Things To Do

Matlock Bath Illuminations

28 October 2023

Matlock Bath Illuminations is a fun-packed family event featuring a spectacular parade of illuminated and decorated boats along the River Derwent.

The 2023 Matlock Bath Illuminations will run every Saturday and Sunday night from 9 September to 29 October, with fireworks finales every Saturday in October. Tickets go on sale 1 July.

During the 7-week season Matlock Bath Venetian Boat Builders’ Association decorate themed models with an array of coloured lights. The models are mounted on rowing boats and paraded on the River Derwent each Saturday (from around 7.45pm in September and from around 7pm in October) and Sundays (from around 7.30pm in September and 7pm in October) in Derwent Gardens, giving a unique and illuminous display. The boats can only be viewed on admission into the gardens.

There are fantastic firework displays on selected evenings. The fireworks light up the skies around Matlock Bath in multi-colours. The firework displays begin at 9pm (8pm on Sunday 30 October) with the best viewing positions being in the Bandstand area of Derwent Gardens.

Please note that on Saturdays in particular Matlock Bath can get extremely busy.

Sundays are themed nights for our younger visitors, and there’s also entertainment including stilt walkers plus the fabulous parade of decorated boats on the River Derwent. As Sundays are a “family night”, entertainment starts and finishes earlier, running from 6.00pm-8.30pm to take account of the fact that younger visitors have school the following morning.

Tickets go on sale on 1 July 2023.

Address

Derwent Gardens
Off South Parade
Matlock Bath
Derwent Gardens are located behind The Grand Pavilion, a ten minute-walk along North and South Parade from Matlock Bath station.

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Opening Times

The models are mounted on rowing boats and paraded on the River Derwent each Saturday from around 7pm in October. Fireworks Display at 9pm. Gates open at 6pm for the event. Opening times may vary, please check with the attraction for the latest information.

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