Whodunit at Town Hall

The “murder mystery” evening – part of a week-long culture festival in the town – will feature a fictional lady mayor among the line-up of suspects.

Residents are invited to unmask the culprit by showing off their detective skills. A plug for the free event on Tuesday 12 August declares: “There has been a murder at Ilkeston Town Hall. Carrie Catchemall would like your help to find out whodunit.

“Will it be the mysterious Canadian who has come to build links with Ilkeston? Will it be the rather shifty decorators, or one of the council aides? Or even the Lady Mayor herself?”

Just in case residents are worried about someone really being murdered at the town hall the message stresses: “Please note that the events detailed in the murder mystery event are entirely fictitious. The characters and events of our story were created especially for your crime detection escapade in the town hall and have only been created for your enjoyment.”

The week of summer fun that kicks off on Monday 11 August is called the Ilkeston Community Theatre and Festival. It will feature music, dance and poetry at various venues around town. Further information can be found at Ilkeston Community Theatre and Festival – where tickets for the murder mystery can be booked.

They are free but need to be ordered in advance because places are limited. The festival week will also include a free treasure hunt trail through town. Prizes will be up for grabs – with entry forms available at the Erewash Museum and Ilkeston Library.

The festival’s finale on Saturday 16 August will see a One Voice Concert staged at St Mary’s Church on the Market Place. Entry is £5.

Erewash council’s Deputy Leader Becca Everett, who is Lead Member for Community Engagement, said: “There are great things happening across the whole borough this summer – with fun for all the family.

“Residents have so much to choose from that for the second year running the council has produced a comprehensive listings guide which can be found on our website. All the information is in our Summer 2025 What's On Guide.