Author: Dom Stevens

Thousands celebrate creativity and community at Tapton Lock Festival 2025

Chesterfield’s Tapton Lock Festival returned bigger and better than ever on 6–7 September 2025, drawing thousands of visitors to the Chesterfield Canal for a vibrant weekend of outdoor adventure, creative exploration and community spirit.

Organised by local arts charity Junction Arts, this year’s festival marked its largest edition to date, thanks to a new partnership with Arts Derbyshire and their touring programme, Festivity. The expanded line-up offered a diverse programme from live music and storytelling to hands-on workshops and outdoor activities, all celebrating the natural beauty of Tapton Lock and the region’s rich creative talent.

Visitors enjoyed free canal boat rides, “have-a-go” canoeing and climbing wall sessions, circus skills workshops, and a wide range of art activities, including acrylic pouring and printmaking.

As part of Festivity, the festival showcased:

  • Live performances from Derbyshire singer-songwriters Michael Vickers and Sarah Hinds
  • A digital gallery featuring eleven visual artists from across the county
  • A spoken word programme curated by the Derby Poetry Festival, highlighting diverse regional voices

Families were captivated by interactive storytelling sessions from Adverse Camber, while Arts Derbyshire hosted drop-in nature-inspired workshops. On Saturday, printmaker Nicki Dennett led creative print sessions, followed by artist Paola DeGio on Sunday, who introduced visitors to marbling techniques.

A standout feature was Junction Arts’ collaboration with VERBA – the Ukrainian Social Group of Chesterfield, who brought an eco-conscious art trail to the festival. Eco-Path – A Living Journey invited families to explore six interactive stations themed around sustainability, including climate awareness, recycling, biodiversity, textile waste and microplastics. Participants collected stamps in their Eco Passport while engaging in activities such as:

  • Making instruments from recycled materials
  • Creating seed bombs
  • Junk modelling and textile art

Festival favourites returned too, with the Vintage Fairground and Bubbleologist delighting younger visitors.

“It has been an amazing weekend where friends and families have come together to appreciate this beautiful location,” said Jane Wells, Project Manager at Junction Arts. “Whether it’s listening to live music, getting active or creating your own masterpiece, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

Launched in 2013, the Tapton Lock Festival is a free, inclusive celebration designed to promote health, wellbeing and creativity. For over a decade, it has offered opportunities for people to try new skills, connect with nature and take part in cultural experiences right in the heart of Chesterfield.

Discover what’s on in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Highlight Crafts joins Hobbycraft TV

Highlight Crafts has announced its inclusion in the launch of Hobbycraft TV, a brand-new platform dedicated to daily, demonstration-led content from expert crafters across the UK. The channel officially launched on Thursday 4th September, with Highlight Crafts making its debut at 10:30am.

As a Derbyshire-based business rooted in creativity and community, Highlight Crafts is thrilled to be part of this exciting new chapter in the crafting industry. Hobbycraft TV brings together leading brands and makers to deliver inspiring, accessible content to crafters of all levels and Highlight Crafts is at the heart of it.

“At Highlight Crafts, community is at the heart of everything we do it’s what inspires us, drives us, and connects us,” said Diane Peternel, Sales and Marketing Director at Highlight Crafts. “We are thrilled to be part of a channel that also puts community first, creating a space where inspiration and creativity can be shared every single day.”

The partnership will see Highlight Crafts deliver regular shows on Hobbycraft TV, showcasing innovative products, expert techniques, and creative projects designed to spark imagination and build confidence. The team will continue to run their popular LiveShopping Shows as usual, ensuring their loyal audience can still enjoy the same trusted content alongside this exciting new venture.

Steven Hubbard, Board Advisor for Hobbycraft, added: “It’s such an exciting time to be in the crafting industry. Hobbycraft TV enhances our customer experience and builds our community with an array of experts and brands bringing daily innovation to all our makers. We are extremely excited to be partnering with Stephanie Weightman and all of her inspirational team at Highlight Crafts.”

You can watch Hobbycraft TV on:

Enjoy Highlight Crafts LiveShopping shows at:

Highlight Crafts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 230 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Italian restaurant Giorgio’s relaunches as il Forno

A much-loved Chesterfield restaurant is entering an exciting new chapter. Giorgio’s, located on Whittington Moor, will relaunch this September as il Forno.

The name that pays tribute to its Italian roots and the wood-fired oven that has long been the heart of its kitchen. While the name and interiors are evolving, the essence of the restaurant remains unchanged. The same talented chef and dedicated team who’ve built Giorgio’s reputation over the past decade will continue to serve the dishes locals know and love.

“We as a family are incredibly proud of what we’ve built as Giorgio’s over the past 10+ years,” said owner Fran Montero. “But il Forno feels like the perfect new chapter, a name that honours our history while reflecting what makes us truly special: our wood pizza oven. We can’t wait to welcome both our loyal customers and new diners.”

Inside, diners can expect a refreshed, modern look while retaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere that has made the restaurant a community favourite. The front of the restaurant will undergo further improvements in the coming weeks, completing the transformation.

The menu will continue to feature Giorgio’s most popular dishes, especially its celebrated pizzas. A few new additions will enhance the dining experience, but the popular half-price pizza and pasta offer will remain unchanged.

“After so many wonderful years, we’re simply refreshing and modernising, while keeping everything that’s made us a favourite with our community,” Fran added.

il Forno will continue to serve as a vibrant hub for residents, offering authentic Italian cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting.

The rebrand marks a new era for the restaurant, reinforcing its commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation. The restaurant will reopen to the public on Saturday, 13th September.

Looking for more ideas of places to eat and drink in Chesterfield, check out https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2025/07/50-food-and-drink-businesses-to-try-in-chesterfield/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Tapton Lock Visitor Centre reopened by rock legend

Dave Berry has officially reopened Tapton Lock Visitor Centre at the Tapton Lock Festival, organised by Junction Arts.

Chesterfield Canal Trust has stepped in to reopen the centre after its closure in May and has taken out an initial nine-month licence to run the centre, owned by Derbyshire County Council.   The centre is now open daily.

Jill Hardy, who runs the Visitor Centre for the Trust, said: “We are very grateful to Dave for coming to officially open Tapton Lock Visitor Centre.   I’m delighted to announce that we will now be open every day, except Christmas Day. Please come to visit us, find out more about the canal and try some of our lovely coffee!”

Dave Berry is famous for his many classic hits from the 1960s, like The Crying Game. He lives locally, in Dronfield, and first made contact with the Chesterfield Canal Trust many years ago after taking his granddaughter on a Santa Special cruise. He was impressed by the work of the volunteers and decided to help.

He is the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s Restoration Ambassador. He once cycled the full length of the canal, raising several hundred pounds in sponsorship for the Trust. He has spoken at a Supporters’ Group meeting and is often to be found walking or cycling along the canal.

The Chesterfield Canal Trust is restoring the canal at Staveley thanks to funding from the Staveley Town Deal.

In the next few months, a new lock, a pumping system and several hundred metres of canal will be built. In addition, nearly two miles of towpath will be restored all the way to Renishaw.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Travelodge invests in Chesterfield as part of national expansion strategy

Travelodge has announced the acquisition of a Chesterfield hotel, reinforcing its commitment to growth and rebranding across the UK.

The hotel, formerly operated under the Ibis brand, is one of four newly acquired sites by Travelodge, alongside locations in Preston, Bradford Shipley and Cardiff. The move is part of the company’s wider UK strategy to convert existing hotels into Travelodge-branded properties, bringing the total number of rebranded acquisitions this year to 16.

Located within walking distance of Chesterfield town centre and railway station, the 86-room hotel offers convenient access to local attractions including the Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield Museum, and the nearby Peak District. It is also just a short drive from Chatsworth House, making it an ideal base for both leisure and business travellers.

The hotel will undergo a full refurbishment later this year as part of Travelodge’s multi-million pound upgrade programme. The refit will introduce the brand’s latest design standards, including a contemporary reception area, next-generation rooms, and enhanced interiors focused on comfort and functionality.

“These acquisitions are another strong addition to our UK portfolio and demonstrate the continued momentum behind our rebrand-led growth strategy,” said Steve Bennett, Chief Property and Development Officer at Travelodge. “We’re seeing increasing opportunities to convert well-located, existing hotels into Travelodges.

Travelodge’s investment reflects confidence in Chesterfield’s visitor economy and its strategic location as a base to visit the Peak District. The company has identified over 300 further locations across the UK for future expansion, with Chesterfield’s inclusion underscoring its appeal to national operators.

The rebrand is expected to enhance the town’s accommodation offering, supporting the town’s wider ambitions to grow tourism and business travel.

This investment showcases confidence in Chesterfield town centre, alongside other recent investments for residential, commercial and retail activity, including:

Discover more about investing in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Industrial park in Chesterfield to be auctioned

Derbyshire County Council’s 29,000 sq ft Cobnar Wood Close industrial units development in Chesterfield is to go up for auction this month with a £1.35m guide price.

SDL Property Auctions, part of Eddisons, has been appointed to sell the 12-unit development, which is home to businesses such as industrial pumps distributor Applied Pumps, on behalf of the local authority. The units will be included in the auctioneer’s next live-streamed property auction on 25 September.

Cobnar Wood Industrial Units, which currently generate a total rental income of £160,000, set to rise to £170,000 next year, are located next to Chesterfield Trading Estate on the A61, four miles from Chesterfield and 10 miles from Sheffield.

Andrew Parker, partner and auctioneer at SDL Property Auctions said: “Like many local authorities, Derbyshire County Council is reviewing its property portfolio as part of wider financial pressures. Cobnar Wood is a solid industrial investment with a healthy mix of tenants, and its location close to Chesterfield and Sheffield makes it particularly attractive.

“We’re seeing strong demand for well-located industrial space across Derbyshire and South Yorkshire and, with rental income already secured and due to increase, this site is well placed to benefit from that trend. We expect it to generate keen interest at auction later this month.”

For more information about Cobnar Wood Industrial Units, or to register to bid remotely online, by phone or by proxy, visit sdlauctions.co.uk.

Discover more about available commercial property in Chesterfield

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction

Chesterfield is named one of the best places to live in Derbyshire

Chesterfield has been named one of the top 10 places to live in Derbyshire by lifestyle guide Muddy Stilettos, reinforcing the town’s growing reputation as a destination of choice for families, professionals and businesses.

The accolade highlights Chesterfield’s unique blend of countryside charm, community spirit and urban convenience. With its location on the edge of the Peak District, excellent transport links, and vibrant local culture, the town continues to attract people looking for quality of life and opportunity.

This latest recognition follows a series of national endorsements. Chesterfield was recently featured in The Guardian’s list of Britain’s happiest places to live and retained its title as the happiest town in the East Midlands in the Rightmove Happy at Home Index.

Residents consistently praise Chesterfield’s access to green spaces, affordable housing, and a strong sense of community. The town is home to one of the oldest open-air markets in England and the iconic Crooked Spire Church, which stands as a symbol of Chesterfield’s rich heritage. Its historic streets, cultural venues and growing number of independent shops and eateries contribute to a lively town centre that blends tradition with modern living.

Chesterfield also continues to invest in its future. Ongoing regeneration of the town centre, new housing developments, and improvements to local infrastructure are helping to create a place where people can live well, work productively and enjoy a balanced lifestyle.

Andrew Byrne, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said:  “This recognition reflects what so many of us already know: Chesterfield is a fantastic place to live. We’re proud of our heritage, our green spaces, and our welcoming community. With continued investment and regeneration, we’re building a place that offers opportunity, quality of life and a real sense of belonging.”

To explore what makes Chesterfield a great place to live, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/living.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction

Planning approved for Eyres building redevelopment

Plans to redevelop the former Eyres furniture store in Chesterfield town centre have been approved.

A local developer will transform the former store into 20 apartments and 10 commercial units, starting from 500 sq ft.

The Eyres building holds deep historical value in Chesterfield. The developers aim to honour its legacy while giving the space a fresh purpose.

Jamal Khan, Lettings Director at Highgates, said: “We’re proud to market the ground-floor units. As an independent business, we understand how vital it is to support local entrepreneurs and help them grow in Chesterfield.”

“This mixed-use design makes smarter use of the site and helps build a vibrant, sustainable local economy. New residents will live directly above revitalised shops, creating a lively community hub.”

“This project shows strong confidence in Chesterfield’s property market. Demand remains high for well-located homes and retail spaces. With attractive lease terms and incentives, the development offers a great opportunity for local businesses.”

Work is expected to start shortly to prepare the retail units at the former Eyres Furniture Store.

For more details on the available units, contact Highgates Sales & Lettings at info@highgatesestates.co.uk or call 0114 312 4994.

This latest announcement follows a range of investments and openings in Chesterfield town centre recently, which include:

Discover more about investing in Chesterfield Town Centre

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction

Why Chesterfield works: A thriving hub for business, talent and growth 

Chesterfield is an attractive place to start, grow and invest. With its strategic location, strong talent pipeline, collaborative business culture and proactive support infrastructure, our town is proving that size is no barrier to ambition.

The recent Destination Chesterfield Round Table discussion, conducted in collaboration with the Derbyshire Times, brought together several Chesterfield Champions to discuss the strengths of being located in Chesterfield.

They came up with five compelling reasons.

1. Location, location, location

Ask any local business leader what makes Chesterfield work, and the answer is often the same: location.
“We’re slap bang in the middle of everything,” said Gareth Dillon of Killingley. “We do business in Sheffield, Derby, York and Leeds, but we wouldn’t dream of relocating. Chesterfield gives us access to major cities without the cost or congestion.”

Alberto Naso of Geeks Headquarters agrees: “We host national events and tournaments, and Chesterfield’s central position is perfect. People travel from Scotland and London to attend, and they stay, eat, and explore the town while they’re here.”

Cars driving on road with crooked Spire in the background

2. A loyal, skilled workforce

In Chesterfield, our town’s work ethic is a point of pride.

“Our business couldn’t have survived without the old-fashioned working-class philosophy,” said Gareth Dillon. “We don’t struggle to find people who know what graft is. That backbone of loyalty and hard work is still here.”

Apprenticeships are a key part of the talent pipeline. Luke Catt of SMH Group highlighted the role of Chesterfield College: “All our apprentices come through the college. We’ve trained people in accountancy, legal services, mortgage advice and more.”

Richard Sherwood of Roy Peters Estates shared a personal success story: “Our apprentice George just passed his Level 3 with distinctions. He’s smart, punctual, polite, the kind of person you trust with a million-pound house. That’s the quality we find here.”

Roy Peters and George

3. Collaboration and Community

Chesterfield’s business culture is built on relationships. From local suppliers to professional services, there’s a strong commitment to keeping business local.

“I want to work with smaller entities,” said Gareth Dillon. “If I need a designer, I want Mr Smith of Smiths Design in my office, not a faceless national firm. Chesterfield gives us that.”

Luke Catt added, “It’s easy to lose that face-to-face connection in today’s digital world. Through Destination Chesterfield and local events, we keep those relationships alive. It’s our duty as businesses to support each other.”

Large audience looking at slide that says 'growing our businesss' at the celebrate chesterfield 2024 conference whilst panel with Adam Doyle, Josh Marsh, Mike Isherwood and Cllr Tricia Gilby

4. Support that makes a difference

Behind Chesterfield’s business success is a robust support infrastructure. From startup grants to skills development, our town offers more than most.

Peter Lawrence of East Midlands Chamber praised the town’s free skills brokerage service: “It’s a huge asset. Businesses get help with recruitment, training, and succession planning, from apprenticeships to management development.”
He also highlighted Chesterfield’s proactive approach to funding: “Compared to similar towns, Chesterfield offers significantly more support. I’ve seen £10,000 growth grants here versus £2,000 elsewhere. That commitment to business growth is real.”

Gillian Scotford of Accessible Derbyshire echoed the sentiment: “Business support here is sensible and personal. Adrian Williams from Chesterfield Borough Council’s Innovation Support Project helped me think about where I’m going and what I want. That kind of guidance is invaluable.”

adrian williamson innovation support

5. Affordability and opportunity

Chesterfield offers the best of both worlds: access to major markets and a lower cost base.

“Our overheads are significantly less than if we were based elsewhere,” said Gareth Dillon. “That gives us a competitive edge, and it’s why we stay.”

Our town’s regeneration projects, including the canal corridor and town centre developments, are creating new opportunities for investment and growth.

“There’s a lot of positivity here,” said Peter Lawrence. “From international trade to local startups, Chesterfield is on a strong trajectory. The future is bright.”

Artist impression of the Arc industrial development at Markham Vale

Get the support you need to invest and grow your business in Chesterfield

Chesterfield isn’t just a place to do business, it’s a place to build a future. With its skilled workforce, collaborative spirit and strategic location, it offers everything a company needs to succeed.

Whether you’re a startup looking for support, an established firm seeking growth, or an investor exploring new opportunities, Chesterfield is ready to welcome you.

Find business support and advice: chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support

Explore commercial property opportunities: chesterfield.co.uk/business/commercial-property-search 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home

New Community Diagnostic Centre opens at Walton Hospital

A £5.2m purpose-built Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has opened at Walton Hospital.

The CDC, developed in partnership with Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust (DCHS) and Actiform as the main construction partner, is part of a wider £29.9 million investment in Community Diagnostic Centres across Derby and Derbyshire.

The CDC  aims to deliver faster, more convenient appointments, transforming how and where people access vital health tests, scans and checks; reducing waiting times, easing pressure on acute hospital services and supporting a key ambition of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan to move more care from hospitals to the community.

Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The opening of this Community Diagnostic Centre is a major step forward in our commitment to delivering care closer to our patients’ homes in the community.

“We’re really proud and excited to be able to open this brilliant new facility as we make diagnostic tests and services more accessible, more efficient, and ultimately improve patient outcomes and experiences.”

The CDC at Walton offers a range of services, including phlebotomy (blood tests), ultrasound, CT scanning, x-ray, Point of Care Testing, Audiology and Cardio-respiratory, diagnosing conditions such as cancer, heart disease and respiratory issues.

Within the first month of opening, more than 4,000 tests and scans are expected to take place, with many appointments taking place at the evenings and weekends, supporting more flexibility and accessibility for patients, resulting in quicker diagnosis and treatment plans.

Michelle Veitch, Chief Operating Officer, added: “We’re incredibly proud of the collaborative work that’s gone into making this centre a reality – all for the benefit of our patients in North Derbyshire. I’d really like to take this opportunity to thank the teams working across both Trusts, Derbyshire Support and Facilities Services (DSFS) and other partners involved for their hard work and determination in realising this project.

“Having this centre in the heart of the community means that our patients can access services closer to home, away from a busy hospital site. Whilst services of course remain available at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, some patients may find it easier to visit a Community Diagnostic Centre instead. Offering a greater choice allows our patients to choose where is best for them, based on their availability and location.”

The CDC is designed as a ‘one-stop shop’, allowing patients to undergo multiple diagnostic tests under one roof, reducing the need for travel and multiple appointments. The site is accessible via public transport or cycling and even offers free car parking.

Mahmud Nawaz, Trust Chair, commented: “Our wonderful CDC is a shining example of what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared vision and are aligned to the NHS’s 10 Year Plan: to bring the best possible experience to the thousands of patients in Derbyshire who we serve, in a location that is more suitable for their needs, moving away from the hospital and based in the community.

“As a Trust, we are really looking forward to hearing feedback from patients and also partners within healthcare, such as GPs and other clinicians, on how we can continue to evolve and improve our offer, including more services, pathways and tests.”

Jim Austin, Chief Executive of Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Walton Hospital, said: “This is a fantastic day for patients who can now access a whole range of sophisticated diagnostic tests in a new ultra-modern building right here on our community hospital site.

“This is one of three community diagnostic centres located in our Derbyshire community hospitals, bringing high-tech facilities into the heart of local communities. Other diagnostic centres are already up and running at Whitworth Hospital in Darley Dale and at Ilkeston Community Hospital. These developments are being made possible through our partnership working with Chesterfield Royal Hospital and University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, meaning we are extending the scope of what’s available to patients locally across Derbyshire and in line with the new NHS 10-year plan to focus more care in community settings.”

Thanks to further funding, and the ability to provide more services, an extension is being planned for the CDC which will see two additional services hosted at the site, including fixed and permanent MRI and CT scans (instead of the movable vans currently used) as well as DEXA and Children’s Audiology. These additional services are expected to welcome more than 190 additional patients per week, further enhancing the region’s diagnostic and testing capacity.

Health and Social Care Minister Stephen Kinnock said: “This is a state-of-the-art facility that will mean faster tests, quicker results and more convenient care for patients across Derbyshire.

“Community Diagnostic Centres all over England are cutting waiting lists, bringing vital services closer to home, and ensuring the NHS is there for people when they need it most.

“This is our Plan for Change in action – delivering centres like this are key to our promise to rebuild the NHS and make it fit for the future.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

Chesterfield hotel’s survey reveals what delegates really want from business events

Casa Hotel in Chesterfield has marked its 15th anniversary and the arrival of its 370,000th guest with a national survey of 1,500 professionals, offering valuable insights into what delegates truly value at corporate events.

Delegates want great food, meaningful networking, and hassle-free logistics. They’re turned off by jargon, long travel times, and packed schedules.

Networking and team building were rated the top benefit by 36% of respondents, followed by food and venue quality (27%). Travel and logistics were the biggest frustrations, with 27% citing long journeys and parking issues as their primary concerns.

Nearly one in five said corporate jargon was a major turn-off.

The survey also highlighted five key trends shaping business events in 2025: networking remains the top draw, food is a dealbreaker, wellbeing is increasingly important, jargon is out, and convenience is non-negotiable.

Casa Hotel’s facilities reflect many of these preferences. With purpose-built meeting rooms, on-site dining, and easy access to Chesterfield station and the M1, the hotel continues to support the town’s reputation as a business events destination. Its Cocina restaurant serves locally sourced food from Walton Lodge Farm, and its events team works closely with organisers to deliver tailored experiences.

Founder Steve Perez said: “When I couldn’t find a premium hotel in the Midlands that met my business needs, I decided to build one. Fifteen years later, this survey shows that the fundamentals haven’t changed; people still want good food, comfort, and convenience. But they also want a human touch: fewer buzzwords, better logistics, and events that feel energising rather than draining.”

These insights align with Chesterfield’s growing profile as a location for business events, conferences and corporate hospitality. From heritage venues to modern facilities, the town offers a diverse range of settings for professional gatherings.  For more on upcoming events and training, visit Chesterfield Business Events.

Casa Hotel is part of the Chesterfield Champions.  The network plays a vital role in promoting the town’s strengths and supporting collaboration across sectors. With over 200 organisations involved, the network brings together businesses, charities, education providers and public sector partners who are passionate about Chesterfield’s future. Champions help share success stories, attract investment, and showcase the town as a great place to live, work, visit and do business.  This is supported by a business event programme including regular events, round tables and forums.

To find out more or become a Champion, visit Chesterfield Champions.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home