A new programme of cultural and community events is set to bring renewed energy to Chesterfield town centre, with local businesses welcoming plans to animate the town’s revitalised market square.
Chesterfield Champions say the events will help attract visitors, boost footfall and encourage people to spend more time in the town centre – supporting independent traders and strengthening Chesterfield’s appeal as a destination.
A strong start for the new market square
The recently refurbished market square has already hosted its first major event of the year, Chesterfield Glow Up, which saw thousands of people turn out to celebrate the transformation.
Designed to appeal to a broad audience, the event featured a funfair, live music, street entertainers, craft activities and a bespoke light show that illuminated the market hall. The success of Glow Up demonstrated how revitalised town‑centre spaces can support large‑scale, high‑quality events.
Julie Davies-Bowler, Marketing Manager at Pinewood Properties, believes a strong events programme is essential to bringing people into the town centre.
“A strong events programme is extremely important,” she said. “Events create a sense of vibrancy and community, encouraging residents and visitors alike to spend time in the area, explore local shops and support independent businesses.
“They help to showcase what the town has to offer and make the town centre a destination in its own right rather than just somewhere people pass through.”
Among the first highlights will be the return of the popular 1940s Market on Thursday, 28th May, which is expected to draw large crowds once again with its mix of themed stalls, entertainment and vintage atmosphere. The event will also form part of the national Love Your Local Market campaign, shining a spotlight on Chesterfield’s independent traders.
For businesses based in the market, events can also create opportunities to attract new customers.
Simon Davidson, Owner of The Cheese Factor, believes variety will be key to keeping people coming back.
“This is very important and has proved in recent years to be a good draw for the public,” he said. “A diverse programme is essential so there’s always something different happening.”
That variety will be reflected in events such as the Chesterfield International Market, taking place from June 19th to 21st, which will bring a vibrant mix of international street food, crafts, and traders into the town centre.
Simon hopes the new space could host a wide range of activities, from themed markets to cultural performances.
“I’d like to see multicultural food vendors, street entertainers, dance groups and themed markets such as makers’ markets or food festivals,” he added. “Events like these encourage people to stay longer and visit more often.”
Gillian Scotford, Director at Accessible UK, believes events can also help create a more inclusive town centre environment.
Plans for the summer already reflect that ambition, with the market square set to host a steampunk-themed weekend working in partnership with Newark Steampunk Society on 4th and 5th July. The event will feature a creative mix of themed stalls, a bar and live music, creating a lively, immersive experience across both days.
“Events give people a reason to visit the town centre rather than just shop online or go elsewhere,” she said. “They help create a sense of community and can bring visitors in from outside the area.
“It would also be great to see inclusive events where accessibility is considered from the outset so that disabled people and families can take part fully.”
Looking ahead, a brand-new event celebrating the emergency services will take place on Saturday, 15th August, offering a family-friendly day that recognises the work of our local heroes.
Seasonal celebrations and cultural festivals are also seen as an important way to draw visitors into the town.
Fiona Stubbs, Editor at Reflections magazine, said events could help keep spending within Chesterfield while boosting civic pride.
“For many years, people have called for a larger town centre events programme, so it’s exciting to see this coming to fruition,” she said.
“Events not only offer people something to do, but they also help keep leisure spending in the town and encourage a sense of pride in the place.”
Business leaders agree that a lively cultural programme could transform how people use the town centre, particularly in the evenings and at weekends.
As Chesterfield bids to be Town of Culture 2028, the improved spaces and programmed events will help create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, supporting Chesterfield’s businesses while strengthening the town’s reputation as a destination for community and culture.
The events programme is being delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council and partially funded through the Government’s Pride in Place programme.
Pride in Place will see almost £20 million invested in the town over the next decade. All decisions about how this funding will be spent is determined by the independent Chesterfield Town Board and is being shaped by local people through engagement.
More events are being planned for 2026, with details set to be announced soon. You can find out more about festivals and events happening in Chesterfield at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/
Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said:
