Next weekend, Derby’s underground electronic scene will once again take centre stage as Psychic Dancehall Festival returns for its second…
By K Futur LOCALSaturday 14th March saw Electric Daisy transformed into a buzzing hub of families, laughter and live music as the venue hosted a special St Patrick’s Day family celebration. The event completely sold out, and from the moment the doors opened it was clear that this was exactly the kind of community gathering Derby thrives on.
I headed down with my kids for the afternoon, and it quickly became one of those simple but memorable days where everyone-parents and children alike-had something to enjoy. Electric Daisy was packed with families, the atmosphere warm and relaxed, with groups chatting, kids running around excitedly, and the steady clink of glasses from the bar.
For the adults, there were plenty of pints flowing. I found myself settling into a couple of good stouts while the kids stuck to J2O and Coke, happily fuelled for an afternoon of activities. It struck a nice balance-a proper social setting for parents while still being completely family-friendly.
One of the biggest hits of the day was the free face painting. It quickly drew a queue of eager kids, and before long the place was filled with little leprechauns, colourful designs and big smiles. It was a simple addition, but one that really made the event feel welcoming for families.
Another standout moment came when the firepit was lit and people began queueing up to roast marshmallows and make s’mores. Me and the boys joined the line and it turned into one of those wholesome little moments you don’t plan but end up remembering. Watching the kids carefully toast their marshmallows while the adults stood nearby with beers in hand created that perfect blend of relaxed festival energy and family fun. It was a lovely touch by Electric Daisy and something the kids absolutely loved.
Food was also on point throughout the afternoon. We ordered a round of pizzas made fresh on site and they were, quite simply, banging. Hot, fresh and exactly what you want when you are sat outdoors with a drink and good company.
As the afternoon rolled on, live music arrived in the form of Rum Cartel. The band are normally known for their energetic ska-punk sound, but for this particular setting they dialled things into a more laid-back direction, leaning into country and folky vibes that perfectly suited the chilled atmosphere of the day.
We sat back in one of Electric Daisy’s cosy wooden booths with some food and drinks while the band played, and it was one of those moments where everything just clicked. Families chatting, music drifting through the venue, kids enjoying themselves-it felt like the kind of relaxed weekend gathering that venues like this are built for.
Events like this show exactly why spaces like Electric Daisy matter. They create somewhere that works for everyone-not just late-night crowds or gig-goers, but parents, kids and the wider community. It felt welcoming, social and refreshingly unpretentious.
By the time the afternoon wound down it was clear that the St Patrick’s celebration had been a real success. A sold-out crowd, happy families and a genuinely relaxed atmosphere made it one of those events that people will definitely return for.
And the good news is that there is plenty more happening at Electric Daisy over the coming months. As spring and summer roll in, days like this are likely to become a regular highlight in Derby’s social calendar.
I will personally be back there next weekend as Electric Daisy joins the venue roster for the Psychic Dancehall Festival, which is shaping up to be a brilliant addition to Derby’s growing live music and cultural scene.
If Saturday was anything to go by, Electric Daisy is going to be a fantastic setting for it.
