First event at new entertainment venue announced

The details of the first event set to be held at a new £46m entertainment venue in Derby have been announced.

Becketwell Live has teamed up with BBC Radio Derby and BBC Introducing to give four acts from the city the opportunity to officially open the venue at 12:00 BST on 5 April.

The Whiskey Brothers, Dorothy Ella, Terrianne and Riley Marsh will be the first to perform at the 3,500-capacity venue, which is owned by Derby City Council and was handed over to operators ASM Global in February.

The opening event, which will be free to attend, will be broadcast on BBC Radio Derby's mid-morning programme, hosted by Ian Skye.

Marcus Sheehan, general manager of the venue, said: "This is a huge moment for everyone involved with Becketwell Live.

"We want the venue to be something the people of Derby can be proud of, so giving local artists the chance to be the first to play here feels the best way to officially open."

BBC Radio Derby presenter Skye said: "We are so excited to be a part of welcoming the first people through the doors at Becketwell Live.

"BBC Radio Derby is rooted in the local community and we love to champion the great things happening in Derbyshire and East Staffordshire, and getting the opportunity to meet new people who make up where we live."

Acts, including John Bishop and Wet Wet Wet, have been booked to perform at the venue later in the year.

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