In November 1981 Prince Charles and Princess Diana made one of their first visits following their wedding. The future King opened the Pavements Shopping Centre while his wife, recently announced as pregnant, opened the Peacock Centre.
There were record crowds in the town centre. The welcoming party included Mayor Cissie Sargeant, Leader of the Coucil Bill Flanagan, the Duke and Dutchess of Devonshire and the Bishop of Derby.