Things To Do

Matlock Bath Illuminations and Silent Fireworks

30 October 2022

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

The 2022 Matlock Bath Illuminations will run every Saturday and Sunday night from 10 September to 30 October, with fireworks finales every Saturday in October (plus a silent fireworks display on the final night of the season, Sunday 30 October). TICKETS GO ON SALE ON 1 JULY.

During the 8-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. To enhance the reputation of Sundays as 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 2022.

 

 

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.

View Map Visit Website
Opening Times

The models are mounted on rowing boats and paraded on the River Derwent each Sunday from around 7pm in October.   Silent Fireworks Display at 8pm. Gates open at 6pm for the event. Opening times may vary, please check with the attraction for the latest information.

More events

Aug 2

Northern Potters Fair

Set within the heart of our UNESCO World Heritage Site, this popular event will bring together more than 30 of the region’s finest potters and ceramic artists, showcasing and selling a stunning range of handmade ceramics.

View
Aug 2

Belper Donkey Derby

Belper 250 celebrations continue with a fun take on an old Belper tradition.

View
Aug 2

Belper Larks in the Park

Larks in the Park continues on Sunday 2nd August with a performance from Derby Hospitals Band.

View
Aug 9

Cromford Mills Comic con 2026

Fans of pop culture will once again be converging at Cromford Mills on Sunday 9th August 2026 for another Cromford Mills Comic-Con – an intergalactic celebration of classic sci-fi, fantasy and pop culture!

View
Aug 16

Cromford Mills – Makers Market

Cromford Mills Maker’s Market is a vibrant celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and local talent.

View
Sep 12 Nov 1

Matlock Bath Illuminations

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

View