Mayors across the globe are inspired by Derby (with audio)

MAYORS from different Derbys across the globe sent messages of support at the launch of Derby City Partnership week.

Representatives from a Derby in Kansas, the Shire of Derby in West Kimberley, Australia and Derby in Connecticut all filmed video-clips wishing the city the best for the week of events aimed at showcasing what is on offer here.

It is the 13th year the city has held a such an event, showing how organisations are working together to improve Derby.

This year the theme is "Be Inspiring" and the campaign was launched yesterday at Derby Theatre. It runs until Sunday.

The former Playhouse building was bought by the University of Derby and the theatre is being run in partnership with Derby Live – the city council's arts arm.

Speaking at the launch, Derby's mayor, Councillor Sean Marshall, said: "Isn't it great that this event is taking place in this building?

"We are launching a special week in an exciting joint-venture between our university and Derby Live.

"That has to be an example of partnership working at its best."

Professor Michael Gunn, pro vice-chancellor at the University of Derby, said the new programme of performances at Derby Theatre was due to be launched at the start of July, with the venue ready to stage shows from September.

"We want to bring theatre back to the heart of cultural life in the city," said Prof Gunn.

"We also want to attract new theatre-goers."

The launch was also used to announce a new website for the city – www.derbydoesit.org – which is aimed at giving visitors and potential investors in more information about Derby.

John Forkin, of Marketing Derby, who compered the launch, said: "It is not about trying to re-write sites that already exist, but about giving a better entry point for people searching for information about Derby."

Partnership Week itself will feature more than 100 events, from tours of the city to language classes, creative workshops and exhibitions.

Councillor Hilary Jones, council leader and chairwoman of Derby City Partnership, urged people to be inspired about the city and spread the word about Derby.

She said: "The theme this year is 'Be Inspiring' and we have had a flavour of that this morning, and now people who want to know about the city can look on the web portal, and that is important.

"But for each one of us who live and work in this city, it is up to us to share that word and say what's going on, out and about.

"This week there are lots of things going on."

* To listen to an interview with Hilary Jones, click on the blue Related Content box at the top right of this story