A major new summer music event is preparing to open its gates in South Derbyshire this weekend as Live At Melbourne Hall brings three days of live music, DJs, food and entertainment to the grounds of one of the region’s most historic estates.

Taking place from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July, the inaugural event will transform Crow Park at Melbourne Hall into a new open-air festival destination, with a line-up spanning more than three decades of British music.

Jo Whiley, Lightning Seeds, The Shires, Maxïmo Park, Gary Davies and Ward Thomas are among the artists heading to the East Midlands for the three-day celebration, which will also feature street food, fully stocked bars, VIP areas and a picturesque setting within the grounds of the stately home.

With thousands of music fans expected across the weekend, here is everything visitors need to know before heading to Live At Melbourne Hall.

When and where is Live At Melbourne Hall?

Live At Melbourne Hall takes place at:

Crow Park Melbourne Hall Church Square Melbourne Derby DE73 8EN

The event runs from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July 2026.

Opening times are:

Friday 24 July: Doors open at 5pm Saturday 25 July: Doors open at 3pm Sunday 26 July: Doors open at 2pm

Visitors are advised to arrive in plenty of time to pass through security and enjoy the full programme.

Who is performing?

Each day has been designed around a different musical era and atmosphere, ranging from classic 1980s and 1990s favourites to indie anthems and contemporary country music.

Friday 24 July

BBC Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley headlines the opening night with her hugely popular 90s Anthems show, bringing together some of the decade’s biggest indie, dance and alternative tracks.

She will be joined by former Top of the Pops presenter Gary Davies, who brings his 80s Disco to Melbourne Hall, alongside Toby Spin.

Saturday 25 July

Saturday is led by Lightning Seeds, one of Britain’s most enduring indie-pop bands, alongside Newcastle favourites Maxïmo Park.

The bill also features Riding The Low, fronted by actor and musician Paddy Considine, and Propaganda DJs, who will keep the indie atmosphere going throughout the day.

Sunday 26 July

The weekend concludes with a day celebrating British country music.

The Shires headline alongside fellow country duo Ward Thomas, with performances from Catherine McGrath and rising artist Minna completing the programme.

How do I get to Live At Melbourne Hall?

Melbourne is around eight miles south of Derby and approximately four miles from East Midlands Airport.

By car

Drivers travelling via the M1 should leave at Junction 24 and follow signs for East Midlands Airport, Isley Walton and Melbourne.

Those travelling via the A42 should exit at Ashby-de-la-Zouch, follow signs for East Midlands Airport and turn left at Lount crossroads towards Melbourne.

Parking is available on site and is free of charge. Spaces do not need to be booked in advance.

By train

The nearest main railway station is Derby.

From Derby Railway Station, visitors can catch the Arriva 2 or 2A bus to Melbourne. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.

By bus

The Arriva number 2 service runs from Derby Bus Station to Melbourne.

Festivalgoers are advised to check the latest bus timetables before travelling.

By taxi

A taxi from Derby Railway Station takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

The journey is around eight miles.

Taxis should use the designated drop-off points close to the Melbourne Hall grounds.

Official travel partner Albatross Cars will have extra taxis available in the area across the weekend. Download app to request a car and save 20% off your booking with the code “LIVE20” (T&Cs apply).

What should I bring?

Festivalgoers are advised to bring:

● Their ticket or booking confirmation

● Weather-appropriate clothing

● Comfortable footwear

● Sunscreen during hot weather

● A portable phone charger

The event takes place outdoors, so visitors should check the latest weather forecast and dress accordingly.

Is the event accessible?

Organisers say they are committed to making Live At Melbourne Hall accessible and welcoming for all visitors.

The site is primarily grass and includes areas of uneven ground, which may become muddy during wet weather. Temporary pathways will be installed close to the designated accessible entrance where possible.

Accessible entrance

Guests with approved access requirements can enter through a dedicated accessible entrance.

Viewing platform

A viewing platform will be available for wheelchair users and guests who are unable to stand for extended periods.

Accessible toilets

Accessible toilets will be provided across the site, with locations marked on the official event map.

Essential Companion tickets

Visitors requiring a complimentary Essential Companion ticket should purchase their own event ticket but should not purchase a separate ticket for their companion.

A complimentary ticket will be issued following approval of the access application.

Further details and applications are available through the event’s online support centre.

Assistance dogs

Trained assistance dogs are welcome, but visitors must notify the event team in advance by completing the access booking form.

Dogs must remain calm around other visitors and use the designated toilet areas.

Emotional support dogs and other animals are not permitted.

What food and drink will be available?

Live At Melbourne Hall will feature fully stocked bars and a specially selected range of street food traders from the festival’s award-winning event partners.

Vegetarian and vegan options will also be available.

Outside food and drink cannot be brought into the event.

Can I buy tickets on the day?

Tickets will be available on the day, subject to availability.

Organisers are recommending that visitors book in advance, with tickets selling strongly across all three days.

Are children allowed?

Live At Melbourne Hall is an all-ages event.

For Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems show on Friday 24 July, the recommended minimum age is eight.

All under-18s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Challenge 25 will be in operation at the event, and visitors may be asked to provide valid photographic identification.

Can I bring a bag?

Bags are permitted but must be no larger than:

35cm x 40cm x 19cm

All bags may be subject to security checks on arrival.

Is the event cashless?

Yes. Live At Melbourne Hall is a cashless event.

There will be no ATMs on site, and all bars, traders and vendors will accept card or contactless payments only.

Can I bring chairs, umbrellas or blankets?

Blankets are permitted for Saturday and Sunday only.

Camping chairs are not permitted on Friday but are permitted for Saturday and Sunday.

Umbrellas are not permitted at the event.

Can I bring flags or banners?

No. Flags and banners are not permitted.

Will there be phone charging facilities?

No charging stations will be available.

Visitors are advised to arrive with a fully charged phone or bring a portable charger.

Will free water be available?

Yes. Free drinking water stations will be available throughout the venue.

Can I leave and re-enter?

No.

Pass-outs and re-entry are not permitted. Once a guest leaves the event site, they will not be allowed to return.

Will I need identification?

Challenge 25 will be in operation.

Accepted forms of ID include:

● A valid photographic driving licence

● A valid passport

● A CitizenCard displaying the approved hologram

Photographs or copies of identification may not be accepted.

What is included with a VIP ticket?

VIP ticket holders will receive a number of upgraded benefits, including:

● Fast-track entry

● Access to a private VIP area

● An exclusive premium brand bar

● Separate street food options

● Private toilets

● A dedicated chill-out space with limited seating

● A covered area

VIP availability is limited and may vary by day.

How do I buy tickets?

Tickets are available now through the official Live At Melbourne Hall ticketing page.

General Admission, VIP and child ticket options are available.

With headline performances, a spectacular outdoor setting, great food and three very different days of live music, Live At Melbourne Hall is preparing to make its debut as one of the East Midlands’ biggest new summer events.

Live At Melbourne Hall takes place at Crow Park from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July 2026.

For more information and to buy tickets, head to: https://www.rg.live/festivals/live-at-melbourne-hall