The Full Story
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Saturday, 6 June 2026, 11am - 3pm
Derby Market Hall, Tennant St, Derby DE1 2DB
FREE
Derby comes alive with 50:50 - a bold, city-wide celebration of music, art, dance, and community. Inspired by the cultural connection with twining city of Osnabrück,Germany, this free festival transforms the city into a dynamic, immersive experience. Expect live global music, high-energy specially commissioned cross-cultural performances (Journey & Dhol drumming), hands-on creative silk painting workshops, and vibrant street spectacles at every turn. A family-friendly event must not be missed!
Journey
Performance 1: 11.30am - 12.30pm
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Performance 2: 2.00pm - 3.00pm
Surtal arts presents 'Journey' - a specially commissioned by Derby City Council, this cross cultural dance celebrates Derby’s railway heritage, through Indian classical dance, Bharatanatyam (Priya Sundar Dance Co) and African dance (Changu Dance Co), with live percussion of mridangam and DJ set. Audience will have an opportunity to 'have a go' taster workshops in both dance styles after the performance. All welcome to join.
The Artist: Priya Sundar
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Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and teacher based in the UK, with over two decades of experience across the UK, Europe, and India. Renowned for her artistic vision and innovative approach, she seamlessly bridges tradition with contemporary expression. A teacher member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), Priya is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of dancers while upholding the integrity of Indian classical dance.
Her pioneering choreographic work includes “Morris Natyam”, an acclaimed project that creatively intertwines Bharatanatyam with English Morris dance traditions. Her production “Paisley” thoughtfully explores pressing societal issues, while “Rani Maharani” was specially created as a tribute for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Priya is a three-time Guinness World Record holder, recognized for her groundbreaking virtual dance performances that have redefined digital artistic collaboration. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the arts, she is the proud recipient of the Shakti Award for Artistic Achievement 2025 and the Deekshaa Award 2025 for Artistic Excellence.
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The Artist: Bwalya Changu
Changu is a Derby-based Actress, dance artist, teacher, and choreographer specialising in street dance, Afro, and commercial dance styles. With experience performing across renowned stages and festivals including the Derby Theatre, Royal Concert Hall, Zamalawi Festival, and Darley Weekender Festival, Changu brings vibrant energy, cultural expression, and dynamic storytelling to every performance.
Silk Painting: Donna Fox
10am - 3pm
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Open Workshop - Free
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All welcome
Drop-in workshop with Derby artist Donna Fox and Surtal Arts. Inspired by Derby’s landmarks and memories, create your own silk artwork to take home and contribute to a community banner for city-wide events.
Children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult.
About Donna Fox – Visual Artist
Derby based silk painting artist, Donna Fox, uses batik and silk dye techniques to co-create large scale silk banners, festival flags and hand painted carnival costumes. She and her creative team of associate artists have toured to Boston Illuminate, Edinburgh International Carnival, Bridgewater Carnival, Isle of Wight Mardi Gras, South Tyneside Parade, Notting Hill and East Midlands Carnivals…to name but a few. She is a regular artistic contributor to Derby Caribbean Carnival and Surtal Arts’ Season of Light illuminated lantern parade. Donna is very proud of being a Derby visual artist and welcomes local opportunities, as well as national and international creative adventures!
Dhol Drumming : Amo
Performance 1: 11.30am - 12.30pm
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Performance 2: 2.00pm - 3.00pm
High-energy live Dhol performance starting at Osnabruck Square and leading into the Market Hall, setting the vibe for a vibrant music and dance celebration.
