Our Story
Celebrating 25 Years of Music, Community and Creativity
Ripley Music Festival began life as a small community project with one big dream - to bring people together through live music. What started as a handful of local events has grown into one of the largest free-entry music festivals in Derbyshire, attracting thousands of visitors to Ripley every Summer.
In 2022, the festival became a registered charity (No. 1197519) - a proud milestone that reflects over two decades of passion, volunteer commitment, and community spirit. Today, Ripley Music Festival continues to be run entirely by volunteers who share a love for live music and a belief in its power to bring people together.
Each summer, Ripley Music Festival takes over the town for nine incredible days of music, spreading across pubs, churches, community spaces, and outdoor venues. From folk in the woods and intimate acoustic sessions to rock bands and choirs - there’s something for everyone.
The festival traditionally culminates in a three-day weekend in Crossley Park, drawing 7,000–8,000 people across the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It’s a vibrant mix of local talent, family entertainment, and a real celebration of Ripley’s creative spirit.
A Nine-Day Celebration of Music
The Main Weekend in Crossley Park
Friday - Schools & Young Musicians
The weekend begins with a celebration of youth music. Children from Ripley’s cluster of schools come together for performances by choirs, instrumental groups, and the incredible Build a Band showcase - where local teenagers perform the music they’ve created through workshops at the Old Farm Bus in Marehay.
Saturday - Proms in the Park
Saturday is our flagship event - Proms in the Park. From 12:30pm until late, thousands enjoy a full day of live music across genres, culminating in a stunning performance by Newstead Brass, one of the UK’s leading brass bands, and a spectacular fireworks finale. With food stalls, a bar, and family attractions, it’s a highlight of the Ripley summer.
Sunday - Original Music
Sunday focuses on original music, with bands and solo artists performing their own material to a relaxed afternoon crowd. It’s a showcase of emerging talent and a fitting close to a weekend that celebrates creativity in all forms.
Keeping It Local - and Keeping It Free
Ripley Music Festival has always been free to attend, thanks to the generosity and dedication of our supporters. Each year, the festival costs around £20,000 to deliver - covering essentials like staging, sound, lighting, insurance, first aid, and security.
Funding comes from a combination of:
Weekly Jam Nights at The Holly Bush, Marehay
Fundraising events such as curry nights and concerts
Support from Ripley Town Council
Grants, sponsorship, and community donations
Every penny raised goes directly into keeping the festival alive and accessible for everyone.
Want to Get Involved?
Whether you’re a musician, stallholder, volunteer, or simply a supporter of live local music, we’d love to have you involved in the next chapter of Ripley Music Festival.