Hundreds of illegal toys seized near Matlock Bath Illuminations event

Trading Standards officers patrolling the illuminations.
-Credit: (Image: Derbyshire County Council)


Trading Standards officers managed to seize hundreds of illegal small toys on the streets of Matlock Bath near the popular illuminations event this weekend. The Matlock Bath Illuminations usually attract more than 100,000 people over the eight-week period in which they are shown each year.

The event takes place annually, showcasing decorated boats that travel up and down the River Derwent. However when Trading Standards visited the Derbyshire town last weekend, they found there were multiple mobile sellers selling illegal toys, seizing 200 toys/novelties on the streets near the event.

They were found outside of the ticketed area. Only official light-up toy sellers trade inside the grounds of Derwent Gardens. A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council said: "Our Trading Standards officers were out and about in Matlock Bath at the weekend checking goods on sale were safe.

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Some of the toys that were seized.
Some of the toys that were seized. -Credit:Derbyshire County Council

More than 200 items were seized from two unofficial mobile sellers who had set up on the street to catch people on their way to the illuminations.

"They were found to be selling unsafe toys and novelty items with easily accessible button batteries and no CE/UKCA markings. Our message to keep you and yours safe – DO NOT BUY FROM UNOFFICAL MOBILE TRADERS and use your judgement, be wary of what you’re buying and always look for the CE/UKCA markings. To report unsafe items call Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133."

The Trading Standards team were patrolling the 127-year-old illuminations which were first staged to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

The officers were seen patrolling the event in high-vis jackets throughout the weekend, seizing bags of illegal toys that were being sold to customers who were unaware of their potential safety risks.

An earlier version of this article stated that the illegal toys were seized at the Matlock Bath Illuminations event itself after a Derbyshire County Council statement said that this was the case. This statement was later amended. Derbyshire Live is happy to make it clear that the toys were seized from mobile sellers trading outside the ticketed area.