Derby Festé set to return
The popular event Derby Festé is set to return to the city later this year.
The event, which has been on the scene for the past 11 years, will be held in September with the theme of fusing Western and Eastern cultures.
The two-day festival is taking place later this year in order for it to coincide with the climax of the Navratri Festival. The nine-day Hindu festival, which is celebrated across the world, finishes on Friday September 29 and is even more significant this year as it coincides with the 70th anniversary celebrations of India’s independence.
Derby Feste Artistic Lead Stephen Munn explained the theme of this year’s festival: “Every year we look to bring a new aspect into the Derby Festé programme and our aim this September is to showcase two different aspects of festival cultures in Europe and in South Asia.
“I and colleagues from the University of Derby and Artcore were lucky enough to be invited to see the Navrati Festival two years ago in Vadodara which was a truly spectacular event. I was amazed just how many people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds came out onto the streets to celebrate together and I wanted to replicate this as part of Festé.
“Just as the Navrati Festival started as a Hindu celebration in India and is now something that brings together all South Asian faiths.”
Derby Festé will open on Friday night at Bass’ Recreation Ground which will be transformed into ‘Circus World’ from late afternoon. The event will feature a wide range of contemporary circus acts from across Europe with visitors also able to enjoy an array of food and drink from around the world in a food village.
Saturday will see the return of the popular programme of street entertainment across the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter with dance, street theatre, comedy and contemporary circus acts performing throughout the day at various locations.
Later on in the day, the focus will be on South Asian style cultural celebrations and the crowds will gather for the ‘Colour of Time’ procession. The parade brings a stunning reinvention of the traditional Holi festival celebrated in India.
A team of dance artists will be visiting schools and different community groups in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham in the run up to Derby Festé to teach them the dance steps and they will then be encouraging the audience on the night to join in.
The festival will end with the Festé Garba, which will take place at Derby Night Market and will feature live music and entertainment, dancing and performances as well as a range of food and drink.
Derby Festé takes place on Friday September 29 – Saturday September 30 2017.
