Reduction in tickets for Illuminations

LIMITED CAPACITY DUE TO COVID

REGULARLY ranked among the most popular events in Derbyshire, Matlock Bath’s Illuminations is set to return later this month after a year off.

However, this time fewer people will be able to buy tickets for the spectacular festival.

Now in its 123rd year, the Illuminations will include the unique parade of decorated and illuminated boats, featuring thousands of lights and created by members of the Matlock Bath Venetian Boat Builders’ Association.

It’ll be a welcome return for the event which was cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic and it’s the same virus that has resulted in a number of changes to this year’s festival.

Fewer tickets will be available for people to buy and the number of fireworks nights has been reduced to just five including the final night on Sunday, October 31.

District Council Leader councillor Garry Purdy, whose Masson ward includes Matlock Bath, said: “Like so many events, this remarkable annual tradition fell victim to Covid restrictions last year and we are proud to be able to bring it back in 2021 to provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.

“Dating way back to Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee in 1897, the Illuminations play an important role in extending the tourist season at no cost to Derbyshire Dales council taxpayers.

“The weather intervened at times in 2019, but we usually manage to attract as many as 100,000 visitors to Matlock Bath.”

4,000 tickets for the festival, which begins on Saturday, September 11, have been made available, around half the registered capacity of Derwent Gardens, and are on sale now.

The popular fireworks nights will take place on Saturday, October 9, 16, 23 and 30 with the grand finale on October 31.