IT may have been pouring with rain outside, but a party was held this weekend at Intu Derby to celebrate the start of summer.
Hourly carnival parades, face painting, craft workshops and food sampling are all taking place today and tomorrow in the shopping centre.
Local artisan suppliers were also at the centre, including Spondon Bakery and Derventio Brewery, tempting shoppers with freshly-made breads and locally brewed beer.
Meanwhile, football fanatics joined coaches from Derby County FC as they host football skills sessions for the kids.
There was also cheerleading performances from local dance group Dance Beats, as well as Zumba with the team from Pure Gym Derby, in support of the British Heart Foundation. Among those at the event was Ravinder Talwar, 38, and his daughter Aneeka, five, who took part in a craft event. Ravinder, of Sunny Hill, said: "We came into Derby to go to the bank so we decided to come in here and pass the time. "It's great for the children. Aneeka is very creative and loves things like this. Today she had made a music shaker." Also getting into the summer feeling was Melissa Kelsey and her two daughters Syriah, seven, and Daisha, 10, who had their faces painted. Melissa, 32, of Osmaston Road, said: "I think it's amazing that the events are being put on for free. "We only popped into the centre quickly butwe saw the face painting so we thought we would stop so the girls could get their faces painted. "We are going to a Brazilian-themed party this afternoon so they will look great for that!"
Nigel Wheatley, senior centre manager, said: "This event is a vibrant celebration of family fun and food. We've also got lots of surprises planned to keep our shoppers smiling all weekend long."
