What’s On this weekend? Electronic music festival makes Derby debut with rave legend Altern 8
The full line-up has been released for a new electronic music festival in the Midlands which will span two city venues in one day
Music fans are in for a treat this weekend, as a new electronic festival rolls into town.
Taking place across two venues, Deda and Dubrek Studios in Derby on Saturday March 23, March 2024, WFR Central aims to bring an ‘unmissable selection’ of UK independent electronic artists to the Midlands.
The first wave of act announcements includes headliners Altern 8, the influential acid house-rave act that brought rave culture into the charts, reaching number three with ‘Activ 8 (Come with me)’ in 1991.
They will close out the night at Deda with a full live PA and then DJ set from founder Mark Archer, leading to an after-party of acid house/rave classics at Dubrek Studios till late.
Where is WFR Electronic Music Festival 2024 Derby
The festival will take place at two different venues in the city, here are the addresses.
Déda, 19 Chapel Street, Derby DE1 3GU
Dubrek Studios, 67 Bridge Street, Derby DE1 3LB
Also performing is Castles In Space signee Warrington-Runcorn New Town Development Plan, and his ambient music for broken concrete utopias.
Maria Uzor is set to merge the spirits of avant-pop, electro, techno and dub into a powerful sonic punch.
Werra Foxma bosses, Castles In Space signees and Orb collaborators Dohnavur will bring their dynamic modular techno to the stage.
Other performers include James Glew, Nottingham glitch-techno artist Hexial, Steve Hadfield, Debbie and the Sea of Fire, and more.
All this takes over Deda’s cafe space throughout the afternoon.
There will also be DJ sets by local electronic favourites Haiku Salut, Werra Foxma, Kate Bosworth, Dom Gourlay and Radio Free Matlock’s Lippy Kid.
Nottingham-based brewery Neon Raptor has also brewed a special festival Pale Ale named Retro Raver in honour of Altern 8 taking to the stage that will be available all day.
Festival goers can buy merch from Werra Foxma, Castles in Space and all the acts playing on the day.
The event is a partnership between electronic music label Werra Foxma, and DJ, promoter and music journalist James Thornhill.
Speaking to Derby World, James said: It’s a type of event that hasn’t happened before in the city, or even in the region.
“We’ve put together a bill of people I have been personally impressed with over the last five years.
“They will be a massive draw, attracting music fans from around the country who may not have visited Derby before.
Read more: What's On in Derby?
“It is set to be a really big day of quality music.
“It’s also great to be working in collaboration with independent businesses and institutions including Dubrek Studios, the University Of Derby and brewery Neon Raptor.”
There could be even more exciting times ahead for Derby’s already burgeoning music scene, as James hinted the music offering is ‘something we would like to develop as things to do in the city.’
Tickets are £55.25 (including booking fee) and can be purchased by clicking here.
More information about Werra Foxma Records can be found on their website by clicking here.