2023 is the “Year of Fantastic Happenings” at the Heights of Abraham, with new events spread throughout the year. The next major event is the Big Music Weekend, which takes place between the 6th and 8th of May on new stages built at the Heights this year.
Coronation Weekend is being celebrated with three days of live music on their Amphitheatre and Pergola Stages and in the Rutland Cavern too!
Over three days they present a selection of hand-picked Derbyshire and Yorkshire musicians, covering a wide range of musical styles, with something for everyone.
Your cable car day ticket includes access to all the live music taking place on the day of your visit. All their attractions, exhibitions and cavern tours are also operating as normal.
Saturday 6th May
11.00am Amphitheatre – WUZZALELE
They kick off their celebrations with WUZZALELE, the Wirksworth Ukulele orchestra. A highly entertaining group with a professional sound.
11.30am & 3.30pm Pergola Stage – JOHN GILL
Local legend and songwriter JOHN GILL. John has amassed an enviable catalogue of songs written for many and varied audiences including children. There are songs to make you laugh, think, to make their heart break or sing.
12.15pm Amphitheatre – PHOEBE SHAW
The enchanting voice of PHOEBE SHAW. Derbyshire based Phoebe is a singer, songwriter who has performed internationally. Check her out on Spotify for some great tunes!
1.15pm / 2.15pm & 3.15pm RUTLAND CAVERN – CAGE OF CROWS
Join their Victorian cavern guides as they take you deep underground to hear the enchanting music of Derbyshire duo CAGE OF CROWS giving a 20 minute concert in this ancient cavern. A truly magical and memorable experience you won’t want to miss.
1.30pm Amphitheatre – KOOTCH
The Heights welcomes KOOTCH, playing here for the very first time. They describe themselves as a “sort of folk band” comprising of guitar, Cajon, banjo and fiddle. Beautiful music!
2.15pm Pergola Stage – PHOEBE SHAW
PHOEBE SHAW performs a mixture of popular and original songs on their Pergola stage. Her new CD is available to buy in their Gift Shop.
3.00pm Amphitheatre – THE GROOVY CATS
They’re delighted to welcome THE GROOVY CATS, a professional party band to end our first day of music celebrations. The band started like all good bands start – as a group of friends making music in their spare time. They played a few local venues and quickly grew a following, which lead to the band playing weddings and parties. That’s when they realised they’re calling!
Sunday 7th May
11.00am & 2.30pm Pergola Stage – PHOEBE SHAW
Derbyshire singer / songwriter (and fine artist too!) PHOEBE SHAW returns to perform on our Pergola stage.
11.30am Amphitheatre – THE HERRON BROTHERS
THE HERRON BROTHERS (Derby) take to the Amphitheatre stage and play their way through a great songbook of classic hits from the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, Crowded House, Oasis, The Jam, David Bowie, Paul Heaton, George Michael, to name but a few!
12.30pm Amphitheatre – THE LEFTY CHRIS BAND
THE LEFTY CHRIS BAND join them in the amphitheatre. This 5 – piece band led by Chris will be playing mainly original songs. Great music for a bank holiday Sunday afternoon.
1.00pm Pergola Stage – THE HERRON BROTHERS
THE HERRON BROTHERS play a second set of classic sing-a-long songs on our more intimate Pergola stage.
1.15pm / 2.15pm & 3.15pm RUTLAND CAVERN – CAGE OF CROWS
Join their Victorian cavern guides as they take you deep underground to hear the enchanting music of Derbyshire duo CAGE OF CROWS giving a 20 minute concert in this ancient cavern. A truly magical and memorable experience you won’t want to miss.
1.45pm (approx.) Amphitheatre – DOUBLE STANDARDS
DOUBLE STANDARDS is a 4 piece Jazz band with Guitar, Bass, Drums and a Female Vocalist. Their repertoire is a mixture of classic jazz and post modern jazz, perfect for young and old, performing songs from the likes of Etta James, Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse and Meghan Trainer all in their Jazzy style.
3.15pm (approx.) Amphitheatre – KOOTCH
KOOTCH are back for the second day, playing a cool mixture of folk music with guitar, Cajon, banjo and fiddle. Lovely music to end the day with!
Monday 8th May
10.45am Amphitheatre – SONS OF ROGER
They start their final musical day with SONS OF ROGER an exciting, Sheffield-based rock/roots/acoustic band; Ian White (percussion), Richard Memmott (vocals, guitar, bass, mandolin) and Nigel Parsons (vocals, guitars, harmonica, kazoo). The chaps previously played together with other notable artists from the Sheffield music scene; Joe Cocker, Frank White, Dale Storr, Cary Bayliss, Danny Cummings. They’ve also appeared on national and local BBC playlists and radio sessions.
11.45am Amphitheatre – THE HERRON BROTHERS
THE HERRON BROTHERS are back today, with a show stopping collection of well known sing along songs from popular bands including the Beatles and Oasis.
12.00 noon & 2.30pm Pergola Stage – JOHN GILL
Local musical legend and song writing maestro JOHN GILL performers more of his enviable catalogue of songs written for many and varied audiences including children. There are songs to make us laugh, think, to make our heart break or sing.
12.45pm Amphitheatre – THE LONGMEN
THE LONGMEN join them for the final day of their music celebrations. On the menu today will be a blend of classic rock covers and delicious Original Tunes from band members Graham Marriott, Mark Dixon, Feritt & Kirk Hegarty.
12.45pm Woodland Corner – SONS OF ROGER
SONS OF ROGER UPLUGGED down in the Woodland Corner.
1.15pm Pergola Stage – THE HERRON BROTHERS
THE HERRON BROTHERS back on the Pergola stage for the final time today. They’ll be back for their garden celebrations next month!
1.15pm / 2.15pm & 3.15pm RUTLAND CAVERN – CAGE OF CROWS
Join their Victorian cavern guides as they take you deep underground to hear the enchanting music of Derbyshire duo CAGE OF CROWS giving a 20 minute concert in this ancient cavern. A truly magical and memorable experience you won’t want to miss.
2.15pm Amphitheatre – DOUBLE STANDARDS
DOUBLE STANDARDS, the 4 piece Jazz band with Guitar, Bass, Drums and a Female Vocalist return to the main stage. Their repertoire includes songs from the likes of Etta James, Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse and Meghan Trainer.
3.30pm Amphitheatre – KOOTCH
KOOTCH end their Live Music Weekend of celebrations with their folk music sounds.
