Duo aim for top spot as illuminations return

A father and son are aiming to claim first place at this year's illuminations display in a Derbyshire village.

Ian Page and son Mark took home the second place prize for their Doctor Who-themed LED boat in the 2023 Matlock Bath Illuminations.

This year's annual event will take place on the River Derwent every Saturday and Sunday night from 7 September to 27 October.

Ian, 61, from Cromford, said: "We are not allowed to say what our model is this year, because you can't know until opening night."

The same boats stay on the water for the entire seven-week period, with the public voting for their favourite illumination on the first weekend. The votes are then counted and a winner is revealed.

Matlock's lights were first displayed 127 years ago for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

As part of the illuminations event, organisers said a fireworks display was planned that would "light up the skies" of Matlock Bath every weekend.

When asked if the pair would be able to go one better than last year's result, Ian said: "I hope so; we've worked hard this year on it.

"It was so nice to take home second last year, but the competition gets harder each year.

"We have to try and keep up with the trends that are happening, and hopefully people will like it."

Mark, 29, said Matlock Bath illuminations were a "great crowd puller" for the village.

"It's certainly something unique", said Mark.

"We will find out the following week what the public voted, to see if there are any trophies that we have got."

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