How Derby’s offer is becoming pitch perfect

Here, in his latest monthly column reflecting on the news over the past month, our Press and PR Executive Robin Johnson looks at the headlines.

Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing.

I love sunny weather. I consider 20 degrees, accompanied by the occasional zephyr, my optimum operating temperature.

But last month I found myself (as I’m sure many of you did) craving the cold winter nights as ‘Derbados’ – and the rest of the country – sizzled.

I also love football. But even I’ve found myself suffering from a bit of World Cup fatigue of late.

It probably has something to do with all the late kick offs, combined with those baking hot sleepless nights.

And the fact that half the world seems to be taking part in this particular tournament!

As a father to a four-year-old, I’m all too familiar with the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears – and porridge that is too hot or cold, chairs that are too big or small and beds that are either too soft or hard.

Whether it be weather, football, breakfast cereals, seating or beds, it’s important that things are pitched just right.

One organisation that seems to be getting its pitch spot on is VisitDerby.

Thanks to their hard work, the city has been garnering some positive headlines in terms of its visitor offer.

Earlier this year, we reported how influential events and culture magazine Time Out had placed Derby in its ‘14 best places to visit in the UK in 2026’, with the city rubbing shoulders with the likes of Edinburgh and London.

In June, the same publication placed Derby third in a list of ‘18 most underrated city breaks in the UK.

One of the many reasons Time Out suggested Derby was because of a major new exhibition, which has now launched at Derby Museums’ Museum & Art Gallery.

Wright of Derby: From the Shadows has finally landed in the city following its stint at London’s National Gallery – and those who have been already will tell you it’s well worth the wait.

Fascinating and breathtaking in equal measure, it brings together the finest collection of works of arguably one of Derby’s most famous sons – Joseph Wright.

It also brings together two of his most famous paintings, reuniting An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump and A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery in which a Lamp is put in the Place of the Sun (try saying that in one breath!).

They haven’t been seen together in Derby since 1947 – something which knocks the Gallagher brothers Oasis reunion into a cocked hat.

So, if you haven’t been to see the exhibition yet, please make time. It’s on until 1 November – and, amazingly, admission is free.

Major exhibitions like this provide people a reason to come into the city centre – and underline the importance of culture on place and the economy.

Another is the city’s food and drink offer – which reminds me. Today, sees the launch of the Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards 2026.

Entries are now open to nominate your favourite places to eat or drink.

So, head over to the website and cast your vote. To do so, click here.

Another reason why people come to Derby is to study.

Last month, A-Level exams season came to an end – and the anxious wait for the all-important results has begun.

Those who put the University of Derby at the top of their preferred places to continue their education journey can feel pleased with themselves.

That’s because last month it was named UK University of the Year in the 2027 Uni Compare rankings.

And another thing that attracts people to the city is sport.

Amidst all the talk of football, it was refreshing to be able to report some positive news on another of my favourite sports – cricket.

June provided perfect weather for cricket – almost too perfect at times, as we sweltered in 30C plus heat.

However, relief could be at hand for those out in the field – in the form of a new cricket dome destined for Derby.

Derby is one of only five locations set to receive one of these state-of-the-art bits of kit, which allow cricket to be played all year round.

Let’s hope they’re designed to keep out extreme heat as well as the rain!

A good cricketer has perfect timing – and it would seem Derbyshire Cricket Foundation shares that attribute.

That’s because around the time the cricket dome was being announced, the foundation was announcing its new four-year strategy, designed to make cricket accessible for all.

It’s a bold and ambitious plan – and you can hear more about it from the foundation’s managing director Rich Wood in his Big Read piece, which we recently published.

Elsewhere, our captains of industry have been, to use cricketing parlance, knocking it for six.

Rolls-Royce has been busy on the nuclear front, firstly signing agreements with the UK and Japan to work on advanced nuclear technologies.

And it has been selected by Sweden to deliver its mini nuclear power stations.

Meanwhile, Toyota Manufacturing UK has been picking up awards for its ‘circular’ factory at Burnaston, which reuses parts from cars at the end of their lifecycle to use in new ones.

The success of the likes of Rolls-Royce and Toyota are not just good news for those companies – they are good news for their respective supply chains and the wider economy.

Likewise, city train-maker Alstom, which recently held a special event for their suppliers during which it revealed it spent over £720 million over the past 12 months with its UK supply chain.

In the past, Derby has fought hard to preserve train-making in the city – and on more than one occasion.

This impressive figure is proof that those efforts have not just benefited Derby, they have benefited the nation.

Finally, June saw another boost to Derby’s ongoing efforts to repurpose and reimagine the city centre when Derbion received approval for its ambitious masterplan to bring over 1,000 new homes to the city centre.

Across the city centre, thousands of new homes have already been built or are being built – with thousands more in the pipeline.

With this in mind, it’s vital Derby’s offer doesn’t just appeal to visitors – it’s important that it appeals to those choosing to work, live and study in the city.

It’s all about the pitch, sporting or otherwise.

Anyway, have a safe and productive July and I look forward to catching up with you again soon.