Derby Festé has announced a programme that is packed full of immersive, innovative, and ground-breaking work showcased across the city of Derby for a whole range of audiences of all ages. Prepare for a spectacular outdoor circus and dance, dazzling acrobatics, and the return of its iconic procession, across Derby City locations from 22-23 September.
Festé has been a flagship outdoor arts festival for the East Midlands since 2007. Now in its 15th year, Festé 23 returns with acts that dance vertically down the Silk Mill tower; 20ft high figures; giant wheels and whales; stunning visual projections; fire breakdancing, and the return of community procession, only bigger and with some surprises along the way for visitors.
In response to the ongoing cost of living crisis currently in the UK, nearly all of the performances at this year’s Festé are going to be free of charge. This ensures that everyone whatever their circumstances have access to exceptional experiences across the weekend.
Steve Slater, Artistic Director and CEO at Déda, said:
“Festé unfurls again this year across the city like a flower opening to the sunshine. From huge international and national acts to the return of Festé’s community procession, it’s a chance to engage with the arts community – an empowering way for the city and beyond to bond and celebrate the wonders of creativity. There is real collective power, strength and joy in communities coming together in difficult times through dance, movement, and creativity, making Derby’s Festé a superb example of this power in motion…. Take to the streets this September and spread the seeds of our creative revolution!”