Heritage

Awards round-up: East Midlands achievements spotlighted

12th March 2026

Our region is in the spotlight as Chesterfield Champions are recognised with top awards. From students showcasing next-generation skills, to care homes earning regional acclaim, to firms championing professional development, and engineering projects celebrating our heritage, these stories highlight the very best our area has to offer.

Chesterfield College hosts Skillsfest honouring rising stars

On March 4, Chesterfield College proudly hosted the inaugural Skillsfest annual inter-college competition at its Infirmary Road Campus.

With more than 200 students from three colleges across the region taking part, the event saw competitors demonstrate their talents across 25 disciplines. The competition took place during Colleges Week, a national celebration of further education.

Students from Chesterfield College competed alongside those from Derby College and Burton and South Derbyshire College, with a medal and trophy ceremony held at the end of the day to recognise the winners. Chesterfield students secured first place in a number of categories, including brickwork, joinery, construction multi-skills, fabrication and welding, mechanical engineering, milling, hairdressing, art and design, games design and health.

After scores from all categories were combined, Chesterfield College was also named overall winner of the competition. All competitors demonstrated talent, commitment and teamwork throughout the day, creating an atmosphere of collaboration while showcasing the strength of further education across the region.

Julie Richards OBE, Principal and CEO of Chesterfield College Group, said:

“To host the first ever competition of this annual Skillsfest is a massive honour and I’m delighted, not just with how well today has gone, but also with how well each competitor has represented their college, they really are testament to the amazing further education sector.

To see so many unbelievable skills from the next generation on display all at once was something to behold and is so inspiring to see the upcoming talent pool in every sector.”

www.chesterfield.ac.uk

Chesterfield Care Home has been recognised among the East Midlands’ top-rated care homes

Belvedere House has been named among the Top 20 Care Homes in the East Midlands by Carehome.co.uk, based on reviews from residents and their families.

Each year, Carehome.co.uk recognises the highest-rated care homes across the UK, highlighting services that demonstrate exceptional standards of care, resident satisfaction and positive community impact. For Belvedere House, this recognition reflects not only excellence in care delivery but also the strength of its relationships with residents, families and the wider local community, a significant achievement that showcases the dedication, compassion and professionalism of the entire team.

Deputy Manager Claire Adsetts said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this Top 20 Regional Care Home award”

Kerry Smith, Regional Manager at Crown Care Group, said: “We are immensely proud of the team at Belvedere House and achieving this Top 20 recognition demonstrates the team’s professionalism, compassion, and commitment to continuous improvement. It is a well-earned achievement. As Belvedere House celebrates this milestone, the focus remains firmly on continuing to enhance services, invest in staff development, and strengthen its role within the East Midlands and Derbyshire community”

The award places the Chesterfield care home among the highest-rated facilities in the region, based on feedback from those who know the service best, residents and their loved ones.

crowncaregroup.co.uk

Accountancy and Tax Advisory firm awarded Gold Employer Partner accreditation from STEP

Derbyshire and South Yorkshire–based accountancy and tax advisory firm, Shorts, has been awarded STEP Gold Employer Partner accreditation within STEP’s Employer Partnership Programme. This gold status recognises the strength of Shorts’ policies, practices, and structures supporting its growing Private Client offering.

To achieve Gold, organisations must demonstrate a strong culture of learning and development, alongside a positive work environment. STEP highlighted Shorts’ values-led approach, robust L&D governance, and best-in-class development support.

Lana Reid, Learning and Development Manager at Shorts, said:

“We are delighted to achieve STEP Gold Employer Partner accreditation; an important milestone for Shorts which reflects our ongoing commitment to learning, development and professional excellence. Recognition from STEP reinforces the quality of the learning opportunities we provide and the culture we have built around continuous improvement, collaboration and progression, helping our professionals be the very best they can be in their chosen career.”

www.shorts.uk.com

BSP Consulting takes home tourism project award

East Midlands-based civil and structural engineering specialists BSP Consulting are celebrating award success after the statue it designed commemorating the Lancaster Bomber won the Tourism and Leisure Project of the Year category at the Greater Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards 2026.

The life-size statue of a Lancaster Bomber, called On Freedom’s Wings, has been created to honour the Royal Air Force crews of World War II and Lincolnshire’s and Nottinghamshire’s aviation heritage.

Standing at 29 metres high, the art installation near the county border gives the impression that the Lancaster Bomber is in flight and heading home to RAF Swinderby, a former RAF station. Dubbed the ‘East Midlands’ Angel of the North’, it has already attracted global interest since it was unveiled in September 2025.

BSP Consulting’s structural engineers undertook the design work on the impressive monument on behalf of the Bomber County Gateway Trust. BSP Managing Director Carl Hilton said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that On Freedom’s Wings was announced as a winner at the Greater Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards 2026.”

www.bsp-consulting.co.uk

To keep up to date with what’s happening in locally, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/news

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Heritage, Home, Manufacturing, Skills

Local firm supports Chesterfield railway heritage project

16th February 2026

Local legal firm Graysons Solicitors is continuing to support a major heritage initiative celebrating the town’s pivotal role in the birth of the modern railway, focusing on the legacy of George Stephenson, the famed ‘Father of Railways.’

George Stephenson played a key role in the development of modern rail transport and spent part of his early career working in the Chesterfield area, where he helped shape the engineering foundations that would later revolutionise railways across Britain. Stephenson is buried at Holy Trinity Church in Chesterfield, which now serves as the focal point for a major heritage initiative celebrating both his achievements and the town’s industrial past.

Led by Holy Trinity Church, the project has received a £240,600 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional support from local organisations including Chesterfield-based legal firm Graysons Solicitors.

The initiative marks the 200th anniversary of the first steam-powered passenger railway journey, made by Stephenson’s Locomotion No. 1 in 1825, and highlights our town’s industrial past, from rail to coal.

Work is well underway to transform Holy Trinity’s community rooms into a visitor facility, complemented by new interpretation displays, public events, school programmes, and volunteering opportunities, all designed to share Stephenson’s engineering achievements and the wider story of the town’s industrial heritage.

Peter Clark, managing partner at Graysons Solicitors, said:

“We’re delighted to be supporting a project that celebrates both Chesterfield’s rich heritage and one of the greatest engineering figures in British history. George Stephenson’s legacy continues to inspire, and we’re proud to help bring that story to life for future generations in the town we’ve called home for many years.”

The project also commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike, connecting the town’s past industries with contemporary conversations around sustainability and the future of engineering.

To find out more, please visit: www.graysons.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Heritage, Home, Visiting

Local club reopens following £25,000 transformation

13th February 2026

Duckmanton Miners Welfare Centre reopened its doors for the first time last weekend following a £25,000 transformation project.

The centre, which provides social, recreational and cultural facilities for local residents, successfully secured funding from Chesterfield Borough Council’s Community Grants Fund. The charity has used the investment to renovate the building and revitalise this important community hub.

Funding from the scheme has enabled a major refurbishment of the centre’s main room, creating a modern, welcoming space that can be used as a social gathering point for residents to come together and take part in a wide range of events and activities.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, visited the club before the grand reopening. She said:

“It was fantastic to go along to Duckmanton Miners Welfare this week to see how the money awarded through our Community Grants Fund scheme is being used to renovate this space – providing a valuable place for this close-knit community to get together and socialise.

“Duckmanton Miners Welfare Centre have really transformed the space, and it is clear to see that a lot of hard work has gone into the project.

“This is just one of over 100 projects benefitting from our Community Grants Fund scheme and I’m looking forward to seeing even more progress like this one.”

Isabell Herrmann, Duckmanton Miners Welfare Centre’s stewardess, said:

“All the works that have been carried out means everything to me! I love my job and all people who come in. With the change of the outlay, the decorating works and all other bits, I don’t feel scared to invite people in. I have always tried to make people feel welcome, now it looks welcoming too!

“We are looking forward to more community events and activities. We want people to feel the club is for them – to come and socialise and come to us with ideas of what they would like to see.”

Sue Ready from “This Girl Can Paint”, a Chesterfield-based painter and decorator, was heavily involved in the transformation of the space working alongside Craig Watson Joinery, other local trades, and the club’s team to understand the overall vision for the refurbishment.

During the project, Sue and Craig also welcomed and mentored painting and decorating students from Chesterfield College onto the project, offering them support, guidance, and real-life experience of working in the trade.

Since the Community Grants Fund scheme launched in 2023, more than £500,000 in grant funding has been awarded to community groups and voluntary organisations across Chesterfield.

The aim of the scheme is to help community groups and voluntary organisations from across our town to deliver key projects that have a positive impact on local communities.

More information on the scheme can be found at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-grants-fund

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Heritage, Home, Leisure

Celebrating creativity, community, and local milestones

3rd February 2026

Junction Arts secures National Lottery Funding

Junction Arts is marking a major milestone with the launch of 50 Stories for 50 Years, a year-long heritage project supported by a £56,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

What began as a small grassroots organisation in South Normanton has grown into a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England, delivering creative projects that tackle inequality, spark imagination and bring people together.

More recently, Junction Arts has gained national recognition for its family festivals and STEAM work, including contributions to projects for Bradford City of Culture and the Science and Media Museum.

This December, Junction Arts will mark five decades at the heart of the UK’s community arts movement. 50 Stories for 50 Years, made possible by National Lottery players, will capture and share the stories of participants, artists, volunteers, partners and staff whose lives have been shaped by the organisation’s work. These stories will form a new digital archive, alongside a documentary film and a touring exhibition created by artists responding to the collected material.

The exhibition will feature at Junction Arts’ flagship festivals, including the Chesterfield Children’s Festival, Tapton Lock Festival and Bright Winter Nights.

Managing Director Emily Bowman said the project will safeguard a unique strand of cultural heritage in post-industrial and rural Derbyshire, celebrating creativity, resilience and connection while evidencing the long-term impact of participatory arts.

Junction Arts invites local people to share their stories as part of the celebration, with events happening across the county in February and March.

For more information on 50 Stories for 50 Years, visit: Junctionarts.org

Creative Revolution pop-ups across Chesterfield

Chesterfield is entering a new chapter as Creative Revolution (formerly Chesterfield Cultural Education Partnership) expands its programme to bring creativity into everyday life across the town.

Since 2015, the partnership has worked with cultural, educational and community organisations to ensure everyone in Chesterfield can live a creative, healthy and culturally rich life. With new Arts Council England funding and a name shaped by local young people, Creative Revolution is growing its impact.

The programme includes a youth voice group, artist-led school workshops, a network for creative adults and artists, and a series of Pop-Up Events showcasing creativity across Chesterfield.

Young people have helped shape the project through YouSpeak! Creatives, including choosing the name Creative Revolution (CCEP). Ten local schools are involved in the Schools Creativity Programme, while 11 local artists have taken on paid roles. Creative adults are supported through a monthly Artists Jam at Open Hus, 81A Saltergate.

The Pop-Up Events will transform familiar spaces into vibrant showcases of work by young people, schools, community groups and artists. Alongside exhibitions, the events will offer hands-on creative activities and interactive experiences for families and residents.

Delivered in partnership with Chesterfield College, Kakou CIC, Barrow Hill Community Trust and Community Growth CIC, and supported by Derbyshire Voluntary Action, the pop-up events will also act as listening spaces, giving residents the opportunity to help shape the future of Creative Revolution.

For more information on Creative Revolution, visit www.ccep.org.uk

New heritage arts trail will help guide visitors and residents around our town centre.

“A Sense of Chesterfield” is part of Animate Chesterfield, a public art programme that will create new artworks and activities for visitors over the next two years as part of the regeneration projects in Chesterfield and Staveley. The new tactile heritage trail will feature heritage information boards, digital content, and public artworks, bringing the town’s history to life in innovative ways.

There are several organisations which will work together to develop this project, including community groups like the Chesterfield Civic Society, Chesterfield and District Local History Society, Chesterfield Canal Trust and Derbyshire Victoria County History.

Members of the community will also be able to help shape the trail through a series of workshops and visits to schools and community organisations.

The next steps for the project are to appoint experienced freelancers to support the project and an artist to create pieces that will be on display throughout the trail. Almost £80,000 of funding has been awarded to this project by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

The programme is being delivered by Beam, a leading cultural development organisation, in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council. It will also include an artist in residence to engage residents and visitors, town centre trails to explore, outdoor exhibitions, a Christmas window trail, and wall art.

Communities will be at the heart of the programme, helping to shape, influence, and participate in the artworks and activities, ensuring they authentically reflect the town.

To find out more information on ‘A Sense of Chesterfield’ and Animate Chesterfield visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/animate

To find out more and keep up to date with what’s happening in our local communities visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/news

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Heritage, Home, Leisure

East Midlands at centre of major new tourism campaign

30th January 2026

Open, welcoming and ‘At the Centre of it All’ – that is the message our town is sharing as part of a new regional campaign showcasing the East Midlands.

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has launched a new marketing campaign, ‘At the Centre of it All’, celebrating the strengths of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and positioning the region at the heart of the country.

For Chesterfield, the campaign reinforces the town’s unique appeal: a place that offers space to breathe, time to connect and the balance many people are now actively seeking. With a strong local economy, easy access to major cities and the Peak District on our doorstep, Chesterfield combines opportunity with quality of life.

The campaign is designed to showcase the very best of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, encouraging visitors, businesses and residents from London, the South East and across the UK to explore the region’s culture, sport, landscapes, and hospitality.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said:

“The visitor economy is one of my key priorities, because every place in the East Midlands has something to share with the world – and because we are at the Centre of it All, we are just a short journey away for most people in the UK.”

“This campaign is about working together to proudly showcase everything that makes the East Midlands special. From vibrant cities to wide-open landscapes, world-class sport to rich culture and warm hospitality, our region has so much to offer.”

Delivered in partnership with tourism organisations Visit Nottinghamshire, Visit Derby and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, the campaign brings their work together under one clear message: the East Midlands is open, welcoming, and full of unforgettable experiences.

Launching this week, the double-headed campaign will promote the region as an easily accessible short-break destination in a bid to drive overnight stays, encourage visitors to explore more deeply and boost the regional visitor economy, supporting the region’s £1 billion tourism growth ambitions.

The ‘At the Centre of it All’ campaign will target London and the South East, positioning the Peak District and Derbyshire as a relaxing getaway, with Derby less than two hours from the capital by train.

‘At the Centre of the Action’ will highlight Nottinghamshire’s colour, culture and world-class sport, encouraging eventgoers and culture seekers living up to two hours away to stay longer, return more often and discover more of the county’s unique offer.

Mayor Claire said:

“We want visitors from London and beyond to discover the experiences, people and places that make Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire such unique destinations.”

The Peak District tourism already contributes £2.9bn to the local economy and supports almost 30,000 jobs, yet significant untapped potential remains.

Jo Dilley, Visit Peak District & Derbyshire managing director, said: “The launch of ‘Centre of it All’ is a major step forward for the Peak District and Derbyshire and the wider East Midlands visitor economy. Tourism is a powerful driver of growth, and this campaign shows the impact of working collaboratively to raise the region’s profile.

“With the support of the EMCCA, and in partnership with Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Derby, we’ve created a campaign that showcases the East Midlands as an accessible and compelling destination for overnight breaks.

“With London just a short journey away, ‘Centre of it All’ encourages visitors to stay longer, explore more and spend locally – supporting tourism businesses and delivering sustainable growth for communities across the region.”

To discover places to visit and stay in Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Heritage, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Progression made on Chesterfield Canal as part of Staveley Town Deal

15th January 2026

Significant progress continues on the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal at Staveley, one of the projects within the Staveley Town Deal.

The restoration will reconnect key sections, protect historic features, and create new opportunities for leisure, tourism, and economic growth. The Chesterfield Canal Trust is leading the main phase of restoration works, supported by £5.8 million of the Staveley Town Deal.

Contractor O’Brien Construction Ltd is delivering the main phase of works on the Chesterfield Canal, which includes:

- Construction of the new Keith Ayling Lock
- Installation of a water pumping system designed to allow fish and eel passage,
- Restoration of Bellhouse Basin, including its historic narrows,
- Reinstatement of the canal through the Hartington Railway Bridge abutments
- Restoration of the canal towpath through the Doe Lea Valley and along the former Norbriggs Arm to the A619 at Mastin Moor
- Upgrading footpaths between Bent Lane and Bellhouse Lane
- Installation of new benches, interpretation panels and extensive landscaping

By restoring navigability and improving surrounding infrastructure, the project will help to encourage an increase in visitor numbers to Staveley, supporting local businesses and tourism as well as enhancing public spaces, including footpaths, bridges and green areas, having an overall impact on improving the quality of life for residents through better access, recreation and employment opportunities.

Over the past months, visible progress has been made on the site. Towards the end of November, the lock excavation was completed, followed by extensive rebar installation and concrete pours throughout early December.

By mid-December, the base slab for the Keith Ayling Lock had been completed, clearly showing how the restored basin will be raised to its final level. Historic stonework from Bellhouse Basin was carefully removed, labelled and stored, ready to be reinstated as part of the restoration.

Meanwhile, Severn Trent Water has been working alongside the project to lower a major 500mm water main beneath the restored canal at Bellhouse Basin, with this element expected to be completed by the end of the month.

The current completion date for the main works is mid-July, bringing Staveley another step closer to seeing the Chesterfield Canal fully restored through this key section.

The Staveley canal restoration is a powerful example of how the Staveley Town Deal is investing in heritage, infrastructure and community wellbeing, creating a destination that will support economic growth while celebrating the area’s industrial past.

For more information and to keep up to date with developments in and around our town, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/

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

Chesterfield is once again named happiest place to live in the East Midlands

11th December 2025

Chesterfield has been ranked the happiest place to live in the East Midlands by Rightmove’s 2025 Happy at Home survey.

The annual study asks thousands of people across Great Britain how they feel about where they live. This year, more than 19,500 residents took part, sharing what truly contributes to their everyday happiness.

Rightmove found that the factors most strongly linked to a positive sense of wellbeing are the simple things that make daily life easier, safer and more enjoyable. Green spaces continue to be among the most valued features in the index, offering places to relax, exercise and connect with nature. The study also revealed that people living close to a national park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty typically report higher levels of happiness.

Our town continues to stand out as a place where people feel proud to live. Many contributors said that Chesterfield gives them a strong sense of pride, belonging and community. Access to green landscapes remains particularly important, with those living near the Peak District National Park especially likely to report high levels of wellbeing.

Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield Board Member Ryan Wilkes said: “We’re very pleased to see Chesterfield gaining further recognition as a great place to live.”

“As a lifelong resident, it’s fantastic to see our brilliant outdoor spaces, local businesses and community spirit highlighted.

“If you’re looking to live in an area which blends a strong heritage with strong local amenities within easy reach, Chesterfield is a place that you’ll be proud to call home, and that’s without mentioning the abundance of picturesque outdoor spaces on our doorstep!”

Earlier this year, Chesterfield was also named one of the happiest places to live by The Guardian, as well as being recognised as one of the greenest towns in the UK, with over 95% of homes having access to private or nearby outdoor space, including Queens Park, Holmebrook Valley Park, and the Chesterfield Canal. Thanks to its excellent schools, strong community spirit, and access to nature, it also consistently ranks among the best places to raise a family.

The town is seeing new housing developments and regeneration projects, including the Staveley Corridor, Chesterfield Waterside, and Spire Neighbourhood, which will bring more new homes.

Find out more about living in Chesterfield at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/living

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Heritage, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

More archaeological discoveries in Rykneld Square

11th November 2025

Further archaeological discoveries have been made as part of the regeneration of Rykneld Square, offering a new window into Chesterfield’s past.

Work on the site was paused in July following the discovery of skeletal remains, so that archaeologists from the University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) could carry out full excavations. Archaeological investigation is required as part of the planning process when burials are uncovered unexpectedly during construction.

During the first phase of work, ULAS uncovered walls and other significant finds that need careful investigation. As a result, the archaeological phase is taking longer than expected. Therefore, the completion of regeneration work in Rykneld Square will be delayed.

It is anticipated that archaeologists will be on site until at least December 2025. Full regeneration work will resume in 2026. A temporary surface will be placed on the site to allow the Remembrance Day parade to go ahead and support Christmas events planned around the church.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:

“We’re excited to uncover more of our town’s history, and it’s important we follow the correct process to investigate this discovery.
The archaeologists are doing difficult work, and I’d ask that everyone gives them space to work without disruption. More details about the finds made will be shared. Ensuring they are properly recorded at Chesterfield Museum.”

John Thomas, deputy director of ULAS, said:

“We are really pleased to be helping Chesterfield Borough Council with this excavation, which is uncovering important fragments of the town’s rich heritage. We’re also very excited to be working so close to such an iconic landmark as the Crooked Spire. So far, we have found stone walls from buildings close to the church dating back to at least the 17th century, as well as part of the former churchyard that was replanned in the 1950s. Work is still in the early stages, but ULAS will be presenting on the excavations at Derbyshire Archaeology Day in Chesterfield this January.”

The planned works in Rykneld Square aim to create a more welcoming public space. Visitors can enjoy views of the Crooked Spire.

These include brand new:

• Paving and surfaces to give the area a more modern feel
• Seating for visitors to use
• Planting helping enhance biodiversity
• A bin store to improve tidiness
• Upgraded pavement alongside the top of the square to create a level surface
• New bollards and a crossing point to make the area safer for pedestrians

The works form part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s “Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield” project, which aims to regenerate and enhance key public spaces across the town centre.

To find out more about the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Heritage, Home

Explore our heritage this Christmas

7th November 2025

Delve into our charming historic sites this festive season as they come alive with twinkling lights, seasonal cheer, and stories from the past.

Drawn to our magical Christmas markets? Looking for historic halls decked in festive finery? Or simply seeking a memorable day out steeped in tradition? Our historic places offer a unique way to celebrate. Discover events, architecture, and experiences that blend the spirit of Christmas with centuries of our town’s rich history.

Chesterfield Speciality Markets

Chesterfield’s markets have been at the heart of our town for centuries, bringing together local traders and visitors. This festive season, we unveil a fresh new look as part of the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project, while still preserving the traditions that make them so special.

Stroll through our town centre and explore a vibrant mix of stalls, from local produce and artisan crafts to festive treats. Music lovers can dig through vinyl and memorabilia at the Chesterfield Record Fair, while the Vegan Market serves up delicious plant-based delights. The Artisan Market is ideal for finding unique, handcrafted gifts.

Don’t miss the special market day that kicks off the annual Christmas Lights Switch On – a magical celebration that brings the whole town together.

Barrow Hill roundhouse

A treat for history and railway enthusiasts, Barrow Hill Roundhouse is the last surviving operational railway roundhouse in Britain.

Usually closed during the winter, this year it opens its doors for a few festive days on the 13th and the 14th of December for the final museum open weekend and train running day of the year. Visitors can explore the site’s rich heritage, historic engines and tracks in an atmospheric setting.

Haddon Hall

Step back in time at Haddon Hall, one of England’s finest medieval manor houses. Dating back to the 12th century, Haddon Hall is renowned for its authentic historic charm and stunning interiors.

During the festive season, the hall is beautifully decorated, offering visitors a chance to experience a traditional Christmas in a historic setting. Highlights include the Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market, featuring over 180 talented makers offering the best in luxury gifts and seasonal delights.

Reproduced with the kind permission of Haddon Hall

The Crooked Spire

No festive trip is complete without a visit to the Crooked Spire of St Mary and All Saints Church – the largest church in Derbyshire and a true Chesterfield icon.

This Christmas, the church once again hosts the Festival of Christmas Trees, where schools, groups and local people decorate dozens of themed trees. New this year, an immersive light and sound show will fill the church with colour, music and festive magic.

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House transforms into a winter wonderland, with its grand architecture, landscaped gardens, and festive decorations. Home to the Dukes of Devonshire for over 500 years, it’s a must-visit during the Christmas period.

This year’s theme, The Enchanted Garden, invites visitors to discover the quiet beauty and hidden magic of the nature in midwinter. Outside, the Christmas market features over 100 stalls, live music, seasonal food and festive drinks.

Courtesy of Chatsworth House Trust’ DPC Photography

Hardwick Hall

Built by Elizabethan heiress Bess of Hardwick, Hardwick Hall is known for its towering windows and ornate interiors.

This festive season, the hall comes alive with Hardwick Wintertide. The theme, The Tale of Misrule and the Holly King, brings a playful twist, with stories, performances, and decorations throughout. You can also enjoy hands-on workshops, from wreath-making to historic embroidery, or attend enjoy late-night openings with mulled wine and glowing gardens.

Bolsover Castle

Explore the romantic ruins of Bolsover Castle, standing proudly above the Derbyshire countryside.

This Christmas, the castle once again hosts the Bolsover Lantern Parade, one of the UK’s biggest and longest-running light processions. Organised by Junction Arts, the parade has lit up the town since 1994, with hundreds of handmade lanterns and thousands of spectators. The night before, experience Bright Winter Nights, an immersive light show inside the castle walls, celebrating 30 years of lantern-making through light, sound, and local stories.

Renishaw Hall

Set among beautiful gardens and woodland, Renishaw Hall is a hidden gem for heritage lovers. Dating back to the late 17th century, it has been home to the Sitwell family for generations.

During the festive season, the house and gardens are illuminated with magical lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for family visits or romantic, winter walks.

To discover more magical events and things to do this festive period, visit the Chesterfield Christmas website.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Celebrate Chesterfield, Heritage, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Diwali celebrations illuminate Chesterfield with culture, creativity and community spirit

31st October 2025

A vibrant programme of Diwali celebrations has united communities across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, showcasing acclaimed performers, engaging cultural workshops, and sand artistry.

Hosted by the Asian Association, the flagship event Echoes of the Soul took place at the Winding Wheel Theatre in October. It attracted over 200 attendees including local dignitaries such as MP Toby Perkins, Mayor Councillor Barry Dyke and Mayoress Marie Dyke, and councillors from Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire District Council.

The evening featured a dynamic fusion of Indian and Irish dance traditions, with performances by Kumar Sharma and the Kathak Rockers, alongside Belfast’s Irish Entertainment Group. Internationally renowned sand artist Sudam Pradhan captivated audiences with live sand animation and built a Crooked Spire model from 280kg of repurposed sand.

A charity raffle held during the event raised several hundred pounds for Ashgate Hospice, further highlighting the community spirit of the occasion.

Creative workshops

In addition to the main event, Sudam Pradhan, who runs his own sand sculpture museum in India, led a sand sculpture workshop for local students at Grassmoor Pavillion.

The renowned sand sculptor travels the world, creating stunning sand artworks for events and competitions. He inspired twenty-six children, including home-educated students, and their parents and guardians, and showed them how to create their own animal sculptures using the same sand later used for the Crooked Spire model.

Sudam’s visit also included a special performance at Ashgate Hospice, bringing joy to patients, families, and staff through music and movement.

A spokesperson from the Asian Association said: “It was an honour to host Sudam here in Chesterfield and bring something totally different to the town. Whilst here, Sudam wanted to build something local people could connect with, so it had to be Chesterfield’s most well-known landmark! He took real care to make sure he got the ‘crookedness’ of the spire just right!”

“The children absolutely loved learning some simple techniques to use the sand to make models and then using them to sculpt their own sand animals.”

More news

For more stories celebrating creativity, culture and community in Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/news

Posted in About Chesterfield, Heritage, Home

Chatsworth reveals enchanting theme for Christmas 2025

13th October 2025

Chatsworth has unveiled The Enchanted Garden as this year’s Christmas theme. The house and grounds will transform into a magical space celebrating the hidden beauty and quiet magic of the natural world.

British artists and animators have collaborated to create this immersive, multi-sensory experience. It invites visitors into a realm where the mystical spirit of the outdoors reigns.

Visitors will be able to explore 20 extraordinary spaces transformed with light, sound, and shadow play. As well as discovering towering Christmas trees and a grand cluster of mistletoe. They will also see shimmering copper toadstools and twirling oak leaf archways, each inspired by the wonders of nature.

The adventure will begin in Chatsworth House, where a trail of light, flowers, tree silhouettes, and natural textures will lead visitors through woodland-inspired spaces. Together, these elements will create an enchanted setting that encourages connection with nature.

Award-winning mixed-reality artists Studio McGuire have crafted bespoke animations, projections, and music, enriching the experience with layers of storytelling and atmosphere. They will transform the spaces with seasonal scenes and enchanted fairies. Woodland creatures crouch in secret corners, while tiny doorways hint at pathways to hidden lands.

The experience combines treasures from the Devonshire Collections. New commissions by Peak District-based artists Winning Works, Everdenes, Wirksworth Pottery and Waney Grain complement the display. It also features majestic willow sculptures by internationally renowned artist Emma Stothard.

In the garden, visitors will discover enchanting spaces where reality and magic intertwine along an immersive light trail. Light artists Luminism have created the garden trail. It transforms some of Chatsworth’s best-loved landmarks, including the Cascade, Willow Tree Fountain, Rock Garden, Ring Pond and Maze. The journey ends with a spectacular animated light and sound projection on the house, inspired by this year’s theme and brought to life by Studio McGuire.

“The Enchanted Garden is the culmination of a year spent honouring the beauty and resilience of the natural world at Chatsworth. As winter settles in, we invite visitors to pause, explore, and celebrate the quiet magic of the season.” Said Susie Stokoe, Head of Textiles at Chatsworth. “We can’t wait for people to step into this world of wonder and renewal, and to experience Chatsworth in a new light.

Visitors can enjoy this festive experience from 8 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.

Find full details about the Christmas experience, other festive events happening at Chatsworth, and tickets online here.

Looking for other ideas of things to do in and around Chesterfield on the run up to Christmas, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/events

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Heritage, Home, Leisure, Visiting