Matlock Illuminations - Matlock Bath - Derbyshire
I'd seen posters for this annual event for years, but never attended, so I thought it was time I did!
It is a totally unique occasion, with a parade of illuminated and decorated boats sailing on the River Derwent. It runs from early September until the end of October, every Saturday and Sunday evening.
Very fortunately I'd booked tickets on-line, mainly because it was cheaper this way, but in fact on Saturday evening, when I went, it was a total sell-out, and a lot of people were disappointed, as you can only see the event from one area of the river.
Whilst waiting for the parade to start I got talking to a delightful gentleman who said he's been involved with the parade all his life, and had been building floats since the 1970's, and had never missed a year. Since you need to start planning and building about May each year, that's some commitment.
At last it was dark, and the count-down started, and suddenly all the little boats switched on their lights. It was really exciting.
However, to really see them at their best, you need to see them floating, when the blackness of the night conceals the rowing boats beneath!
However, my absolute favourite had to be the stately galleon - how marvellous that looked against the inky blackness of the river. However, it did strike me that we were very fortunate that it was such a still, calm evening. What would have happened if it had been very windy or wet?
The evening ended with an impressive fireworks display. As the town is in a deep ravine, the fireworks were being let off high above us, so it was really spectacular.
Altogether an excellent event which I thoroughly enjoyed. ***Have you seen my web page? Just click here
It is a totally unique occasion, with a parade of illuminated and decorated boats sailing on the River Derwent. It runs from early September until the end of October, every Saturday and Sunday evening.
Very fortunately I'd booked tickets on-line, mainly because it was cheaper this way, but in fact on Saturday evening, when I went, it was a total sell-out, and a lot of people were disappointed, as you can only see the event from one area of the river.
Whilst waiting for the parade to start I got talking to a delightful gentleman who said he's been involved with the parade all his life, and had been building floats since the 1970's, and had never missed a year. Since you need to start planning and building about May each year, that's some commitment.
At last it was dark, and the count-down started, and suddenly all the little boats switched on their lights. It was really exciting.
However, to really see them at their best, you need to see them floating, when the blackness of the night conceals the rowing boats beneath!
However, my absolute favourite had to be the stately galleon - how marvellous that looked against the inky blackness of the river. However, it did strike me that we were very fortunate that it was such a still, calm evening. What would have happened if it had been very windy or wet?
The evening ended with an impressive fireworks display. As the town is in a deep ravine, the fireworks were being let off high above us, so it was really spectacular.
Altogether an excellent event which I thoroughly enjoyed. ***Have you seen my web page? Just click here
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