Derby Caribbean Carnival FAQ
Everything you need to know about Derby Caribbean Carnival
Always the 3rd Sunday in July. The next Derby Caribbean Carnival is on Sunday 19th July 2026.
Last entry to park is at 8:00 PM.
The carnival is split into two distinct locations:
Market Place / Cathedral Green
DE23 9HY (Moor Lane)
Note: Watching the street procession is completely free. The entry fee applies only to the Osmaston Park.
Fast-Track tickets are available online from Gigantic (£5.00 + 50p booking fee). Buying in advance allows you to skip the main queue at the park entrance.
Official Ticketing Statement
Tickets for the event are available exclusively through the official ticketing provider, Gigantic tickets. Event organisers strongly advise members of the public not to purchase tickets from any unauthorised third-party sellers, agencies, or individuals, as the authenticity and validity of such tickets cannot be guaranteed.
The organisers accept no responsibility for tickets purchased through unofficial channels, and entry may be refused where tickets are found to be invalid, duplicated, or fraudulent.
There is no official dedicated transport. We recommend using public buses to the Osmaston Park area. Many locals walk to the venue as it is within a 1-2km radius of the city centre.
Recommended Parking
Rolls Royce Car Park (Victory Road)
Secure parking available for just £2 per day. It is signposted on route to the family fun day.
Other Options
- Osmaston Park Site: Very limited. No exit until 9pm. Not recommended.
- City Centre: Use nationally recognised public car parks (cash or contactless) near Market Place / Cathedral Green for the procession start.
For everyone’s safety, ALL bags will be checked on entry. Please review this list carefully to ensure speedy entry.
Allowed Items
- Picnic Blankets
- Small Foldable Chairs
- Compact Umbrellas
- Picnic Food (No Glass)
Prohibited
- ALCOHOL (Strictly Enforced)
- Glass Bottles
- Dogs (except Guide Dogs)
- Knives/Sharp Objects
No. You cannot bring your own alcohol onto the site.
Derby West Indian Community Association (DWICA) is the only organisation legally permitted to provide a licensed bar on the Carnival site. Your bag will be searched and any alcohol found will be confiscated. Please support the event by purchasing from our licensed bars.
For security. We want everyone to be safe and keep it a positive, family-friendly event. This allows us to monitor entry and ensure no restricted items (like alcohol or dogs) are brought in.
If you are interested in a trade, food or promotional stall, please email info@dwica.co.uk or ring 01332 371529. All stalls must be paid for in full prior to the event.
Whether you want to join the Cultural Roots Carnival Troupe (CRCT), volunteer as a steward or join the organising committee, the first step is to contact us. We welcome all skills and contributions!
DWICA Troupes commonly known as Cultural Roots Carnival Troupe (CRCT). The design and make process is ongoing with draft designs and discussion to explore the making process. By investing in young people, DWICA has seen the development of carnival costumes to the levels where Derby costumes have won local, regional, and national awards in the Caribbean carnival industry.
Derby Caribbean Carnival was established in 1975 by Solomon “Ricky” Walters, the DWICA chairman at the time. It has run annually, with virtual broadcasts during the 2020–2021 pandemic.
DWICA has not received funding from Derby City Council since 2012. The public entry fee pays for the infrastructure, alongside grants from Arts Council England, stallholders and sponsors. DWICA underwrites any remaining costs.
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