Council reveals exciting programme of events for 2026
Chesterfield Borough Council has announced its programme of events for 2026, bringing a mix of returning favourites and new activities to the town.
The programme aims to encourage more people to visit the town centre and enjoy unique experiences as residents, families and visitors.
Building on the success of events held in 2025, the year ahead will see the return of several popular events alongside a number of new additions to the calendar:
- Chesterfield Glow Up, a new event, will take place on Friday, 27 and Saturday, 28 March. Delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council as part of the Animate Chesterfield programme, the event will feature a light show projected onto the Market Hall by international projection artists Illuminos. There will also be funfair rides, free UV face painting, live entertainment and a night market.
- The popular 1940s Market returns on Thursday, 28 May and is expected to draw in large crowds once again. The market will also be taking part in the national Love Your Local Market campaign.
- The Chesterfield International Market is to be held from 19 to 21 June. The market brings a range of international street food and traders to our town centre.
- Saturday, 15 August, will see a new event celebrating the emergency services.
- The Christmas Lights Switch On will take place on Sunday, 22 November, marking the start of the festive season in Chesterfield.
The council will host more events in summer 2026, including a new food festival with details to be shared on the website and social media as they are confirmed.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:
“With the improvements across the town centre set to be completed this year, we’re excited to unveil our events programme and make great use of the new spaces to attract visitors and provide free entertainment.
“Whilst this is just a selection of everything that will be happening this year, we wanted to make sure everyone had the opportunity to start planning for the year ahead. We’ll be announcing more events and activities in the spring.
“Events like these are a great way of attracting new visitors to support town centre businesses and market traders – I hope that you can join us for these fantastic events.”
These events are part of a wider range of cultural activity happening across chesterfield discover what’s on in chesterfield: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events
