Open-air theatre and film screenings return to Markeaton Park Craft Village this summer, with Derby LIVE and Derby Parks confirming a July-to-August programme built around puppetry, Shakespeare and late-evening cinema.
The 2026 Outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season at Markeaton Park runs from Saturday 4 July to Saturday 1 August at Markeaton Park Craft Village, Markeaton Lane, Derby, DE22 3BG. Start times and ticket prices are not listed in the source notice, but tickets are available through the Sales and Information Centre, by phone on 01332 255800, and via the Derby LIVE website. The season is aimed at the general public and families, with advance booking highly recommended.
July programme brings puppets, Shakespeare and cinema
The season opens with Pop Up Theatre’s family-friendly Under the Sea Stories on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July. The source describes it as interactive puppetry, making it the clearest early-season choice for families planning a daytime outdoor visit.
Drama then takes over the Craft Village with Julius Caesar from Wednesday 15 to Saturday 18 July. The production is followed by a comedic take on Romeo and Juliet from Wednesday 22 to Friday 24 July.
The final weekend moves from stage to screen. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is scheduled for Friday 31 July, followed by Dirty Dancing on Saturday 1 August, both shown outdoors on a giant inflatable cinema screen.
Key dates at Markeaton Park Craft Village
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Saturday 4 to Sunday 5 July | Under the Sea Stories |
| Wednesday 15 to Saturday 18 July | Julius Caesar |
| Wednesday 22 to Friday 24 July | Romeo and Juliet |
| Friday 31 July | The Rocky Horror Picture Show |
| Saturday 1 August | Dirty Dancing |
What to bring for outdoor performances
Derby City Council’s notice says performances are expected to go ahead in rainy weather and would only be cancelled in extreme conditions such as high winds. Visitors are advised to dress for changeable weather, bring warm layers for cooler evenings and pack a torch.
Waterproof clothing is recommended if rain is forecast. Umbrellas should be left at home because they can block the view for other audience members.
The Craft Village area is hard-standing, so audiences should bring their own low-backed chairs. Tables are not permitted. For Julius Caesar, there is also an option to buy unreserved tiered seating in advance.
Food, parking and access details
Visitors may bring a picnic. The Orangery café and Courtyard are due to open with coffees, cakes, ice cream and cold drinks.
A licensed bar will be available during Julius Caesar. Alcoholic drinks, snacks and popcorn will also be on sale for Romeo and Juliet, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Dirty Dancing.
The event site is described as fully accessible. Pay-and-display parking is available at Markeaton Park Craft Village car park, via Markeaton Lane, DE22 3BG, and the car park will remain open and lit until the end of the evening performances. Disabled parking spaces are close to the gates.
Site rules before booking
Barbecues, fireworks and bonfires are prohibited on site. Smoking and e-cigarettes are not allowed inside the enclosed Craft Village area.
Dogs are not allowed, except assistance dogs.
Tickets are available from the Sales and Information Centre at 19 Chapel St, Derby, DE1 3GU, by phone on 01332 255800 or through the Derby LIVE website. Tickets may also be sold from the on-site box office from one hour before each performance, but the source notice says advance booking is highly recommended because the events regularly sell out.
Source: Derby City Council
Source check Source trail
This preview is based on Derby City Council's published event notice for the 2026 Outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season at Markeaton Park.
- Confirmed the event dates run from 4 July to 1 August 2026.
- Matched the venue to Markeaton Park Craft Village, Markeaton Lane, Derby, DE22 3BG.
- Checked the listed programme, access notes, parking information and site rules.
- Did not add ticket prices or start times because they were not stated in the source notice...
- Source
- Derby City Council
- Scope
- Derby
- Updated
- 2026-06-22 14:39
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