They say ‘good things come in threes’ and the Peak District certainly lives up to this phrase! Slumbering across the Southern slice of the Pennines, Britain’s first ever National Park is home to Bakewell; the town famed for the tasty confection, the stunning Chatsworth House and the little village of Matlock Bath.
What’s so special about some tiny village, you ask? Well, every year it plays host to a unique autumnal tradition whereby a glittering parade of illuminated boats (that look like they've been covered in Tinkerbell's pixie dust) bob along the River Derwent, followed by a fabulous firework display.
So how did this all begin? Read on to find out…
Debut in 1897
The first ever Matlock Bath Illuminations took place to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Inspired by a previous visit years before, the young (then) Princess Victoria recalled gazing out of her hotel bedroom window at night, watching the lights from her candles reflecting onto the river that unfurls through the village below. So fond were her memories that, in celebration of her Diamond Jubilee, the whole village was illuminated by wonderful twinkling lamps, Chinese lanterns and a torchlight procession, followed by colourful bonfires and a parade of illuminated little boats.
Venetian Fête in 1898
The Jubilee boat parade of ‘97 did so well that everyone wanted an encore the year after, and even back then, Matlock Bath was already starting to become a popular tourist destination thanks to good old Jane Austen name-dropping the village in her popular novel, Pride & Prejudice.
All the village traders pooled together their money to buy coloured glass lanterns and lit up the Lovers’ Walk and the Promenade Gardens in a rainbow cascade of candlelight. (If only Instagram existed then!) With boats around this time resembling the classic Venetian gondola, naming the event was a no-brainer.
Growth in 1899
Back for round three in 1899, and this time, it’s serious! A whopping 2,500 lamps were purchased this year; many more than usual were needed as the celebrations extended across two Saturday evenings in September.
The event continued to expand over the next few years and by 1903 there was a whole committee involved to manage a new competition to judge the best-decorated illuminated boats. The Arkwright Cup was awarded to the winner, and is still used to this very day.
First Electric Illuminations in 1950
The introduction of electricity to the illuminations in 1950 was certainly a game-changer! The committee staged a one-night event that year, with a crowd of over 20,000 people attending to see the spectacle. Over the next few years, roads began to close specifically to allow more people to gather and by 1952 the local District Council reserved the riverside paths specifically for the event which turned into a six week festival running throughout August and September. The year after marked the 25th anniversary for the original committee and the new queen even sent them a message wishing them continuing success.
Growth Over The Years
The Matlock Illuminations grew and grew throughout the 1960s and 70s, with Derwent Gardens becoming the main focal point. It also saw the addition of a new river bridge and an increase to a much longer ten-week duration for the event. Celebrities were even getting involved in the annual ‘switch on’ ceremony, with the likes Chris Tarrant, Tony Hart and a whole host of Corrie stars coming along for the celebration. By 1971, the event welcomed its one millionth visitor!
Illuminations We Know and Love Today
These days the boats are built and rowed by members of the Matlock Bath Venetian Boat Association. However, a candle-lit vessel is always the first to set off along the River Derwent; to continue the Victorian tradition of the very first Illuminations.
Some notable highlights in recent years include the winning boat in 2019 decorated as Viserion, the Dragon from Game of Thrones. One man winning over 11 times (he’s an electrician!) and the event being aired on national television when one pair tried to save their boat from sinking - the theme of that particular float was The Titanic. (Obviously!)
The current Illuminations are a magical experience for the whole family to enjoy. The season runs from the middle of September to the end of October on Saturdays and Sundays, with a weekly firework display every Saturday evening. To see all the hard work reflected (excuse the pun) in the procession for yourself, be sure to join our two-day coach break which includes return coach travel, an overnight stay with breakfast, admission to the Matlock Bath Illuminations and a visit to Bakewell.