Ilkeston Charter Fair
Ilkeston town centre. This year’s event runs from Wednesday 20 October until Saturday 23 October and will once again be given a ceremonial opening on Thursday 21 October starting at 11.45am and concluding at 12 noon when the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Donna Briggs, will ‘ring the bell’ to get the 2021 Charter Fair officially underway.The traditional ceremony, which includes the reading of the 1252 Charter, will take place outside the town hall under a covered walkway. Local families and visitors will gather round to join the showmen to officially welcome the fair. Guests at the opening ceremony will include representatives from other local authorities in Derbyshire. The opening ceremony will be streamed live on the council’s Facebook page.
Bonfire Night
Friday 5 November. West Park, Long Eaton. The theme for this year’s event on Friday 5 November, is ‘Simply the Best’. Save money by buying online. Tickets for this year’s bonfire event can be purchased via Derby Live. The prices are:
Family ticket: (two adults and up to three children) £15 . The price on the night will be £22.
Adult tickets: £7, children under 16 and senior citizens (over 60): £4.
Discounted tickets can also be purchased from Ilkeston and Long Eaton Town Halls (until 12 noon Friday 5 November) Online discounted tickets are also available to purchase until 12 noon on Friday 5 November.
You can also buy your tickets on the night at the West Park entrance gates with family tickets for £22, adult tickets at £9, and children 16 and under and senior citizens paying £6. Admission is free for children aged 5 and under.
Armistice Day
11 November 2021. The local branches of the Royal British Legion will be holding Armistice Day Services on Thursday, 11 November 2021 at 11.00am at the Cenotaph, Ilkeston (Councillor Sue Beardsley, former Mayor of Erewash, will be officiating) and at the War Memorial, Long Eaton (Deputy Mayor, Cllr John Sewell officiating). There will also be a rededication of the War Memorial at Long Eaton prior to the Armistice Service.
Remembrance Day
Sunday 14 November. Ilkeston. If you wish to take part in the parade, please assemble on the South Street car park no later than 10.15am. The parade, headed by Ilkeston Brass, will march to the Cenotaph at 10.35am. An invitation has been extended to those not parading to join the morning service at St Mary’s commencing at 10.00am before proceeding to the Cenotaph to join the Service and wreath-laying at 10.50am.
Long Eaton. If you wish to take part in the parade, you are asked to assemble at West Gate no later than 10.15am. At 10.30am, the parade, headed by the Long Eaton Silver Prize Band, will march towards the High Street, through the pedestrianised area to the War Memorial outside of St Laurence’s Church. Mass will be held in St Laurence Church at 9.30am and the civic party will proceed from the Church to the Market Place where the service will begin at 10.45am.
Chestnut Fair
18 – 20 November (External Event). Long Eaton. More details to follow.
Long Eaton Christmas lights switch on
Thursday 25 November. 5.30pm to 8.30pm. Long Eaton town centre. Long Eaton Christmas Lights Market is organised by the Long Eaton Chamber of Trade Ray Terry please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This is for charity stalls only. The event will include Woods Fun Fair and the Long Eaton Chamber of Trade charity market, located at the Market Place. At 5.30pm the Silver Prize Band will perform. A Gary Barlow tribute act will sing from 6.15pm to 6.30pm and 7.05pm until 7.30pm. The lights will be switched on by the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Donna Briggs, at 7pm.
Ilkeston Christmas Lights
Friday 26 November. Ilkeston town centre, 5.30pm to 8.30pm. The event starts at 5.30pm and includes Woods Fun Fair, stilt walkers and entertainment throughout the evening at Erewash Museum, such as craft stalls. At 5.30pm Ilkeston Brass Band will perform. At 6.10pm until 6.55pm there will be performances from a Gary Barlow tribute act and a Michael Bublé tribute act. The Mayor, Councillor Donna Briggs, will then make a speech before the lights are switched on at 7pm. Following this the tribute acts will sing again and from 7.30pm traditional Christmas songs will be played. There will no market this year.
Christmas Eve Carol Service
The Christmas Eve Carol Service will be returning to the Ilkeston Market Place with the Salvation Army Band and members of local churches.
Erewash Festival of Light ‘Shine a Light’
12th Feb 2022. Details to follow.