Music superstars set to kick off 2026 Darley Park Weekender

Derby LIVE has announced that renowned international artists – Billy Ocean and Mari Pellow – will be performing at next year’s Darley Park Weekender.

Billy, who is one of the biggest recording stars Britain has ever produced, will be supported by former Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti on the opening night of the three-day music extravaganza on Friday 21 August.

Billy Ocean boasts over 30 million record sales and several Gold and Platinum records across the globe.

His hits, which include worldwide number ones such as Red Light Spells Danger, Love Really Hurts Without You, When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going, and the Grammy Award-winning Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run).

He will be joined by Marti Pellow, best known as the frontman of the chart-topping group Wet Wet Wet, whose defining voice helped sell over 15 million albums and gave the world the iconic 15-week No.1 single, Love Is All Around.

Marti also brings his acclaimed solo career, spanning over a dozen albums, and his established status as a leading man in musical theatre.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, strategy and policy, said: “We’re bringing a fresh take to the Darley Park Weekender this year, and I’m thrilled we’ve got two renowned international artists topping the bill on the Friday night.

“For kids of the 1980s, they are icons for so many of us.

“I had a poster of Marti Pellow on my wall, and I still remember the dance to When the Going Gets Tough.

“I’ll be watching to see how many are re-enacting it on the night! It’s going to be fantastic.”

The Darley Park Weekender take place from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 August 2026.

Tickets for Friday 21 August are now on general sale.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.