Chesterfield News


Visitors encouraged to celebrate all things vintage at the Chesterfield 1940s Market


Residents and visitors to Chesterfield can shop for all things vintage and enjoy some classic entertainment as the 1940s Market returns to Chesterfield this half term.

On Thursday 27 October between 10am and 4pm, visitors can enjoy 40s music, entertainment, exhibits and meet the flea market stall holders in period dress.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The 1940s Market gets more popular every year and our team have worked really hard to find some fantastic new acts and activities for this year.

“We’ve made sure there is lots to see and do for every member of the family and of course it’s also a fantastic opportunity to support our local businesses and traders.”

New for 2022 will be a Home Guard encampment, the family friendly reenactors will be based in the church yard and will be running activities throughout the day including drill lessons for children, a first aid station, and a signals station.

There is also a new activity in the Pavements Centre where you can learn about the challenges of bomb disposal during World War Two from a reenactor and have a go at defusing three different dummy ‘bombs.’

Our partners at Wessex Archaeology will be running an activity in the Pavements Centre to design and print 1940s tiles.

The Chesterfield Museum team will be taking over a shop in the Pavements Centre where they will be explaining more about rationing, allowing people to get hands on with history with their World War Two handling objects and evacuees’ suitcase.

The weekly flea market will take place in the market place with traders in 1940s costume. There will be a competition for the best dressed trader and visitors are encouraged to get into the 40s spirit by dressing in period costumes.

As well as great activities there will also be 1940s themed entertainment throughout the day.

Kalamazoo dance band, an escapologist act and a selection of 1940s singers will be performing throughout the day.

There will also be a selection of classic vehicles including a vintage fire engine.

More activities and entertainers are still being confirmed. You can find out more about the event by visiting: www.visitchesterfield.info/40s

The 1940’s Market is a free event that aims to bring more visitors and shoppers to the town centre to support local businesses and market traders.

Josh Marsh

Destination Chesterfield Coordinator (Investment and Marketing)

Email Josh

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