Ride the Mod Wave will take place across Derby’s Cathedral Quarter on Saturday, August 15, bringing live performances, vintage stalls, classic films and a Northern Soul disco to the city centre.
The free event has been organised by Derby’s Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter Business Improvement Districts, working alongside Derby Market Hall.
Classic scooters on Derby Market Place
Scooters belonging to members of Mercia Scooter Club will form the centrepiece of the event, with more than 200 machines expected to go on display on Derby Market Place.
Inside the Market Hall, visitors will find vintage clothing, record stalls and other items inspired by the Mod era. There will also be free crafting sessions from Scraggy Moo and an appearance from an iconic Dalek.
Visitors are being encouraged to explore some of the city’s independent businesses during the day, including 80s Casual Clothing on Sadler Gate.
The Olive Tree on Albion Street will be serving a selection of British classics, while The White Horse on the Morledge — known for its impressive Mod-themed interior — will also be joining the celebrations.
Live music throughout the city
Osnabruck Square will host three performances from Twist & Shout, featuring an all-star cast of West End performers.
Shows will take place at 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.20pm, taking audiences on a musical journey from the explosion of British pop in 1962 through to the Flower Power and Free Love era of the late 1960s.
From 1pm, four-piece band Modskas will perform at Derby’s Waterfall, playing songs made famous by Madness, The Specials, Bad Manners and The Jam, alongside a selection of Northern Soul favourites.
Northern Soul and Motown disco
The celebrations will continue into the evening with a Northern Soul and Motown disco inside Derby Market Hall from 5pm.
DJ Prodigy Jack Stevenson will open the event from 5pm until 6.30pm, followed by Derby DJ Mick Moylan.
Headline DJ Pete Whelbourne, known for Modclothin’, will take over the decks from 8pm.
Gemma Pindard, Deputy Manager for both Cathedral Quarter BID and St Peters Quarter BID, said the event would be the first of its kind in Derby. She said
“We can’t wait to host all the scooters so people who love the Mod era can come to Derby and see them,”
“We would like to thank Mercia Scooter Club for agreeing to bring their scooters into Derby and putting them on display.
“There will be a full programme of events and activities, and we are extremely excited to organise this day.
“Members of the public are being encouraged to come along, explore the city centre and soak up the Mod-inspired atmosphere.”
Quadrophenia at Derby QUAD
Derby QUAD will also join the celebrations by screening the iconic 1979 British film Quadrophenia on the Friday and Saturday.
The film follows Jimmy Cooper, a young Mod who escapes his everyday life through music, parties, scooter rides and clashes with rival rockers.
Councillor Gurkiran Kaur, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for City Centre, Culture and Tourism, said the event would help attract visitors and support local businesses. She said
“Ride the Mod Wave will be a fantastic event for Derby,”
“It’s sure to be a popular attraction, bringing in visitors from across the region and driving footfall to our fantastic local businesses.
“Whether you are a lifelong Mod enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out with family and friends, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.”
Ride the Mod Wave takes place across Derby city centre on Saturday, August 15, with activities beginning from lunchtime and continuing into the evening.