Week of free entertainment to mark Market Hall reopening

Derby City Council has announced a free week of music, workshops and family fun to mark the official reopening of the revamped Derby Market Hall.

The iconic Grade II listed building, which has undergone a £35.1 million restoration to create a vibrant venue that brings together the best of the region’s independent shopping, eating, drinking and entertainment under one roof, is due to open to the public at 11am on Saturday 24 May.

The venue’s opening week coincides with the May half-term school break – and there will be events to suit all ages. A detailed schedule is available on the Derby Market Hall website.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, strategy and policy, said: “The packed opening week programme is just the beginning and showcases how Derby Market Hall will be a vibrant flagship destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.

“I’m so excited for everyone to finally see the significant transformation and enjoy all the Market Hall has to offer.

“The transformed Market Hall will attract visitors from across the region and beyond.”

The Market Hall was officially declared open on 29 May 1866 by Mayor Frederick Longdon, with a special inaugural event that included a performance of Handel’s Messiah.

That performance inspired the formation of Derby Choral Union shortly afterwards.

Exactly 159 years later, on Thursday 29 May 2025, Derby Choral Union will return to the Market Hall to celebrate the reopening with a performance of popular choral pieces, honouring their historic performance in the Market Hall.

Nadine said: “I’m so pleased to be able to honour the historical significance of the Market Hall’s original opening ceremony by having Derby Choral Union performing a variety of popular choral pieces exactly 159 years later.”

The £35.1m transformation of Derby Market Hall, partly funded with £9.43 million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, began with its most iconic feature: the cast iron, copper, and glass roof.

Designed by Melbourne engineer Rowland Mason Ordish, whose later work included the roof of London’s St Pancras railway station, this distinctive element needed significant repair.

As it reopens to the public, visitors will see at first hand the results of a careful, multi-million-pound restoration, aimed at preserving the rich heritage of the Grade-II listed building while also introducing modern enhancements.

Visitors can also explore a diverse array of independent stalls and sample the cosmopolitan selection of food and drinks in the bustling food court.

The opening week will also provide a taste of the exciting ongoing programme of entertainment and activities planned for Derby Market Hall.

As well as visiting its website, people can also keep up to date with what’s going on by following Derby Market Hall on Facebook and Instagram.