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Lots for Tots Derbyshire - FREE Magazine distributing to 16,000 families caring for children under 5.
18/12/2025
We’re on the lookout for Level 3 Nursery Practitioners to join our lovely, supportive team at Lots for Tots Childcare
If you’re passionate about early years, love creating magical moments for children and want to work in a setting where you’re genuinely valued, we’d love to hear from you.
The award-winning team behind Derby’s smash-hit pantos will be back next year with the classic Snow White.
As this year’s paw-some production of Dick Whittington gets underway at Derby Arena, we’re excited to announced tickets are on sale for 2026’s pantomime, so you can secure your favourite seats for more festive fun!
The show will be brought to you by the same team behind Dick Whittington and past shows including Cinderella in 2024 and the egg-cellent Mother Goose in 2023.
Starring Derby’s award-winning Dame, Morgan Brind, this dazzling panto adventure has the perfect recipe to outwit the Wicked Queen. Join the acclaimed Little Wolf Entertainment and Derby City Council’s Derby LIVE team for this lush extravaganza.
Featuring fantastic frocks, lavish sets, and side-splitting slapstick, this will be the fairest Christmas treat for the whole family. No time to check your magic mirror – book early for the best seats in the house, or be wickedly disappointed!
17/12/2025
LThe moment we’ve all been waiting for… voting for the Lots for Tots Awards is officially open! 🏆
Our nominees have been nominated and now it’s back over to you to decide who gets to the finals
Every vote counts and every finalist deserves recognition.
FamilyBusiness CommunityLove
16/12/2025
A huge thank you to the amazing businesses supporting us this year 💛
🏆 Sponsored by:
• Counting Kids
• Green Square Medical Group
• Almas Industries
With support from:
• Lots for Tots Childcare
• Soccer Stars UK
• Baby Sparks Derby West
Nominations are now CLOSED
Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate - the response has been incredible.
🗳 Voting opens soon, so keep your eyes peeled as we start to reveal our nominee lists…
14/12/2025
Dick Whittington at Derby Arena - A Festive Must-See
Dick Whittington at Derby Arena is everything a Christmas pantomime should be and more. We absolutely loved the usual audience participation, with plenty of chances to shout, boo and laugh along.
Morgan Brind has worked his usual magic on a fabulous script that keeps a strong storyline while weaving in local jokey references, slapstick comedy and lots of booing fun throughout. It’s clever, fast-paced and genuinely entertaining for both children and adults.
One particularly funny moment came when an audience member, Jarrod from South Africa, was picked on this year, bringing endless giggles and adding to the brilliant interactive atmosphere.
As always, the panto is full of sparkle, amazing costumes and pure festive fun. It’s become a Christmas tradition for us that I simply couldn’t live without.
Do note it does run for just over two and a half hours, so some little ones may start to get a bit wiggly. That said, the audience participation and the surprise appearance of some very large water guns certainly help keep everyone captivated.
Elijah (4) summed it up perfectly:
“I loved it especially where Dick Whittington kept getting splashed on the boat and kept falling over. It made me laugh so much my tummy hurt.”
A joyful, laugh-out-loud pantomime that truly captures the magic of Christmas 🎭✨
13/12/2025
The countdown is on! 🏆✨
Voting for the Lots for Tots Awards 2026 opens soon and it’s time for you to help choose this year’s finalists! 💛
Get ready to show your support for the amazing family-friendly businesses, classes, education providers and services that make Derbyshire such a special place for families.
Who will make it to the finals? 👀
10/12/2025
Nominations for the Lots for Tots Awards 2026 close at 9am on Monday 15th December! 🏆
Don’t miss your opportunity to shout about the amazing businesses, classes, and individuals who make family life across the Derbyshire so special 💛
Get your nominations in now — before it’s too late! ⏳
07/12/2025
Derby is officially open for festive fun! ✨ Make the most of this holiday season and find everything you need in one place.
Lace up your skates for the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink, follow the magical Light Trail across the city, and enjoy live music at the Nordic Bar. From top-notch pantomimes to Santa’s Grotto and the best Christmas shopping and dining experiences, Derby is ready to welcome you.
It’s time to celebrate the amazing businesses, groups and individuals who make family life that little bit brighter across Derbyshire
We have 20 categories this year — including exciting NEW additions for 2025:
✨ Early Years Educator
✨ Family Food Retailer
✨ Behind the Scenes Star
✨ Franchise of the Year
If you’d like to recognise your favourite businesses it’s super easy…
👉 Head to our website - www.lotsfortots.co.uk/awards
👉 Click on the Awards page
👉 Fill in the quick nomination form
It takes just a moment and means so much to the people you put forward 🏆
05/12/2025
Monday is FREE bump to babies group at Becket Family Hub in Derby City Centre!
This group is for anyone expecting a baby and anyone families with children under the age of 2.
The Bump to babies group runs every Monday 10-11.30am, you don’t need to book and can come along throughout the session at a time that suits you.
Their friendly Peer Supporters will be there every week to get you settled in and make you a hot drink or two.
04/12/2025
Grab your festive passport and join Merry Elwin the Adventurous Elf on a globe-trekking Christmas journey!🎄
From the magical markets of Germany to the sunny beaches of Australia, this brand new show explores how Christmas is celebrated around the world. Perfect for families, this heartwarming production is full of humour and holiday cheer. See it at Chapel Street Arts Centre from Thursday 11 December to Tuesday 23 December.
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Lots for Tots Derby was established in 2008 as a FREE High Quality Magazine for families with children aged 0-5. Full of events, classes and groups the magazine is very popular and is considered a lifeline for many parents and carers.
18,000 copies are distributed every quarter to Nurseries, Pre-Schools, Foundation Year pupils, toddler groups, libraries, soft plays and children's centre in the following areas:
Derby & District: Allenton, Allestree, Alvaston, Chaddesden, Chellaston, Chester Green, Darley Abbey, Derby City, Littleover, Mackworth, Mickleover, Normanton, Oakwood, Sinfin, Spondon & Sunnyhill.
Amber Valley: Ambergate, Belper, Denby, Duffield, Heanor, Holbrook, Horsley WH, Kilburn, Milford, Quarndon & Ripley.
Erewash: Borrowash, Breadsall, Breaston, Draycott, Ilkeston, Little Eaton, Long Eaton,
Morley, Ockbrook, Sandiacre, Shardlow & West Hallam.
South Derbyshire: Castle Donington, Etwall, Findern, Hilton, Kegworth, Melbourne & Weston On Trent, Aston on Trent.
Derbyshire Dales: Brailsford & Ashbourne.