Live At Melbourne Hall Starts Today – Everything You Need to Know as Derbyshire’s New Festival Opens Its Gates

Today’s the day.

After months of anticipation, Live At Melbourne Hall officially opens its gates this afternoon, bringing three days of live music, DJs, street food and summer festival vibes to one of Derbyshire’s most picturesque locations.

Taking over Crow Park at Melbourne Hall from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July, the brand-new event is making its debut with an impressive line-up spanning indie classics, 80s and 90s anthems, and some of the biggest names in British country music.

Whether you’re already holding a ticket or still deciding on some last-minute plans, here’s everything you need to know before heading to Melbourne this weekend.

A New Festival Arrives in Derbyshire

Launching a brand-new festival is never easy, but Live At Melbourne Hall certainly isn’t starting quietly.

Set within the beautiful grounds of Melbourne Hall, the event offers something a little different to the huge camping festivals that dominate the summer calendar. Instead, visitors can expect a relaxed boutique festival experience, combining big-name artists with great food, fully stocked bars and one of the most scenic outdoor venues in the East Midlands.

With thousands of music fans expected across the weekend, all eyes will be on Melbourne as the festival opens its gates for the very first time.

Three Days, Three Completely Different Line-ups

One of the festival’s biggest strengths is that every day has its own identity.

Rather than squeezing every genre into one weekend, organisers have created three standalone events that each bring something different.

Friday – Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems

Everything gets underway today, with BBC Radio 2 favourite Jo Whiley bringing her hugely popular 90s Anthems show to Derbyshire.

Expect Britpop classics, indie favourites and dancefloor anthems from one of British music’s greatest decades.

Joining Jo is former Top of the Pops presenter Gary Davies, whose 80s Disco will keep the nostalgic atmosphere going, while Toby Spin rounds off tonight’s entertainment.

Doors open at 5pm.

Saturday – Indie Legends Take Over

Tomorrow sees guitar music take centre stage.

Lightning Seeds headline alongside Newcastle favourites Maxïmo Park, while Riding The Low, fronted by actor and musician Paddy Considine, adds another highlight to an already impressive bill.

Meanwhile, the legendary Propaganda DJs will be spinning indie classics throughout the day to keep the atmosphere going between sets.

Doors open at 3pm.

Sunday – Country Comes to Melbourne

The festival closes on Sunday with a celebration of British country music.

Headline performances from The Shires and Ward Thomas are joined by Catherine McGrath and rising artist Minna, creating a relaxed summer finale to the inaugural weekend.

Doors open at 2pm.

One of Derbyshire’s Best Festival Settings

Crow Park provides a stunning backdrop for Live At Melbourne Hall.

Surrounded by historic parkland and just a short drive from Derby, Nottingham, Burton and East Midlands Airport, the venue offers all the atmosphere of an outdoor festival without the long journey that often comes with larger events.

If the weather plays its part, it’s difficult to imagine many better places to spend a summer weekend listening to live music.

Getting There

Parking is available free of charge throughout the weekend, with no advance booking required.

Those travelling by train should head to Derby Railway Station, where Arriva’s 2 and 2A buses provide regular services to Melbourne.

Taxi journeys from Derby Station usually take around 15 to 20 minutes, while official travel partner Albatross Cars will have additional vehicles available throughout the weekend. Festivalgoers can also save 20% using the code LIVE20 when booking through the Albatross app.

What to Expect Inside the Festival

Live At Melbourne Hall has all the essentials covered.

Visitors will find fully stocked bars, a wide selection of street food vendors and vegetarian and vegan options throughout the site, alongside free drinking water stations.

The event operates as a cashless festival, meaning all purchases must be made using card or contactless payment.

There are no phone charging facilities on site, so bringing a portable power bank is highly recommended.

Accessibility

Festival organisers have confirmed that accessibility has been a key part of planning the event.

A dedicated accessible entrance, accessible toilets and a viewing platform will all be available throughout the weekend, while visitors requiring an Essential Companion ticket can apply through the official access scheme.

As the festival is held on grass, visitors should also be aware that some areas may become uneven if the weather changes, although temporary pathways will be installed where possible.

A Few Things Worth Remembering

Before heading through the gates, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

The festival operates a strict no re-entry policy, so once you leave the site you won’t be able to return later that day.

Bags must be no larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm, while umbrellas, flags and banners are not permitted.

Camping chairs and picnic blankets are welcome on Saturday and Sunday, although chairs won’t be allowed into tonight’s opening event.

Challenge 25 will also be in operation across the weekend, so don’t forget valid photo ID if you plan on buying alcohol.

Still Need Tickets?

If you’ve left things until the last minute, you’re still in luck.

Tickets remain available across the weekend, subject to availability, including General Admission, Child and VIP options.

VIP ticket holders benefit from fast-track entry, private bars, exclusive food traders, premium toilets and a covered chill-out area away from the busiest parts of the site.

A Big Weekend Begins

For Derbyshire, today marks the arrival of what could become one of the region’s standout summer festivals.

With an eclectic line-up, a stunning location and three distinctly different days of music, Live At Melbourne Hall has all the ingredients for a memorable debut.

Whether you’re reliving the soundtrack of the 90s with Jo Whiley tonight, singing along to Lightning Seeds tomorrow or rounding off the weekend with The Shires on Sunday, one thing is certain – festival season has officially arrived in Melbourne.

If you’re heading along this weekend, enjoy it, stay hydrated and, above all else, make the most of the inaugural Live At Melbourne Hall.

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