About
Get the whole gang together for an evening of glistening displays and family fun!
Every year between September and October, the Matlock Bath Venetian Boat Builders' Association decorates themed models with an array of coloured lights. These stunning creations are then mounted on rowing boats and paraded along the River Derwent. Thousands of people line the banks of the river in Derwent Gardens, giving a carnival atmosphere to this unique and illuminous display.
First held in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, the Matlock Bath Illuminations now take place annually in a tradition spanning over 120 years. There are fantastic firework displays on Saturday evenings, which light up the skies around Matlock Bath in multi-colours.
This year the boat display runs every Saturday and Sunday from the 7th September to the 27th October 2019 and each Saturday parade will be accompanied by a fantastic fireworks display! The parades run at 7.45pm & 9.30pm on Saturdays and 7.30pm on Sundays with the fireworks commencing at 9pm on the Saturdays.
The price for adults is £6.50 on Saturdays and £4.50 on Sundays if booked online with under 16s remaining free entry. You can also pay on the night but the prices are slightly increased to £7.50 on Saturdays and £6.50 on Sundays. Your ticket gets you entry into Derwent Gardens (the only place where you can view the illuminations) where entertainment will take place throughout the night including jugglers, fire shows, brass bands and children’s activities.
The organisers operate a Park and Ride service from 5pm until 10.30pm on each Saturday from either Cromford Meadows (Sat Nav postcode DE4 3RQ) or the Derbyshire County Council Offices in Matlock (Sat Nav postcode DE4 3GL). The buses run every 15-20mins. Please leave plenty of time for arrival as the surrounding area gets very busy when the illuminations are on.
If you are a disabled visitor there is limited disabled parking in the Pavilion Car Park (DE4 3NR) and there is a disabled viewing area for the boat parade, as well as disabled toilets within Derwent Gardens and at the entrance.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join in the fun if they’re on a lead, however please remember that some dogs can find fireworks distressing.
It’s a local custom that’s been running for over 100 years and has been witnessed and approved by royalty…it’s the perfect family evening out!
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