Wirksworth Festival 2025: Quirky event brings unique free music gig to Derbyshire car park

A traditional Derbyshire festival that celebrates local heritage and talent is putting on a series of unique performances this summer.

Wirksworth Festival 2025 will feature an exciting line-up of musicians and artists who will take over the historic market town in a series of pop-up events from September 11 - 21.

People will have 11 days to explore and enjoy the very best of the creative community in Wirksworth and wider Derbyshire Dales.

Top up your art collection by exploring The Art & Architecture Trail Weekend. Here work by over 140 artists will be showcased across homes, the town centre and public spaces.

The music series is set to take place at Wirksworth Market Place Car Park from September 12-14.

On Friday, 12 September the Ambient Night StarDisco event will take place from 8pm and tickets cost £11.

On Saturday, 13 September the Dance, Electronic & Club StarDisco event will take place from 4pm and tickets cost £16.50.

Sunday night will see a free music concert being staged at Market Place Car Park.

The Gig on the Roof music event has been going strong for 25 years.

This year there is new leadership at the helm in the form of Dubrek director and music fan Jay Dean who is also programming StarDisco.

Wirksworth Festival organisers posted on social media: ‘The Gig on the Roof was founded and then organised by Liam Barkley-Smith for the last 25 years, announcing that last year would be its final year. Liam has created a fantastic focal point for Derbyshire musicians and the community and I’m sure you will join us in thanking him for the hard work he’s put in.

🍺 Love good food and drink? Don’t miss the latest mouth-watering news in our brand new food & drink newsletter, The Midlands Dish. Sign up today 🍰

‘However, following discussions, Liam and Jay are happy to announce the incredibly exciting news that the event will continue, with Jay Dean from Dubrek Studios now taking the reins! Liam is still very much part of the event and will be on sound duties and has also been assisting Jay with this transition over the last few months. As ever, this is a free entry event on the Market Place Car Park for everyone to enjoy and has been made possible by the generosity of @thehopeandanchorwirksworth and @haarlemartspace.’

The Gig on the Roof is funded by Wirksworth Festival, Dubrek Studios and The Quarryman.

For more information about the festival click here: wirksworthfestival.co.uk