A Celebration of Culture, Creativity & Community

6 June 2026

Derby comes alive with 50:50 - a bold, city-wide celebration of music, art, dance, and community. Inspired by the cultural connection with Osnabrück, this free festival transforms the city into a dynamic, immersive experience. Expect live music, high-energy performances, hands-on workshops, and vibrant street spectacles at every turn. With global traditions, creative activities, and family-friendly fun, including fairground rides - there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Here's what's taking place throughout the city:

OSNABRUCK SQUARE

• Ay-Up-Me-Duck hook-a-duck stall 
• Spiral Arts well dressing workshop & display
• Artcore activities, exhibitions, photobooth, pottery workshops & chalk mural at the Obelisk
• Walkabout performances: Deep Down Brass, Babbling Vagabonds (Lady of the Loom)
• Dhol drummers procession start (to Derby Market Hall)
• FOLK3D traditional dance & “have-a-go” maypole

DERBY MARKET HALL

• Surtal Arts performances and Bhangra & Cossack workshops
• Screen printing (People of Print / Dept Store Co) 
• Postcard making (SmallPrint Company) 
• Flag making workshop (Surtal Arts) 
• Derby Choral Union performance 
• FOLK3D dance displays & maypole
• Sid Bowfin street show
• Trinity Warriors performance and workshops
• Live music: Nadia Jane and Jamie Thompson

MARKET PLACE

• Stage Bus live music: Route 65, The Herron Brothers, Willow Bay, Lucille, Peashooter, Marseille
• Traditional fairground rides (carousel, chair-o-planes, Ferris wheel)
• Dhol drummers procession start (to Derby Market Hall)
• Down to Earth / Electric Daisy (Tree Avenue): workshops & storytelling

WATERFALL

• Performances: Nadia Jane, Sid Bowfin, Deep Down Brass

CATHEDRAL GREEN

• Stage Bus live music: Romy, Peashooter (acoustic), Jamie Thompson, Will Brown, The Herron Brothers (acoustic), Carl North
• Furthest From The Sea: craft workshops & activities
• Scott Walker: Derby-Osnabrück doodle art workshop
• Performances: Lady of the Loom, Deep Down Brass, traditional dance

THE SPOT

• Baby People music showcase (DJs, rap artists & more)
• Performance: Nadia Jane

STREET WALKABOUT PERFORMANCES

• Babbling Vagabonds (Lady of the Loom): Osnabrück Square, Cathedral Green, Sadler Gate
• Deep Down Brass: Osnabrück Square - Market Hall, Waterfall - Sadler Gate, Cathedral Green
• FOLK3D traditional dance: Osnabrück Square, Market Hall, Cathedral Green
• Rambling On: Cornmarket, Sadler Gate, St Peters Street
• A La Puppet Carte: St Peters Street, Sadler Gate
• Sid Bowfin: Market Hall, Waterfall

Together, these activities will transform Derby into a lively celebration of creativity, culture, and community, filled with colour, music, and unforgettable moments around every corner.

Check back for updates and keep an eye below for all the latest events taking place throughout the day...