1940s Market draws thousands to Chesterfield town centre
Thousands of people visited our town centre as the popular 1940s Market returned on Thursday, 28th May 2026, transforming the area with vintage entertainment, music and family-friendly activities.
The event brought a wide range of wartime-themed attractions to the streets, with visitors enjoying live performances, classic displays and a lively atmosphere throughout the day.
A full-size replica Spitfire took pride of place in the Market Square, marking 90 years since the aircraft’s historic first flight, while classic cars and wartime exhibits helped bring the era to life across the town centre.
The flea market also returned as part of the event, with traders taking part in a friendly ‘best dressed trader’ competition, won this year by Mr and Mrs Taylor.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:
“The 1940s Market is a highlight of our events calendar each year and something many residents and visitors look forward to. It was fantastic to see the town centre packed with people of all ages enjoying entertainment, socialising and supporting local businesses.”
She added that recent improvements to New Square and Market Square have helped create an improved setting for events, with more planned across the summer months.
The event was delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council, supported through the Chesterfield Town Board Pride in Place programme, funded by the UK Government.
Dominic Staniforth, Chair of Chesterfield Town Board, added:
“Through our engagement with residents, it was highlighted that hosting more events in the town centre was something people really wanted to see, which is why we invested Pride in Place funding to support the town’s entertainment programme for the next two years.”
He added that the 1940s Market once again proved popular, with further events planned to continue attracting visitors into the town centre.
More events planned this summer
This summer, visitors can enjoy a packed programme of events across Chesterfield, offering the chance to taste the world and experience a variety of cultures without leaving town.
Discover more events and plan your visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/ www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/
