Matlock Bath Illuminations 2026 (Firework night)

Sponsor's Message

Arrive early and enjoy a day visit to the award-winning Heights of Abraham before heading to Derwent Gardens for the Illuminations. As an illuminations ticket holder you’ll receive a discount of £5 off per ticket from the headline gate price, if visiting the Heights on the same day as your illuminations booking. To claim this offer, simply book online with this special link www.heightsofabraham.com/bath1787 . Cable cars open from 10.00am.

Important Information

Matlock Bath Illuminations is a fun-packed family event featuring a spectacular parade of illuminated and decorated boats along the River Derwent on weekends in September and October (12 September - 01 November 2026).During the 8-week season Matlock Bath Venetian Boat Builders' Association decorate themed models with an array of coloured lights. The models are mounted on rowing boats and paraded on the River Derwent.

There will be fantastic firework displays on Saturday evenings 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 October and Sunday 1 November. The fireworks light up the skies around Matlock Bath in multi-colours. The firework displays begin at 8.30pm with the best viewing positions being in the Bandstand area of Derwent Gardens. 

On all night's there is entertainment varying from stilt walkers, characters and jugglers and of course the fabulous parade of decorated boats on the River Derwent. To enhance the reputation of Sundays as a "family night", when light allows Sunday's boat parade starts and finishes earlier to take account of the fact that younger visitors have school the following morning.

Boat Parade Times

Preview night and Non Firework nights
Saturdays 12, 19, 26, Sundays 20, 27 September - Between 7.30pm & 8.00pm (this is dependent on light the earlier dates starting around 8.00pm and the later dates moving closer to 7.30pm). The parade will be on the river for 1 hour.

Sundays 4, 11, 18, 25 Friday 30 October - The boat parade is 7.00pm - 8.00pm.

Firework nights
Saturday October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 - The boat parade is 7.00pm - 8.20pm. (Fireworks at 8.30pm).

Sunday 1 November - The boat parade is 7.00pm - 8.20pm. (Fireworks at 8.30pm)