In every thriving music city there are the visible stars on stage and the quieter forces working tirelessly behind the…
By K Futur LOCALFor more than four decades, Rollerworld Derby has been a place where music, movement and community come together on wheels. From childhood birthday parties to late-night roller discos, generations of people in Derby have laced up their skates beneath its lights. Now, after 44 years at the heart of the city’s social life, Rollerworld has been recognised by the public itself, winning Best Alternative Activity at the TRENDИG Awards Derby 2026.
The award celebrates the venues, people and organisations that help shape Derby’s cultural life, and Rollerworld’s victory highlights just how much the rink continues to mean to the city. Speaking to TRENDИG, Company Director Jack Whitehurst and the Rollerworld team said the recognition from the community meant everything.
“We were absolutely thrilled to hear that Rollerworld won Best Alternative Activity at the TRENDИG Awards,” the team said. “It made the whole team proud that we were recognised and that their hard work made a difference.”
For a venue that has spent more than four decades bringing people together, the award feels particularly fitting. Rollerworld has been woven into Derby’s cultural fabric for generations, and many of today’s skaters first stepped onto the rink when they were children.
“As many people know, Rollerworld has been part of the community for a long time, and to see that same community vote for us and recognise what we do means a huge amount,” the team explained. “Rollerworld wouldn’t be where it is if it wasn’t for our skaters and the local community over the past 44+ years we’ve been open.”
That sense of legacy is one of the things that makes Rollerworld unique. While entertainment trends come and go, the rink has managed to stay relevant across generations. Parents who once skated there as teenagers are now bringing their own children to experience the same atmosphere.
According to the team, that continuity is what makes the award so meaningful.
“Receiving recognition from the community is incredibly special to us,” they said. “Many of our skaters who visit today first came here when they were children and now they bring their own families and children. Having this kind of recognition shows that Rollerworld still continues to be an important place for people to have fun, socialise, make memories and stay active together.”
In a world dominated by digital entertainment and endless screen time, Rollerworld offers something refreshingly real. Instead of scrolling through social media or gaming alone, visitors step into a space filled with music, movement and shared experiences.
“Even in a world full of digital entertainment, roller skating offers something that screens can’t-real experiences, music, social engagement, movement and quality time spent with family and friends,” the team said.
There is also a strong element of nostalgia tied to skating culture. For older generations, stepping onto the rink brings back memories of roller discos and nights out with friends. At the same time, younger visitors are discovering skating for the first time.
Because of that blend of nostalgia and discovery, roller skating continues to thrive.
“It’s fun, social and active all at the same time,” the team explained. “Roller skating releases a feel-good dopamine that a video game or TV screen simply can’t.”
Part of Rollerworld’s enduring appeal is the variety of events it hosts. The venue is far more than just a rink-it is a social hub that brings together people from across Derby and beyond.
From classic roller discos to birthday parties, family sessions and student nights, there is always something happening. The venue also hosts specialist sessions designed to make skating accessible to as many people as possible.
“Keeping the experience fun and welcoming for all ages is one of our top priorities,” the team said.
They pointed to the wide range of sessions available at the rink, including SEND sessions, over-18 nights, skating lessons, private hire events and exclusive group bookings. By offering different experiences for different audiences, Rollerworld ensures the atmosphere stays inclusive and welcoming.
“Our primary goal is for everyone to feel welcome at Rollerworld and have an event or session that best suits them.”
That welcoming atmosphere is a key reason people travel from across Derbyshire and beyond to skate there. While many roller rinks across the UK have closed over the years, Rollerworld has managed to survive and thrive.
In fact, the venue now holds a unique place in British skating culture.
Rollerworld is home to the largest traditional wooden-floored roller rink in the UK, something the team are immensely proud of. Across the country, historic skating venues have disappeared as costs and regulations have increased, leaving only a handful still operating.
“Unfortunately over the years we have seen many great rinks across the UK have to close down due to increasing bills and legislation,” the team said. “This means we are now just one of four rinks left in the UK with a traditional wooden floor.”
For the people who work there, Rollerworld is more than just a workplace. It is a community in its own right.
“Every team member here is proud to be a part of Rollerworld and they are the sole reason we are still able to open the doors today,” they explained. “Our staff aren’t just employees-they are part of the roller skating family too.”
That sense of family extends to the customers who return week after week. The rink has built its reputation on staying true to the things that made it popular in the first place: good music, friendly people and an affordable night out.
“We know what our customers enjoy and appreciate,” the team said. “So we aim not to change the venue and keep it as what Rollerworld is known for-fun, friendly and affordable.”
As the old saying goes, they add with a smile: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Winning Best Alternative Activity at the TRENDИG Awards Derby 2026 is not just a moment of recognition for the past-it is also motivation for the future. The team say they are already thinking about new ideas and events to keep the rink evolving.
“Winning this award motivates us to keep improving and introducing new ideas,” they said. “We’re always looking at new themed nights, special events and ways to make the skating experience even more exciting.”
The focus for the coming year will be on expanding themed sessions, community events and opportunities for people of all ages to experience the rink.
There is also a nostalgic surprise on the horizon for long-time Derby skaters. Rollerworld’s famous roller boot car, a much-loved symbol from the venue’s past, is currently undergoing restoration and will soon return to the streets.
“For our older community we would also like to announce that the famous roller boot car that many will remember from their childhood has also undergone some restorations and is almost ready to be seen on the roads again,” the team revealed.
After more than four decades, Rollerworld continues to prove that some experiences never go out of style. With music echoing across the wooden floor and wheels spinning under the disco lights, the rink remains one of Derby’s most joyful spaces.
And as the team proudly put it:
“Thank you for all the votes and support over the past 44+ years.”
