Virus won’t stop events in the park

A RANGE of Christmas events are still going ahead at Markeaton Park from this weekend, despite Derby being in the highest coronavirus tier setting.

While indoor events have been cancelled, families will still be able to get involved in a number of outdoor activities from tomorrow.

Among the socially-distanced events taking place is the Elf Trail, which tasks children with exploring the Markeaton Lane park on the lookout for elf houses.

In the Craft Village, where the big Christmas tree is now up, kids can bring letters to Santa to place in the Markeaton North Pole post box. For those looking to keep active, the mini golf course will remain open in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Children can also be taught how to ride a bike, in sessions offered by Cycle Derby for new riders aged from three to 16.

For those over 18, Derby Adult Learning Services is offering a series of free, bookable, socially-distanced walks. The walks will be language-themed and led in French, Italian and Spanish.

As Derby is in Tier 3, all planned indoor workshops have been cancelled. Visitors have been urged to follow social distancing rules.

Elsewhere in the city, the giant Christmas presents returned to the Market Place last week, and the Christmas tree has been put up its traditional spot.

Trees are also being put up in every ward in the city this week and residents, community groups and schools have been asked to join in and decorate them.

Derby City Council has arranged for a total of 35 trees to be installed in key locations.