THE second Furthest from the Sea festival has taken place today, showcasing some of the best artistic talent from around Derbyshire.
Thousands have taken part in the free entertainment and activities which run finished at 4pm, with local bands, singers, dancers and comedians all performing.
The Cathedral Quarter is home to the festival, which boasts four dedicated music stages as well as a stand-up comedy stage.
One of the organisers, Matt McGuiness, also plays in the band Karl and the Marx Brothers, who are performed at the event.
He said: "This year it has really expanded with lots more people performing.
"We had about 80 performers last year and this time around we have 200.
"Last year was the first time we held the event and it kind of acted as its own advertisement."
"And the theatre stage is something that I am really looking forward to seeing as well and it looks brilliant.
"There is also a vintage photo trail which shows pictures from Derby more than 100 years ago dotted around the area."
And there will be a display by members of the Derby Telegraph's TogsQuad camera club, whose exhibition on the theme of Fire and Water –The Elements will be next to the Waterfall in the Market Place from 11am to 4pm.
Chris Carrington, 54, is a member of TogsQuad and said he was pleased others would see his work at the event.
Chris, of Bromyard Drive, Chellaston, said: "It's the first time I have had my work on display and I think it's great. It fills me with a lot of pride and at the same time I'm glad folk are here in the city centre.
"Usually people can walk past these sort of displays but we are getting plenty of attention."
The festival came about after Matt started performing at the Book Café.
He said: "I had been promoting arts and music for the last 15 to 20 years.
"Then my group started and we began performing at the Book Café and we performed on the Corn Market to promote the acoustic night there. Then it was suggested that we perform on the Market Place and it went from there."
And while this year's event has not even begun yet, plans for next year are already in the pipeline.
Matt said: "We already have next year sorted out. It is going to be on June 20 and we have already had people asking us about performing.
"The organisation of the event is all done by a team of volunteers who do it in their own time. I wouldn't call it 'spare time' because it takes a huge amount of work.
"But there have been a few more people involved this year which has meant it has been easier."
