2011 Markeaton Bonfire and Fireworks, Saturday 5th November from 5.45pm.

Its that time of year again when our annual free Bonfire and Fireworks event takes place at Markeaton Park, Derby.
There will be a Funfair on Markeaton Park from 2pm to 9pm

Stage entertainment from 4.45pm

Bonfire lit at 5.45pm
Fireworks at 6pm

Map for Markeaton Park Bonfire and Fireworks:

View 2011 Markeaton Park Bonfire and fireworks Display in a larger map

Access to Markeaton Park for the Bonfire and Fireworks is restricted for safety reasons.
The main entrance to the park, off the A38, will be open for pedestrians. There will be no pedestrian access through the Mundy Play Centre, or across any of the three bridges into the park.

The main entrance to the Mundy Play Centre will also be closed, and the Mundy Play Centre car park will close at 2.30pm. Anyone who parks in this car park to use the park during the day should ensure that their vehicle is moved by 2.30pm. Markeaton Lane is closed to all vehicles between 3pm and 9pm, to allow safe access for pedestrians. The Police will control the road closure.

Pedestrians coming from The University of Derby car park will be directed across the pedestrian crossing on Kedleston Road and will access the park from Queensway next to the footbridge over the A38. Pedestrians coming along Kedleston Road from the city centre will also be directed via Queensway. Pedestrians from the Quarndon/Allestree areas will be directed down Markeaton Lane into the rear entrance to the park.

If you don't want to get caught up in all the mud, crowds and traffic but want to see the fireworks then I suggest going on the roof car park at Park Farm, Allestree. Don't tell everyone though !

The weather is looking like it may be dry for this year.

Thanks
Andy

Video of a Time-lapse car journey from Derby to the Clumber Park 80's Flashback Festival in August 2011.

Two weeks ago on Saturday 20th August I went to the 80's Flashback Festival at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. This video is a time-lapse car drive from Derby to Clumber Park and includes a few seconds of the groups as well as the amazing Firework display at the end.

The main acts this year were Toyah Willcox, Nik Kershaw, Heaven 17, Level 42 and The Human League. The show finished with an amzing firework display which you can see at the end of my driving video.

My video Derby to Clumber Park 80's Flashback Festival :


The first band came on stage about 5pm that was Wham Duran (a tribute band) and the Headline Act The League did not finish their set until 11pm !

I have recorded this at 1080p so if you have a very fast PC and superfast Internet connection then set to 1080p Full Screen for the best view of it.

It was recorded on Saturday 20th August 2011.

The Bands performing this year were
Wham Duran (tribute band)
Toyah Willcox
Nik Kershaw
Heaven 17
Level 42
Human League.



All the groups did a great show, I liked The Heaven 17 tracks best of all. They did an amzing long version of Temptation which you can see in this video - Heaven 17 Temptation at Clumber Park 2011.

---------------------------------------
Hardware used for time-lapse:
My modified Canon Ixus camera as detailed here :
http://timescapes.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=170

PAS Camera used:
Hardware Modified Canon Ixus 430
Picture taken every 1.5 seconds.
Photographs taken at 2272x1704 pixels
Exposure time fixed at 1/400 sec.
The jpeg files sizes are between 191Kb to 729Kb, image size varies depending on brightness and complexity of the image.
The 3043 Photographs were 1.02Gb in total
Stored onto a Sandisk Ultra III 8Gb SD Card
---------------------------------------

The Video footage of the Fireworks and performers was done with my Sony HDRCX115EB HD Camcorder


Driving Route:
Starting in Derby most of the journey is on the A38, that last bit on A617 and A614 to Clumber Park.

Detailed Driving Route Map :
http://g.co/maps/mfhn
---------------------------------------
Music used in this video :
"Time Passing By" by Jason Shaw @ audionautix.com
used under creative commons license. Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0)
http://www.audionautix.com/

I hope you enjoyed my video, please leave a comment if you did.

Thanks
Andy

Darley Park Concert, the UK's biggest free outdoor classical concert Sunday 4th September 2011.

Looking for info on the 2012 Darley Park concert see my new post, click here.

My complete guide to this years free Darley Park Concert

UPDATE : Monday 5th September.
Here is a great video someone took at this years show. Really captured all aspects of the Darley Park Concert 2011 :

Video by ditcher41a2

This weekend on Sunday 4th September 2011 is the Annual FREE outdoor classical concert and fireworks display at Darley Park, Derby.
This event normally attracts crowds of around 30,000 This years show will be hosted by Classic FM presenter Mark Forrest.
Among those scheduled to perform are Derby-based orchestra sinfonia ViVA, regular Darley Park Concert conductor James Holmes and international soloist Mary Carewe.
The programme of music will include pieces from Copland, Waldteufel, Joplin, Gershwin, Bernstein, Strauss, Sibelius, Dietrich and Offenbach.

Actor Luke Roberts, from Channel Five show Hi-5 and who will star as Dick Whittington in this year's pantomime at the Assembly Rooms, will also appear. It ends with a spectacular firework finale.

The photograph here is one I took during the amazing firework finale at the 2004 concert.
Some more of my photographs in 2002.

If you are travelling in to Derby from afar then its best to get here early as this event is always very popular.



Map
Here is a detailed map showing the exact location of the Darley Park Concert and where you can park.
Click the link below the map to get a larger version you can print out.

View Darley Park Concert, Derby. in a larger map

Smartphone mapping pins.
If you have a smartphone (iPhone, HTC etc) then you can use my push pins below to get accurate GPS locations to this venue. Just view this blog on your phone and tap the link below to launch your mapping app, a push pin will appear on it and you can use this to get walking/driving directions from your current position.

The audience sitting area. <---- Tap this link to locate the area where you will sit and watch the concert.

Entrance to concert car parking. <--- Tap this linik to located the entrace to the concert car parking.

There are several entrances into Darley Park. Choose the best one for you. Here are the entrances to the park with Google Streetviews. These are all "by foot" !
1) Bottom of Mile Ash Lane.
2) End of Darley Street.
3) Down Darley Park Drive.
4) Off Duffield Road (A6).
5) Bottom of South Drive.
6) End of North Parade.
7) Over Handyside bridge from City Road.

The Darley Park Concert is sponsored by Rolls Royce and in partnership with Classic FM.
Remember to take a torch as some of the paths into Darley Park are unlit and covered with trees so its helps if you have a torch to see where you are walking.

Hope the weather is ok for this event.
Andy

In 2012 the Darley Park Concert will take place on Saturday 30th June 2012  to coincide with the visit of the Olympic torch to Derby.

2010 Markeaton Bonfire and Fireworks, Sunday 7th November from 5.45pm.

Its that time of year again when our annual free Bonfire and Fireworks event takes place at Markeaton Park, Derby.There will be a Funfair on Markeaton Park from 2pm to 9pm.
Ram FM’s Dino & Pete will be there from 5pm.
The Derby Live Fame Factor winner, singer Marcia Lynette Campbell, will entertain the crowds before the bonfire and fireworks display.

Markeaton Park Bonfire and Fireworks.
Sunday 7th November 2010
The Bonfire will be lit at 5.45pm

The Fireworks from 6pm.

Note that Markeaton Lane will be CLOSED from 3pm to 9pm, best not to come by car if possible!

If you own a smart Phone (iPhone, HTC etc) then here is a drop pin marker you can use to find the main pedestrian entrance : Smart phone drop pin click here.
This will open your mapping application which you can then use to plan your walking route into the park!

Map location for Markeaton Park Bonfire and Fireworks including parking location.


View 2010 Markeaton Park Bonfire and fireworks Display in a larger map.

I hope this years event goes well for all involved.
Andy

Autumn is on its way, Markeaton Park in Autumn video.

Autumn is on its way so I thought I would post a video that I made a couple of years ago now. I filmed it in Markeaton Park in Derby.
I should really go and make another one of these using my new camera equipment and using better video editing that I now use. Anyway sit back and enjoy my relaxing video in this popular Derby park :



I also have a winter in Markeaton park video.

Thanks
Andy

Blackbrook Zoological Park, Winkhill. Half Price entry until end of June.

There is a currently a special offer on at Blackbrook Zoological Park until the end of June where by you can get half price entry just by saying the code word "Dave Bain" when you pay, as stated on their Facebook page: Blackbrook Zoo Facebook page.
We visted on Friday and saved £13.42 by using this deal.

Blackbrook is home to the largest bird collection in the UK, and is internationally renowned for it’s achievements in breeding some of the world’s rarest birds.
Blackbrook is just a 15 minute drive from Ashbourne (9 miles). Or 22 miles from Derby (about 35 minute drive) up the A52 to Ashbourne then A523 to Winkhill. Look for the Brown sign on right saying "Alton Towers. Blackbrook Zoological Park"

Here is a photograph I took of the Pelicans being fed at 2:30....

Usual Prices:
Adults: £8.95
Concessions: £6.95
Children: £5.50
Family Ticket: £27.00
Under 3's are free

Opening Times:
Open all year round except Christmas day

February half term - 5th November : 10 - 5.30 each day Last admissions 4pm
6th November - February half term : 10 - Dusk Last admissions 3pm
Address:
Blackbrook Zoological Park

Winkhill
Nr. Leek
Staffordshire
ST13 7QR
http://www.blackbrookzoo.co.uk/

Map location for Blackbrook Zoo :

View Blackbrook Zoological Park in a larger map

Google Streetview of the entrance to Blackbrook Zoo.

Andy

The Big 1 Chaddesden Park (Chaddesden Carnival) is on Sunday June 6th 2010.

This Sunday, June 6th 2010 is when this years Big One takes place on Chaddesden Park in Derby. Now in its 30th year (The Big 1 was formally known as Chaddesden Carnival).

This annual festival which has taken place for many years returns to Chaddesden Park again and is expected to attract around 20,000 people.

Events and attractions include a live music stage, entertainment arenas, dance acts and more. There'll also be arts, crafts and fun workshops, charity and information stalls, food and drink stalls, Cycle Derby events.
A fun dog show, Falconry display, fun fair, climbing walls, Donkey rides, balloon modelling, face and pot painting, circus skills, Japanese kites and lots of stalls. There is even a Car Boot sale.

There will also be a variety of free arts activities to take part in, and a music stage with various bands and other artists.
Age Concern Chaddesden Park (next to the library) will be open from 11.30am to 3.30pm presenting The Feel Good Factor. A day to relax and enjoy talking to experienced therapists about enhancing your health and energy the alternative way. There will be demonstrations throughout the day and the opportunity to try out some of the therapies.

There will also be a Fair Ground on Chaddesden Park from Wednesday 2nd June to Sunday 6th June.

The Chaddesden Carnival will begin with a parade of people in fancy dress, decorated pushchairs and mobility scooters. The parade will start at 11.30am, from Sussex Circus Local Housing Office and will proceed along Max Road, Wood Road, Chaddesden Lane, Maine Drive and then onto the park.
Line the route to cheer along the people taking part!

There will be a "graffiti mural", a plywood panel which is 50ft by 8ft, fixed to the sports pavilion.
It will stay in the park afterwards and will provide a "legacy for Chaddesden Park". It will be sprayed by some of the country's leading graffiti artists.

You may remember that last years Big 1 at Chaddesden had to be cancelled twice due to heavy rain left the park waterlogged, first time it was cancelled was the 7th June so it was rearranged for August 2nd but yet again heavy rain forced the festival to be cancelled. Hopefully this year the weather will be better for them.

Here is a detailed map showing the location of Chaddesden Park and also the Parade route that will take place at 11:30 on 6th June. I'm sure that everyone already knows where Chaddesden Park is but perhaps you are visiting from outside and are not aware of its location. Parking near the park is limited so its best to try and catch  a bus or walk or get someone to drop you off!

The Big one @ Chaddesden Park Map :

View The Big 1 Chaddesden Park Carnival parade route. in a larger map

So put these details in your diary.....

The Big 1 @ Chaddesden Park

Sunday June 6 2010

11:00am - 6:00pm

Hope it all goes well.
In 2011 the Big one takes place on Sunday 5 June from 11am - 5pm.

If you like these kind of Family Fun day events then you may also want to put this one in your diary.

Spondon Village Festival takes place on Saturday 11th September 2010 at the Asterdale Sports Ground on Borrowash Road, Spondon, Derby

For more details of this event see :

http://www.spondonvillagefestival.co.uk/

Andy

Video of Sledging at Allestree Park, Derby, Derbyshire, U.K.

Here is my latest video of Sledging in Derby, this time at Allestree Park.
The sledging hill at this park is much longer than the one at Darley Park so if you are up for a challenge then take your sledge here next time it snows.
Check out my new feature : Where to go sledging in Derby, Derbyshire.



Map of the exact location to take your sledge to:
http://tinyurl.com/ybwbwd2

Sledging at Darley Park, Derby, Derbyshire, U.K.

Following on from my last post about where to go sledging in Derby here is a HD video I made on Friday at Darley Park. As you can see this is a very good park for sledging.

UPDATE : Check out my Derby Sledging Guide for ideas on where to go sledging.

The snow you can see here in my video settled on Tuesday night and is still showing no signs of melting yet. It has snowed a few times since then as well but not as much as last Tuesday.

If you know of any other great locations in Derby to go sledging then please let us know and I will add them to my Derby Sledging Map.

Its snowing again right now and more snow to come Sunday.

Enjoy the snow while you can as it may all be gone soon.
Andy

Markeaton Park Bonfire and fireworks Display, Derby. 1st November

This video is of footage I took at the 2007 display, Well this weekend sees the 2009 display. The 22-minute free show is this Sunday, 1st November 2009.
This year will be better than ever, with 866 fireworks!

The fun kicks off in Markeaton Park with a sponsored fire-walk taking place in front of the stage from 5pm. Entertainment will be compared by Ram FM's Dino and Pete, and provided by finalists from Ram FM and Derby LIVE's Fame Factor.

The bonfire will be lit at 5.45pm and the fireworks begin at 6pm.
A fun-fair will be running from 2pm to 9pm and a variety of stalls will be selling hot food.
Access to Markeaton Park for the display is restricted for safety reasons.
The main entrance to the park, off the A38, will be open for pedestrians.
However, there will be no pedestrian access through the Mundy Play Centre, or across any of the three bridges into the park.
Markeaton Lane is being closed to all vehicles between 3pm and 9pm, to allow safe access for pedestrians.

Please note: The fireworks display is stated at being at 6 on all websites apart from one of two Ram FM pages which says 7!
The derby council website, derbylive website, derby telegraph website, bbc derby website ALL say 6 so not sure what the correct start time is. Someone seems to have made a mistake with the starting time, so be aware you may have to wait for an hour.

At this time (Thursday) the weather for Sunday looks very bad with wind and heavy rain but you never know it may be ok by the time we get to Sunday.

Map location for the Bonfire.

Darley Park Concert, Britains biggest FREE classical concert.

This Sunday, 6th September 2009 sees the annual Darley Park Concert, Britains biggest FREE classical concert.
The concert takes place in the natural amphitheatre of Darley Park which is located in Darley Abbey, Derby, Derbyshire, U.K.

My interactive map for this event.

Starting at 5.30pm, With an amazing firework finale, attracting crowds of around 30,000.
2009 is the international year of Astronomy, marking several momentous events – the 40th anniversary of the first manned landing on the Moon and the 400th anniversary of the use of the telescope by Galileo Galilei to observe the moon and planet Jupiter.
Sinfonia VIVA and regular Darley Park concert conductor, James Holmes will be performing a spectacular programme of music with links to all things astronomical.

Admission is FREE, car parking is £5.
Personally I’ve found its best to walk in or get someone to give a you a lift as this event attracts so many people that you may have trouble parking nearby.

Its also worth taking a torch with you as its not very well lit on the entrances into Darley Park and due to the large amount of people you may tread on someones toes !

Programme of music:
Strauss/Townend – 2001 : A space Odyssey
Mozart – Overture: Magic Flute, Der Holle Rach
Hayman – When you wish upon a star
Sousa – Sousa stars and stripes forever
Williams – ET Adventure on Earth
Wagner – Ride of the Valkyries
Strauss – Music of the spheres, Tritsch Tratsch Polka
Dvorak – Song to the Moon
Mancini/Mercer – Moon river
Mercury/Townend – Bohemian Rhapsody
Williams – Star Wars: Imperial March, Throne Room, Closing sequence

The photograph here is one I took during the amazing firework finale at the 2004 concert.
Some more of my photographs in 2002.

More info:
Sinfonia ViVA website

This is a Derby Live Event.

Looking at the weather it may rain about 6:30 onwards so take a good coat!