Christmas

Celebrating the town’s food and drink scene and relaunching Made in Chesterfield

I have to kick off this month by congratulating everybody that was involved in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2019. I look forward to these sell-out awards every year as it involves a room full of people invested not only in their industry, but in its success in our town.

The black-tie event, held at the historic Winding Wheel Theatre this year, brings the celebration into the heart of the town, where darker evenings are soon to be illuminated by the stunning Christmas lights which are to be switched on on the 17 November.

At the 2019 Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards, Chris Mapp, Head Chef and Owner of The Tickled Trout, was awarded the prestigious Chesterfield Food Hero award.

There are few things that bring people together quite like Christmas. It’s all too easy to get caught up in day-to-day life and put things like family time to one side, but Christmas is a great reason to make time especially around a dinner table.

Chesterfield has a plethora of places to eat and drink that we have never had before. Real ale pubs, gastro pubs, cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, Italian, Indian, Greek, Japanese, Chinese, French… you name it – Chesterfield’s food and drink scene has it.

There’s a full programme of entertainment for Christmas in Chesterfield from traditional markets to the annual pantomime and from stand up comedy to musical concerts.

Variety, as they say, is the spice of life and as the town grows, we are able to offer more job roles and career opportunities to young people. Nowhere is this more evident than in our manufacturing and engineering sector.

Once again, we’ll be raising awareness of the breadth of jobs and roles in this sector with the annual Made in Chesterfield campaign in November. The programme brings together schools and businesses in the sector in order to open young people’s eyes to the opportunities in the local area – something increasing in importance with increased local developments, investment and, of course, Brexit.

There’s lots going on in the area, festive and otherwise. Let’s fully embrace the community and Christmas spirit and come together to talk up the town. There are fantastic things happening around us that can be easy to dismiss in our day-to-day lives. Let’s all take a moment to appreciate them as 2019 draws to a close (already!).

Blog by Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Education Business Partnership and delivered in association with the University of Derby.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Manufacturing, Visiting

Chesterfield sees increase in visitor economy

Chesterfield has seen an increase in the visitor economy of more than five per cent in the last year.

New figures released by Global Tourism Solutions show that tourism in the borough accounted for £184.1 million in 2018 – an increase of 5.1 per cent on 2017.

Each year Chesterfield sees 3.7 million visitors.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We are all aware that Chesterfield is a wonderful place to visit and it seems the secret is out.”

“The visitor economy is important for Chesterfield, with so many visitors coming to see our attractions, staying in our hotels, eating in restaurants and cafés and spending in our shops and businesses.”

As well as the world-famous Crooked Spire, the borough is also home to popular attractions including Chesterfield Museum, Revolution House, the Pomegranate and Winding Wheel Theatres and award winning parks including Queen’s Park, all owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council.

In addition there is Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre, Chesterfield Canal and Staveley Hall.

A planning application has recently been submitted by David Lloyd for Adrenaline World, a visitor attraction at the Peak Resort development at Unstone.

Click here to find out more about leisure in Chesterfield

Click here to see our list of great places to visit in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Explore lands far, far away with Chatsworth this Christmas

Be transported on a journey around the globe with Chatsworth this Christmas as you enter an immersive experience full of atmospheric lights, rich colours and the evocative sounds and scents of lands far, far away.

The grand rooms of the house are dressed in homage to countries traversed by generations of the family, so that you can follow in their footsteps led by famous explorers from fiction and life, Phileas Fogg and Amelia Earhart. Your guides will be sharing stories of adventure and derring do from all over the world, while a special children’s trail will add to the fun for families.

Wintry scenes abound with snow, frosty lights and a sleigh sure to deliver the essence of Christmas. The Chapel, inspired by a baroque Portuguese church, is set to look breath-taking with a classic Nativity scene complete with floating candles, mirrors and stained glass.

Blossom trees, Chinese lanterns and a 10-metre spiralling Chinese dragon bring a flavour of Eastern Asia, while Russian dolls and rustic stars dress the gigantic Nordic Fir tree taking pride of place in the Painted Hall.

Insights and anecdotes from historical Dukes and Duchesses of Devonshire are woven throughout your journey, including the letters between Victor (9th Duke of Devonshire) and his wife Evelyn, as she travelled in India with Queen Mary in 1911, and letters home from Canada while Victor was posted there as Governor General, describing a family Christmas and new experiences in a faraway land.

The team has delved into the collection to find a treasure trove of memorabilia from around the world, including a Christmas card from America’s first family, the Kennedys, who have many connections to Chatsworth.

Morocco, India, Holland, Italy, China, Japan, Portugal and America all feature in what is one of the most ambitious Christmas seasons staged by Chatsworth, famous for its festive displays. Venetian masks, pagodas, origami decorations, frosted ferns and Indian fabrics are just some of the props used to stage a rich, eclectic experience on a journey around the world.

Before they leave, visitors can hop into the hot air balloon basket for a photo opportunity.

Tickets go on sale today, 18 September 2019, priced at £25 per adult and £15 per child (aged between 3-16). Family tickets are also available.

For more information, visit www.chatsworth.org.

Pictures by Daniel Casson

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

‘Eat, Drink, Explore’ Campaign celebrates food and drink in the Peak District

Fantastic food and drink is placed right at the heart of the local tourism offer in Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s exciting new campaign, launched  by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire at Chatsworth Country Fair.

Celebrating the area’s diverse food and drink scene and the passionate people behind the products, the video features 20 local businesses and includes well-known faces from the food and drink industry, together with ambassadors for the area.

Additionally, Marketing Peak District & District has launched a fabulous food and drink guide providing visitors with inspiration and information on eating and drinking in the area.

Championing everything from exceptional eateries to unique delicacies such as Bakewell Pudding, the guide seeks to inspire visitors to sample local produce, explore more and uncover fascinating stories about the Peak District and Derbyshire’s passionate producers.

Click here to access the digital version of the Eat, Drink, Explore guide. which includes Richard Alsop from Chesterfield Champion’s Edge Events talking about his favorite food places in Chesterfield.

The brochure will be available free of charge at food and drink businesses, boutique accommodation providers and cultural hotspots across the area and in surrounding cities.

The ‘Eat, Drink, Explore Peak District & Derbyshire’ campaign will target food-lovers both locally, nationally and internationally, showcasing the area’s year-round culinary offering in a bid to drive overnight stays and extend the tourist season.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire, said: “We’re delighted to launch this exciting new campaign promoting the Peak District and Derbyshire as a one-of-a-kind culinary destination.

“From fine dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant to unique local delicacies, brilliant behind-the-scenes tours and fascinating foraging experiences, the Peak District and Derbyshire can cater for all tastes.

The Duke of Devonshire said: “As the most enthusiastic advocates of Derbyshire, we are delighted that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire are championing the exceptional wealth of culinary talent that the region has on offer.

“We are incredibly lucky to have wonderful pubs, talented chefs, lots of loyal local farmers,  suppliers and producers for our restaurants and award-winning Farm Shop on the Chatsworth Estate – we are thrilled to be able to share these with an even wider audience.”

In October, Destination Chesterfield will announce the latest winners of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards showcasing more of the wonderful businesses in the Peak District.

Find out more about the best places to eat and drink and the amazing food producers in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

CBeebies ‘Waffle’ Star Joins Chesterfield Panto

Chesterfield Theatres have announced that star of CBeebies Waffle the Wonder Dog,  Andrea Valls, will join the cast of this year’s traditional family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Pomegranate Theatre from Friday 6th December 2019 to Sunday 5th January 2020.

Instantly recognisable to youngsters (and their parents) as ‘Mum’ Jess, in CBeebies heart-warming family comedy show Waffle the Wonder Dog, Andrea will make her pantomime debut this Christmas as Princess Jess.

Andrea has enjoyed great success with BAFTA-nominated Waffle the Wonder Dog which first hit TV screens in Spring 2018. The critically acclaimed show, now in its third series, is broadcast in 30 countries worldwide and has been viewed by over 24 million people on BBC IPlayer alone. The programme which features the talking wonder dog Waffle, voiced by the aptly named Rufus Hound, and which focuses on the newly blended Brooklyn-Bell family was an instant favourite with viewers and critics alike, praised for its sensitive and humorous handling of the everyday issues that affect young children, helping viewers to understand and cope with confusing emotions.

Away from ‘Waffle’ Andrea, who trained at East 15 Acting School, has starred in Jack & Dean of All Trades alongside Jessica Hynes, Valentine’s Night for Sky Arts and is currently writing and developing a digital sketch series.

Pantomime producer Paul Holman said: “With her natural warmth, charm and energy not to mention a fantastic singing voice, Andrea is the perfect choice for our vivacious Princess Jess and if she can handle a talking dog I’m sure our Giant will be no match for her!”

Andrea joins the previously announced star of pop supergroup Steps, Lee Latchford-Evans, who takes the title role of Jack in this year’s spectacular production. Filled to the brim with toe-tapping pop songs, high energy dance routines, laugh-out-loud comedy and breathtaking special effects along with all the well-loved pantomime traditions and plenty of chances to join in the fun, Jack and the Beanstalk has something for all the family this Christmas.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Pomegranate Theatre from Friday 6th December 2019 to Sunday 5th January 2020. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or via the Box Office on 01246 345 222.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

Pop Superstar STEPS into Chesterfield Panto

Chesterfield Theatres have announced that Lee Latchford-Evans from pop super group Steps will headline in the title role of this year’s spectacular family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Pomegranate Theatre.

Lee joined pop phenomenon Steps in 1997 and achieved huge success with the band selling in excess of 21 million records worldwide and winning numerous awards including the prestigious BRIT award for Best Live Act in 2000.

After a decade apart pursuing individual projects, Steps re-formed in 2011 with top-rated fly-on-the wall documentary Steps Reunion. The overwhelming popularity with which Steps’ return was received sparked a second TV series, Steps on the Road, a sell-out arena tour and a No. 1 album.

To celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2017, Steps released their fifth studio album, Tears on the Dancefloor which, again, topped the charts and had a sell-out arena tour, Party on the Dancefloor, leading to their epic outdoor Summer of Steps Tour in 2018. Following this, the band announced that they will be starting work on their hotly anticipated sixth studio album in 2019.

Away from the band, experienced actor Lee has also starred in musicals in London’s West End including playing Teen Angel in Grease, Niko Nikovsky in Eurobeat and touring with the stage version of All Creatures Great and Small. Lee’s feature films include Cash & Curry, The Rizen, DeadRinger and, most recently, horror comedy Paintball Massacre which completed filming in 2019. He has also starred in numerous pantomimes throughout the UK.

Pantomime producer Paul Holman said: “I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect Jack for Chesterfield’s panto. Lee has charm, good looks and, of course, an outstanding singing voice making him a ‘Step’ above the rest.”

With floor-filling songs, rip-roaring comedy, awe-inspiring special effects and a magical story that all the family can enjoy, Jack and the Beanstalk promises to be Chesterfield’s most STEP-tacular panto yet!

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Pomegranate Theatre from Friday 6th December 2019 to Sunday 5th January 2020. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or via the Box Office on 01246 345 222.

Chesterfield Pantomime - Jack and the Beanstalk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield College art and design student wins Local MP’s Christmas card design competition

Chesterfield College Art and Design student, Hetty Stewart has been announced as the winner of the Christmas card design competition organised by Toby Perkins, Member of Parliament for Chesterfield.

Over 3,000 cards showing her winning design have been printed and sent out to Chesterfield residents, businesses, organisations, MPs and dignitaries such as the Queen and Prime Minister.

Hetty and four of her fellow students attended a presentation event in the Mayor’s office. All of the designs included stunning festive designs capturing certain elements of the local area.

Students, parents, college staff, councillors and local businesses who had sponsored this year’s card were at the presentation.

Toby set the students the challenge earlier in the year and he had high expectations for the winning design: “The quality of entries this year has been excellent and made it difficult to pick an overall winner. The use of colour, the thematic content and the exceptional artwork from all the entrants should make Chesterfield College very proud. My winner for this year was Hetty Stewart’s fantastic depiction of Chesterfield town centre at Christmas, which is bright, festive, and has a great attention to detail. Hetty has clearly put a lot of work into her design and I would like to say well done to her and all the runners-ups.”

Hetty said: “It feels amazing that my design will be sent to so many people including the Queen! It was a great project to work on. I wanted to capture all of the unique things about Chesterfield in my design. I chose to use watercolours because they are my favourite medium. It took me about 8 hours to finish the design but I am really pleased with the end result.”

Other Chesterfield College finalists in the competition were:

  • Alicja Nowak
  • Heidi Hurst
  • Lauren Coupe
  • Octavia Inns

Chesterfield college christmas card competition toby perkins

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas

Spireites spread festive cheer

Chesterfield FC Community Trust recently arranged for Spireites players and management staff to visit Ashgate Hospicecare and Chesterfield Royal Hospital, spreading some festive cheer.

Manager Martin Allen confessed afterwards to having experienced mixed emotions, praising the positivity of those at the hospice facing terminal illness.

He said: “Some of them may not make Christmas, but they’re happy and enjoying themselves and they made us so welcome. I think we can all learn from people who are so happy, with their bright outlook on life.”

The players and management chatted to patients and staff at Ashgate and a buffet lunch was laid on, which was paid for by the players.

To add to the festive mood, a few Christmas carols were sung. “We had a sing-off against the staff and patients,” said Martin. “I was the judge and we beat them so it was great to get another win under our belts.”

Sue Whitfield, who attends the Day Hospice, thanked the club for the visit. She said: “It was such a wonderful surprise to meet everyone. They were all so friendly and it was really fantastic to have them over.

“It was really lovely to know that we’re thought about – especially at this time of year – and supported as well.”

The next stop was Chesterfield Royal Hospital, where the Spireites party handed out presents to children on the wards and posed for photos with patients and their families.”

Martin said: “It was good to walk along the corridors, meet people of all ages and see the happiness it brings to the children and families.”

“It is such an honour and a privilege to do it and bring some happiness into people’s lives. This again reinforces the responsibilities we’ve all got with our community to try and build our club and bring happiness to the town.”

spireites chesterfield fc ashgate hospital visit

Photos by: Tina Jenner

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas

Craft beer shop opens in Chesterfield

With its official opening day on Wednesday 19th December, Chesterfield Craft aims to become the biggest source of craft beer and ales in Chesterfield town centre.

Stocking beers from local brewers such as Thornbridge, Buxton and Abbeydale, national craft brewers such as Magic Rock, Cloudwater and Loka Polly and from overseas brewers such as To-Ol, Lervig and Basqueland Brewing Project, Chesterfield Craft looks to provide a real alternative for the people of Chesterfield.

Open until 6pm Monday to Saturday, customers can call in after work to pick up a craft beer or two to enjoy in the evening. Located at 12a Saltergate, in between Lime Living and the Spire Frier, it is within a few steps of the Holywell Cross (Donut) car park, and the Cavendish Street bus stops.

The new shop will offer take-out sales only, allowing customers to buy beers and ales to be enjoyed at home. There will also be a home delivery service for customers who cannot make it to the shop, with same day delivery available for orders completed before 4pm.

Richard Young, Owner and Director of Chesterfield Craft, said: “If there’s a brewery whose beers you’d like to see us stock, just let us know and we’ll see what we can do. If you are a local brewery, please get in touch if you’d like to see your products in our shop – we’d love to have you!”

Chesterfield Craft is open now! To find out more visit www.chesterfieldcraft.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Peak FM launches Give a Child a Smile campaign

Peak FM has launched its Give a Child a Smile campaign, during which it is collecting new and unwrapped toys and gifts for underprivileged children across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Sam Fielding, Station Director at Peak FM said: “We are grateful that once again Peak FM can help to make a difference in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. Give a Child a Smile is the name of our Toy Appeal this year and we are relying on the generosity of local people and businesses to help us collect toys for children who may otherwise go without this Christmas. We are asking people to pick up just one extra new and unwrapped toy or gift when doing their Christmas shopping and donate it at one of our official drop off points. We’d love as many people as possible to get involved and donate.”

Toys and gifts are being sought for boys and girls in the following age categories;

  • 0 – 12 months
  • 12 months – 3yrs
  • 3 – 5yrs
  • 6 – 8yrs
  • 9 – 12yrs
  • 12 – 18yrs

Drop off points in Chesterfield are at Tesco Extra, Queens Park Sports Centre and the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley. The final date to drop off donations is the 18th December.

Toys and gifts will be collected from Peak FM by the local charities and organisations and distributed at Christmas. Charities and organisations can also apply here to be considered for toy and gift donations.

For more information click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

Pantomime stars spread cheer at Gussie’s Kitchen

Families who use Gussie’s Kitchen in Chesterfield met a real life Cinderella and Prince Charming this week as stars from the forthcoming Cinderella pantomime at the Pomegranate Theatre visited the project.

Children’s TV favourite Naomi Wilkinson, who stars as Cinderella in the production, visited along with X Factor singer Rhydian Roberts who plays Prince Charming.

Both were impressed with the social eating project at Saints Augustine Church on Derby Road, which provides hot, healthy meals to local people weekly and gives the chance for people who may be isolated to meet and chat together.

They spent time speaking to people who use the project and the volunteers who prepare the food each week.

Naomi Wilkinson said: “It’s been really great to visit Gussie’s Kitchen and meet the lovely people who work here and volunteer here offering this delicious food to some people who really need it.”

“There’s a lovely atmosphere in this social space for people who need some companionship and a little bit of extra help.”

Rhydian Roberts added: “There are a lot of children here who are looking forward to the panto. One girl kept jumping up and down, she couldn’t believe Cinderella was in front of her.”

The project has received funding from Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council and is supported by local Tesco branches and Saints Augustine Church.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader, said: “All the children were excited to meet Cinderella and Prince Charming.”

“They have been so good, having their photos taken with the children and serving the food. We’re really grateful to the pantomime stars.”

Cinderella runs at the Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield, from Saturday 1 December to Sunday 6 January. Click here for more information.

Cinderella Pantomime Gussie’s Kitchen

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting