Matlock Bath Illuminations to return on 'limited basis' in September and October this year
Derbyshire Dales District Council have announced they plan to bring back Matlock Bath Illuminations and run them on a ‘limited basis’ in September and October this year.
Last year’s lights celebration were cancelled due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis but the local authority said they intend to run the annual illuminations for 2021, while they review the coronavirus situation in the coming months.
Matlock Bath Illuminations is recognised as one of the region’s top attractions, dating back to Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897 and there was much disappointment following its cancellation in 2020.
At a meeting this week with the Matlock Bath Venetian Boat Builders' Association and Matlock Bath Parish Council and the District Council, which took on the organisation of the event in 1984, leaders agreed they would officially work towards the Illuminations returning later this year.
There will be a limited number of visitors as capacity is expected to be reduced to ensure safety.
A District Council spokesperson said: "Obviously we will be restricting numbers in Derwent Gardens this year and in the coming months we will be looking closely at the capacity issue and other measures we need to put in place to make the event Covid secure.
"We will also be talking soon to other interested parties, including representatives of Matlock Bath's business community.
"It's very likely the event will look and feel a lot different this year, but we are massively encouraged that the boat builders, whose amazing crafts are the centrepiece of every Illuminations, have confirmed that they are in.
"There is still much work to do and the actual dates and further details will follow."