Top-class snooker to return to Derby after more than 30 years

Vaillant Live has announced that a major snooker tournament featuring some of the sports greatest legends is coming to Derby.

World Seniors Snooker has confirmed The Seniors British Open will take place at the Colyear Street venue from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 December.

It will see snooker return to Derby for the first time since 1993, when the former Assembly Rooms last hosted the British Open.

Eight players will compete for the seniors snooker title, with Jimmy White, Ken Doherty, Joe Perry, Dominic Dale, World Champion Alfie Burden and Matthew Stevens so far confirmed.

Jimmy White said: “I was lucky enough to win the British Open in Derby in 1987 and 1992, so to get a chance to go back and add the Seniors British Open is a great opportunity.

“I know how much people in Derby love their snooker so I hope they will come out and pack the place out for all the players.”

Marcus Sheehan, general manager at Vaillant Live, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to bring snooker back to Derby.

“There’s a huge sporting appetite in the city, and years of great tournaments at the Assembly Rooms. We can’t wait to bring this brilliant tournament to Vaillant Live.”

The Seniors British Open begins on Boxing Day, with sessions at 1pm and 7pm, then on Saturday 27 December the semi-finals will begin at 1pm, with the final taking place on Sunday 28 December.

On Saturday and Sunday snooker fans will get the chance to attend a Legends Lunch before play where they will get to meet two World Champions, Dennis Taylor and John Parrott.

World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis said “I fell in love with the sport by watching events like the British Open from Derby in the 1980s.

“So, it’s great to be able to bring top class snooker back to the city for the first time in 32 years.

“We hope all the people who enjoyed attending those events may choose to support its return this Christmas and bring some new fans with them.”

Baggy Shanker, MP for Derby South, said: “Derby is a natural stage for major sporting events – with passionate fans, a rich sporting legacy, and now a new world-class city centre venue to match.

“From hosting the British Open to welcoming the World Seniors Snooker Tour this Christmas, Derby is once again proving itself as a great destination for top-level sport.

“Snooker has long been part of our story, and as a fan myself, I’m proud to see it return.

“It’s a chance for loyal supporters and new audiences to enjoy the game on their doorstep – and to show the rest of the country the very best of Derby.”

The news of The Senior British Open comes hot on the heels of Vaillant Live’s official opening.

Earlier this month, some of the key people who helped get the brand-new 3,500-capacity venue up and running came together for the ceremony.

The £45.8 million venue, created as part of the £200 million Becketwell regeneration project, has already enjoyed great success since opening to the public earlier this year.

It has so far hosted numerous events, such as boxing and live music, including Derby Summer Sessions, which saw acts such as Simple Minds, Blossoms and Rag ‘N’ Bone Man take to the stage.

The venue, which is operated by ASM Global, has become reality thanks to the work of several Bondholders, including Derby City Council, St James Securities, Bowmer + Kirkland, Vaillant and Marketing Derby.

At the ceremony, Marcus said: “It’s been a huge effort from everyone at ASM Global, Vaillant, Derby City Council, Marketing Derby, Bowmer + Kirkland and so many others.

“I’m delighted to say that we now have an amazing venue that the people of Derby can be proud of and enjoy.”

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, city council leader and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, strategy and policy, said: “It’s an absolute privilege to see Vaillant Live officially declared open.

“Over the past few months, we’ve received fantastic feedback from residents and visitors who have had a chance to see for themselves just how brilliant Vaillant Live is, and I can’t wait to see even more people experience this state-of-the-art venue.”

To check out what’s coming up at Vaillant Live, including The Senior British Open, visit https://vaillantlive.co.uk/events/.

In addition, people who sign up to Vaillant Live’s newsletter before 11.59pm on 31 August, will automatically be entered into a draw, with a cash prize of £1,000 up for grabs.

To find out more visit https://vaillantlive.co.uk/vaillant-live-1k-giveaway/.