the event, and guides will be available on the day. Look out for Derby Festé on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
Derby Festé was launched in 2007 and now attracts more than 30,000 visitors to the city which becomes a vibrant playground of creativity during the festival.