🧢 This week’s ‘Top Pick’ @WeightmanPR: Derby Market Hall
Derby’s refurbished Victorian Market Hall is all set to bring together the best of the region’s independent shopping, eating, drinking and entertainment when it reopens to the public in the Spring of 2025. More than ‘just’ a market, which has been on this site in the city centre since its opening on 29 May 1866, the majestic Victorian building will now become a venue and social hub - as well as a destination in its own right. Still offering traditional market stalls with locally grown fresh produce, the new look Market will feature a cosmopolitan food court, drinks areas, make-and-trade stalls and creative space. It will also host workshops, a full calendar of events and endless pop-up activities. The Grade II-listed building originally cost £29,000 to build and was a project of South Derbyshire engineer Rowland Mason Ordish - also known for the design of many iconic London landmarks, including the Albert Bridge, the dome at the Royal Albert Hall, and the single-span roof of London's St Pancras railway station.
🧢 International Women’s Day at Wedgwood
For International Women's Day in 2025, World of Wedgwood in Staffordshire will be celebrating the women who have contributed to the company's success over 260 years. The day will include a museum tour with curators, tailored to highlight the fascinating stories of women from the Wedgwood family and introduce some of the talented artists and ‘paintresses’ from the factory. Scheduled for Saturday 8 March, tickets for the Women of Wedgwood Tour are priced at £12.50 per person.
🧢 A Complete Unknown - and Rimbaud
Jean Nicolas Arthur Rimbaud, born in Charleville-Mézières, in France, in 1854 remains one of the most famous French poets of all time. Equally remarkable as his longevity, and how “cool” he is still perceived to be, is the impact he has had on so many contemporary artists and musicians. The new biopic A Complete Unknown, which is currently doing the rounds of cinemas across the UK, offers a timely reminder of just how much one of the all-time greatest musicians, Bob Dylan, was influenced by the Life and work of Rimbaud. Dylan himself, has often cited Rimbaud as a favourite poet. "When I read those words the bells went off. It made perfect sense. I wished someone would have mentioned that to me earlier," he wrote.
🧢 Painting the town purple on a night out
Did you know that Derby is a Purple Flag City? For 10 years, Derby has proudly held the Purple Flag accreditation, recognizing it as a safe, vibrant, and welcoming city for a great night out. The Purple Flag recognises towns and cities that provide a safe, welcoming, and well-managed night-time economy, similar to the Blue Flag for beaches and the Green Flag for parks. The Purple Flag is only accredited to towns and cities that are welcoming to everyone, offer safe ways for visitors to travel home, provide a good mix of venues, and are appealing after dark.