Matlock Illuminations
Each year Matlock Bath stages the illuminated boat procession along the Derwent River. The first procession of candle lit boats took place in 1897, to mark the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria. As a young princess, Victoria has stayed in Matlock Bath (perhaps to enjoy the spring waters of the Spa Town at the time) and she remembered the reflection of lights in the river Derwent, from candles in the hotel windows.
Since then the boats, which are built by members of the Matlock bath Venetian Boat Association, are paraded through Matlock Bath, along the Derwent. Every year the procession is led by a traditional candle lit boat, to maintain the tradition of the first illuminations. The event now takes place on weekend evenings in Matlock Bath. In 2020 the illuminations run from the 12th September through to the 1st November every Saturday and Sunday evening. And on the 1st November, there is a firework display. Find out more
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