Matlock Bath Illuminations 2026 - historic event returns from next month

A Preview Night on 12 September will herald the start of this year’s Illuminations, 129 years since the event was first staged to celebrate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee.

Following on from the Preview Night, the Illuminations will then run every weekend from the following Saturday, September 19, until 1 November, plus Friday, October 30.

Derbyshire Dales District Council, which took over the running of the event in 1984, will bedeck Derwent Gardens and Lovers’ Walks with colourful lights as usual - and the famous parade of decorated and illuminated boats will take to the river throughout the season.

The boats are created painstakingly with thousands of LED lights by members of the Matlock Bath Venetian Boat Builders’ Association.

Fireworks finales will take place at 8.30pm every Saturday in October, plus the final night of the season - Sunday, November 1.

The council expects every one of the fireworks finale nights to sell out in advance and the first fireworks night on 3 October is already at 90% capacity.

Every Illuminations night will once again be themed for younger visitors, with entertainers, a kiddies’ funfair and food and drink stalls for the tens of thousands of visitors to enjoy.

District Council Leader Councillor Steve Flitter said: “We are confident that the Illuminations attract around 100,000 into the district every year, which means they continue to play a crucial role for local businesses in extending our tourist season.

"We are extremely proud to organise what is undoubtedly one of this region’s most popular autumn events and our key aim remains to continue to run the spectacular Illuminations at no cost to our Council Tax payers.”

Tickets can be bought online at www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/illuminations