School is out for Summer and for the much-awaited break, parents in Derby are on the lookout for exciting and enriching activities to keep their children engaged and entertained. Look no further! Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, a vibrant hub of culture and creativity, offers a plethora of events and activities curated for families during this sunny season. In this blog, we’ll dive into the delightful experiences that have been organised by the Cathedral Quarter BID and those that can also be explored at cultural venues including QUAD, Derby Museums, and Deda amongst others, creating memories that your children will cherish forever.
Cathedral Quarter BID: Free events for all
Unique independent shops, great cafes, restaurants and bars, stunning arts and cultural venues and historic landmarks – Derby’s Cathedral Quarter has it all. Pay the area a visit this summer end enjoy our free events funded by the Derby Cathedral Quarter BID (Business Improvement District)
Get ready to be dazzled, delighted, and transported into a whimsical world of wonder as Derby’s Cathedral Quarter prepares to host the spectacular CQ Carnival Day on Saturday 19th August. Organized by the Derby Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District (BID), The heart of the city will come alive with a myriad of extraordinary acts and performances that will leave both the young and the young at heart enthralled, promising an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
https://www.derbycathedralquarter.co.uk/events/cq-carnival-day/
The Richard Felix Cathedral Quarter history trail, accessible through the LoyalFree app, is a captivating journey through the city’s rich historical tapestry. Created by the renowned historian Richard Felix, this trail takes locals and visitors alike on an immersive adventure, delving into the fascinating past of the Cathedral Quarter. With the help of the LoyalFree app, users can explore significant landmarks, heritage sites, and hidden gems while learning about the city’s storied past. The history trail offers a compelling glimpse into Derby’s heritage, making it an ideal choice for history enthusiasts and those seeking to deepen their understanding of this vibrant city.
QUAD: Where Art Meets Imagination
Nestled in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, QUAD is a creative space that celebrates art, film, and digital media. During the school summer holidays, QUAD hosts an array of workshops and events tailored for children of all ages. From hands-on art sessions to interactive storytelling and film screenings, your little ones will find their creativity and imagination nurtured here.
Create My World: Nature is a family-friendly exhibition focused on nature, world-building and exploration in QUAD Gallery 1. It is an interactive and virtual world of wonder where you can explore your creativity and make your own digital creations come alive. Over six weeks a new virtual world will be populated with living creatures and plant life made from artworks generated by visitors through activity sheets and workshops. Designs will be inserted into a virtual 3D world and brought to life projected across QUAD Gallery. Participants of all ages are invited to create their own beetles, bugs, butterflies and more as part of QUAD’s digital ecosystem and, using game controllers, explore the world you have created.
https://www.derbyquad.co.uk/events/createmyworld/
In conjunction with the Cathedral Quarter Carnival Day, book yourself onto the Carnival Day Family Print workshop with the talented artist Helen Jackson, using mono print recreate your very own layered image capturing the movement of carnival.
https://www.derbyquad.co.uk/events/carnivaldayworkshop/
Movie Mania: QUAD regularly showcases family-friendly films with their Cine Kids sessions, offering the perfect opportunity for families to bond over shared cinematic experiences. Catch some classics or discover new animated gems together.
https://www.derbyquad.co.uk/whats-on/
Derby Museums: Unveiling History and Natural Wonders
For history enthusiasts and nature lovers, Derby Museums are an absolute treasure trove. With a range of exhibits and interactive activities, children can embark on exciting learning journeys that make history and science come alive.
For just £1 per entry sheet, kids can take part in the Nature Trail which explores the Our collections that are full of animals and nature and some are tricky to find! Follow the acorn trail which will lead you around the museum to search high and low to find them.
https://www.derbymuseums.org/event/trail-nature-trail
Discover your inner maker during the summer holidays and take time with your family to explore objects around the Museum of Making with the Makers Trail! With trails for all ages, you can all take part!
https://www.derbymuseums.org/event/trail-makers-trail
Join Derby Museums in the Studios to MAKE with your family. Explore new materials and tools to then take home something beautiful! Every Wednesday in August, drop in and learn a new skill with metal, thread or wood.
In these sessions they will support your family members to become independent, confident makers, mastering the materials and tools used to create to craft. You can let go of your creativity, follow your curiosity and be happy making!
https://www.derbymuseums.org/event/studio-makes-drop-in-material-makes-portrait-collages
Deda: Dancing Their Way to Joy
For those with nimble feet and a passion for movement, Deda, the Derby Dance Centre, is the place to be. This summer, Deda offers a variety of dance classes and performances that will have your children tapping their toes and swaying to the beat.
Dance Workshops: From ballet to hip-hop and everything in between, Deda offers dance workshops for all skill levels. Your child can learn new dance styles, build coordination, and have loads of fun in the process.
https://www.deda.uk.com/classes
Dance Showcases: Deda hosts captivating dance showcases featuring local talents and visiting performers. Witnessing these graceful and energetic performances can be a great source of inspiration for your little dancers.
https://www.deda.uk.com/whats-on
Derby’s Cathedral Quarter is a treasure trove of summer activities that promise an unforgettable holiday for your children. Our cultural venues together create a well-rounded experience that balances creativity, education, and physical activity. Whether your child is an aspiring artist, history enthusiast, or budding dancer, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant cultural hub.
So, get ready to make the most of the school summer holidays! Embrace the artistic and historical richness of Derby, let your children’s imagination soar, and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. Happy holidays!
For full event listings in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter visit https://www.derbycathedralquarter.co.uk/events/
You can also sign up for our What’s On Guide to get all the weeks events delivered direct to your inbox – https://www.derbycathedralquarter.co.uk/whats-on-guide/
