Oasis Tribute by Candlelight at Derby Cathedral – Full Review & Experience

This was a night of candlelight, nostalgia, and Britpop magic — our little Oasis-inspired overnighter in Derby.

I’d booked the tickets back in September. We’re both massive Oasis fans, and after failing to get tickets to see the real band (again), Oasis by Candlelight felt like the perfect alternative. Not a replacement — nothing is — but a genuinely special second best. Hearing those iconic songs inside a candlelit cathedral instantly felt like an experience worth grabbing.

To keep things easy, I booked us into the Leonardo Hotel, only a five-minute walk from Derby Cathedral. Modern, clean, great value — although the bed was shockingly uncomfortable. Still, for £42 a night, it was hard to complain. Being so close to the venue also meant we could enjoy a few drinks without worrying about taxis or parking. Cheap, convenient, and stress-free.

As evening rolled in, we made our way towards the cathedral district. It was raining absolutely cats and dogs, and my partner — the most hair-protective woman alive — was battling the elements under the giant umbrella she insisted on bringing. If you know her, you can imagine the drama.

After a few drinks and a decent meal at the nearby Slug & Lettuce, we queued outside (still raining, naturally) before being allowed into the cathedral. Luckily, I’d managed to secure front-row, centre-stage seats in the premier area — the kind of detail that immediately sets the tone for a proper night out. Once inside, the soft glow of hundreds of LED candles lit the entire cathedral. Not real flames — health and safety — but the warm flicker bouncing off the old stone created a genuinely magical atmosphere.

When the musicians began, the cathedral’s acoustics took over. Oasis songs we’ve heard thousands of times — usually shouted in pubs or blasted from car speakers — suddenly felt elevated.
Wonderwall floated effortlessly into the arches,
Don’t Look Back in Anger carried a hymn-like power,
and even the upbeat tracks hit surprisingly deep.

The candlelight, the shadows, the echo of every chord — it all created a fresh way to hear music we’ve loved for years.

But what struck me most was the atmosphere in the crowd. People hummed quietly, mouthed every lyric, a few wiped away tears during the softer songs. The whole room felt warm, reflective, and connected.
Then Amanda started belting out the wrong lyrics, out of tune, in her deep gravelly voice — as loud as possible. That definitely woke everyone up. Again… if you know her, you know.

After the final encore, when the last chord faded and applause filled the cathedral, I genuinely didn’t want the night to end. These musicians are easily the best Oasis tribute act we’ve ever seen. Stepping back into the cool Derby air, I realised the evening had been exactly what it promised: a little oasis. A break from routine, wrapped in candlelight, nostalgia, and the soundtrack of our youth.

If you’re an Oasis fan — or just love a unique night out — this is absolutely worth booking.