Home

Most affordable market town to live in the East Midlands

12th August 2025

Chesterfield has been identified as the most affordable market town to live in the East Midlands according to a survey by Lloyds Bank.

The town has been ranked the second most affordable market town in England for first-time buyers and fifth across all buyers.

In Chesterfield, first-time buyers paid on average £198,054 for their home, while the average for all house purchases was £248,658. The survey tracks the cost of houses in 116 market towns in England using house price data from the Halifax.

Andrew Asaam, Homes Director, Lloyds said, “It’s no wonder market towns have stood the test of time with home-buyers, whether people are stepping onto the first rung of the housing ladder, or are making a move to their next home. These charming locations are filled with historic landmarks and architecture, quaint charm and community spirit, offering a calmer pace of life, often within the reaches of bigger towns and cities.”

Recently named one of the happiest places to live by The Guardian, the historic Derbyshire market town is drawing attention for all the right reasons.

Chesterfield has also been 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 consistently ranks among the best places to raise a family.

Stacey Davies-Bowler, Managing Director of Pinewood Property Estates, sees the town’s regeneration as a model for sustainable, community-led growth.

“I’ve already seen a shift in the types of properties people require. Buyers and renters want more than just a home; they want neighbourhoods that offer lifestyle, connectivity, and value. With renewed investment, we can expect smarter housing developments that blend design, sustainability, and affordability.”

More new homes are on the way, including a new £78 million scheme by Honey Homes, and regeneration projects like the Staveley Corridor, Chesterfield Waterside, and Spire Neighbourhood.

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

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

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

Community groups awarded over £450,000

11th August 2025

Over £450,000 in grant funding has now been awarded to community groups across Chesterfield, helping them to deliver key projects to build a resilient and healthy borough.

As part of the Community Grants Fund scheme, the latest round of funding has seen a share of £142,910.98 awarded to 26 community groups and voluntary organisations from across the town.

This means that since the Community Grants Fund scheme was launched in 2023 by Chesterfield Borough Council, a total of £454,788.59 has now been awarded to 102 different organisations from across the borough, with funding already being used to make a positive impact on local communities.

The grants are being used to allow local groups to build resilient, healthy, and safe neighbourhoods by tackling food poverty and social isolation and helping people get back into work.

It is also continuing to support initiatives that will reduce the borough’s impact on the climate and wider environment by promoting greener choices.

The latest groups to receive funding are:

Chesterfield Foodbank
Duckmanton Miners Welfare
1st / 2nd Derbyshire Scout Group
Hollingwood Sheds
Chesterfield Litter Pickers
Samba Foundation
Chesterfield Filipino Community Association
3rd/4th Derbyshire FSE Scout Group
Verba – Ukrainian Social Group of Derbyshire
Our Vision Our Future
Ashgate Hospice
Community Development Chesterfield
Chesterfield and NE Pakistani Christian Group
Thistle Park Friends, Brimington
Standing Tall
SPACE Counselling Chesterfield
Ashgate Allotment Society
2nd Brampton Scouts
Chesterfield & North Eastern Chinese Elders community
Woodthorpe Community Liaison Group
Asian Association Chesterfield and North Derbyshire
Loundsley Green Community Trust
Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centre
Pathways of Chesterfield
Chatsworth Wellbeing Centre
Chesterfield Football Club Community Trust

Loundsley Green Community Trust will be using the grant funding to make energy efficiency and environmental improvements to its centre, meaning that it can continue to deliver key projects for the local community.

The trust’s secretary, Paul Davies, said: “At Loundsley Green Community Centre we have a constant eye on our environmental impact and, over the years, have invested in a number of improvements to reduce our energy consumption and our carbon footprint.

“So, we were delighted to receive this grant, which will enable us to install solar panels and batteries in the building that will significantly reduce the amount of energy that we will import, reducing our carbon footprint. It will also reduce our energy costs, which will enable us to keep hire costs to our users as low as possible, thus providing a knock-on benefit to many other local community groups and projects.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “We’re lucky to have so many community groups and voluntary organisations here in Chesterfield that can have a huge impact on our local communities.

“I’m pleased that, through external funding schemes such as this, we can support so many of these groups that work tirelessly to deliver projects and initiatives that make a real difference to the lives of local people.

“We’ve already seen some groups deliver some fantastic projects with the funding they have received from this scheme, and we can’t wait to see how the community groups and organisations use the funding to bring their projects to life.”

Applications for funding through the Community Grants Fund scheme are currently closed, but eligible groups will be able to apply for funding again from the end of September 2025. More information, including eligibility criteria, can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-grants-fund

Funding for the grants scheme has been successfully secured from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), together with money raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Portion (CIL).

Chesterfield Borough Council has been awarded a further £1.1m through the UKSPF, to deliver a range of projects until March 2026. The funding was allocated to the council by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

New minibus and office space provide more opportunities to support young people

8th August 2025

Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP) has recently taken delivery of a minibus to further expand its programme offer to schools.

The minibus has been kindly sponsored by MSE Hiller, a Chesterfield-based company that supplies, rents and services centrifuges and environmental engineering products to the water and industrial effluent treatment sectors.

MSE Hiller supports many of DEBP’s programmes, including Made in Chesterfield, where they offer workplace tours to give students the chance to learn about and see what it is like working in science, technology, engineering, manufacturing and construction industries and careers.

Laura Duck, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said, “We offer a range of careers and employability programmes to support young people, but this mainly takes place in school or with a host organisation. Over the last academic year we have been welcoming students to our new learning space in Chesterfield. Whilst we offered transportation, the associated costs meant there were limitations based on school locations and distance to travel. With our own minibus, we can expand access to some of our programmes.”

A newly reconfigured office space has also created a new on-site learning area to deliver a range of programmes to support young people.

The programmes offered on-site include the Supported Insight Scheme, a work placement for small groups of students with special educational needs and disabilities. It supports students to learn about the world of work, whilst acquiring a range of transferable skills. It involves creating a range of marketing materials to support a business need or an upcoming company event.

They also offer Future Focus, which links with the Bolsover Partnership and Bolsover District Council to support the co-production of a ‘creative hub’ within the district. Students come up with innovative ideas for the hub and present these to employers associated with the planning process at the end of the programme.

Sophie Haley, Future Focus Programme Leader said, “The open-plan learning space is designed to be welcoming, helping students to feel at ease, and build their confidence. With the addition of the minibus, we’re able to invite more schools and support more young people to recognise their potential.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction, Skills

Quality of life draws investors and residents to Chesterfield say business leaders

7th August 2025

Local people continue to praise our town as an attractive place to live, invest and work.

Business leaders discussed Chesterfield’s benefits at the latest Champions’ roundtable, hosted by SMH Group.

Earlier this year, the Guardian’s named our town as one of the  happiest places to live in the UK.

Currently, housing developers prepare for an increase in demand. With 2,000 homes planned for Staveley and Mastin Moor, and hundreds more on the way close to our town centre.

So, what makes Chesterfield such a desirable place to live?

Prime location

Firstly, our town’s proximity to key destinations, including Sheffield and the Peak District, make Chesterfield ideal for both business and lifestyle.

“You can get to the city if you want, but then come back to calm,” said Gareth Dillon of Killingley. “It’s safe, relaxed, and has everything you need.”

Alberto Naso, owner of Geeks Headquarters agrees, describing Chesterfield as a refreshing change from the fast pace of Milan where he’s from originally.

“It’s a human-sized town,” Alberto said. “You can build your business at your own pace without pressure. Everything is more breathable.”

Green spaces

Chesterfield has also been recognised as one of the greenest towns in the UK, with over 95% of homes having access to private or nearby outdoor space, including Queen’s Park, Holmebrook Valley Park, and the Chesterfield Canal. 

And thanks to its excellent schools, strong community spirit, and access to nature, our town consistently ranks among the best places to raise a family.

Jessica Risorto, Director at Redbrik, “Another key trend is the rise in young families settling in Chesterfield. Our town’s schools, parks, and strong sense of community are drawing people in, and we’re even seeing extended families relocating from out of town to be closer to loved ones who’ve already made the move.”

More experiences

The conversation also highlighted Chesterfield’s independent businesses and the evolving town centre.

Matthew Southgate from Chesterfield Borough Council noted that major projects like the Stephenson Memorial Hall refurbishment and Market Square regeneration are designed to support early evening activity and attract more families and visitors. “We’re creating event spaces that will anchor activity. That’s how we build a thriving town centre, more events, more footfall, more investment.”

Richard Sherwood of Roy Peters Estates praised the role of independents in revitalising the area.

“We’ve got great independents, sweet shops, financial services, and creative businesses,” he said. “They’re investing in the town and creating vibrant spaces.”

A recent investor is Alberto, who moved his gaming shop, Geeks Headquarters to a bigger, more visible location, beside our evolving market.

“We’ve been here in Chesterfield 10 years,” said Alberto. “But people still say they didn’t know we existed. We moved to be seen and to help bring life back to the town centre.”

Strong identity

While Chesterfield is expanding with more housing on the way, participants emphasised the importance of maintaining our town’s identity.

“It’s not too small to be insignificant, but not too big to be intimidating,” said Gareth Dillon. “We need to grow carefully, so we don’t lose what makes Chesterfield special.”

Peter Lawrence added that organic growth is key. “We want housing that supports local families and talent,” he said. It’s about balance and quality of life.”

Community spirit

The group agreed that our people make Chesterfield special. Participants spoke warmly about the friendliness and openness of the community.

“People here are sociable,” said Gareth. “You can bump into someone on the street and have a laugh. That kind of relaxed atmosphere is rare.”

Luke Catt shared a story about a local bowls competition that brought together schoolchildren and older residents.

“It was amazing to see kids and pensioners laughing and playing together,” said Luke. That’s the kind of community spirit Chesterfield has, and we need to protect it.”

Luke Catt from SMH Group, highlighted how safe he feels here.

“As a child, the town centre always felt safe,” Luke said. “Now, as a parent of a child with a disability, I see how accessible and supportive Chesterfield is. The infrastructure is there even if you don’t notice it until you need it.”

Peter Lawrence from East Midlands Chamber noted a shift in values post-pandemic.

He said, “People are coming back to what matters, quality of life, health, wellbeing, and balance. Chesterfield offers all of that, and more.”

Gillian Scotford of Accessible UK shared how Chesterfield’s inclusive infrastructure supports families with additional needs.

“We’ve created over 100 accessible days out based around Chesterfield,” said Gillian. “That’s rare. And with the hospital, health centres, and changing places toilets, it’s a place where families with complex needs can thrive.”

New houses in Chesterfield

Upcoming housing developments in our town include a £78 million scheme by Honey Homes, the Staveley Corridor, Chesterfield Waterside, and more town centre living.

Looking to discover more about Chesterfield, visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/

The businesses featured in this article support 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, Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home

New waterside development offers office, retail and dining opportunities

6th August 2025

A project to transform Staveley’s canal basin has taken another step forward with the completion of The Moorings, a two-storey waterside development led by Derbyshire County Council.The Moorings is expected to create between 40 and 60 new jobs, which will contribute to the local economy and attract visitors to the Chesterfield Canal and the surrounding area.

The development, part of the £25 million Government-funded programme Staveley Town Deal, is ready to welcome its first occupants with a mixture of office, retail and leisure areas on offer.

The building offers 6 office units on the first floor available to rent, ranging in size from 450 square feet to 750 square feet (42 metres squared to 70 metres squared). On the ground floor, there are units suitable for retail use and a larger area that will be used for a restaurant or café-bar. The restaurant area overlooks the canal basin and has an outdoor dining area.

Access to the area has been improved with a new road and footpath, and should encourage more visitors to make recreational use of the canal for walking, cycling and boating.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Councillor Rob Reaney, said: “It’s great to see the completion of the Moorings building at Staveley, which will be a fantastic waterside destination for both local people and visitors to enjoy.

“We’re inviting contact from retail, dining and other businesses looking to relocate or expand into this purpose-built space and we’ve already received considerable interest from a number of potential tenants.

“We look forward to seeing businesses moving into The Moorings and opening up to customers, creating jobs and new leisure opportunities for the area.”

The Moorings is being managed and funded by our partnership with the Staveley Town Deal, which is overseen by Chesterfield Borough Council. The Town Deal is providing £3.5 million of the £4.5 million cost of the project, with the balance being met by Derbyshire County Council.

This building forms part of the wider Markham Vale programme of works, a flagship, 85-hectare business park based on the site of the old Markham Colliery. The programme is a joint venture being delivered jointly with HBD focused on attracting and supporting businesses to thrive.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board and Destination Chesterfield Board Member, said: “I’m thrilled to see this prominent project right by the canal, completed. This landmark development is a key part of the Town Deal programme as it will help create new jobs and encourage people to explore the historic canal, contributing to our overall goal of ensuring that Staveley is a place where everyone can start, stay, and grow.”

Discover more about the Staveley Town Deal Projects.

Find out more about available commercial property in Chesterfield.

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

Staveley town centre transformation progresses

4th August 2025

The multi-million pound regeneration of Staveley town centre is on track to be completed this year.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s Staveley 21 project, funded through the Staveley Town Deal, started on site last November – the new landmark building is in place with work set to begin on the glazing and external brickwork. In the wider market square, paving work has been completed outside the shops, and the new layout of the square is beginning to take shape.

Local businesses have also been utilising shop front grants to improve their premises and make them more attractive.

The town centre works are expected to be completed by Christmas this year. The building is set to be the future home of Derbyshire County Council’s Staveley Library.

Representatives from Chesterfield Borough Council and the Staveley Town Deal Board visited the site to see how the works are progressing.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “This project is really starting to come together, and you can get a feel for how the completed square will look once complete. This is a transformational project which will help encourage more people to visit the town centre and support both existing and new businesses.

“There are lots of different elements included in this project, including things that will help make the area more attractive, but also important things like improved signage to help visitors navigate the area and improved CCTV and lighting, which ensures the town centre is always a safe and welcoming place. We are working with town centre businesses and traders to try and minimise disruption to ensure that they can continue trading throughout the works, and once complete, we hope they will all benefit from these improvements.”

The Staveley 21 project received just over £6 million of funding from the Staveley Town Deal, a £25.2 million programme that aims to ensure Staveley is a place to start, stay and grow.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board and Destination Chesterfield Board Member, said: “This is a key project within the Town Deal programme, and it is fantastic to see works progressing so quickly. It will make a huge difference to Staveley, and I can’t wait to see the project complete later this year.”

The town centre works are being delivered by complete construction partner Stepnell.

Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “We’re continuing to make strong progress across all areas of the Staveley 21 project, with our focus firmly on completing the pavilion building to a high standard, ready for completion before the end of the year.

“Ongoing engagement and close collaboration with Chesterfield Borough Council, our partners, and the local community – including Staveley Junior School – have been pivotal to delivering this landmark town centre regeneration. Minimising disruption to the public and keeping social value at the heart of the transformation remain key priorities as we move forward.”

Work to install windows on the new pavilion building will begin shortly, the building will then be clad in a traditional red-brick to be in-keeping with the rest of the town centre.

Internal works will then see the downstairs turned into a new home for Derbyshire County Council’s Staveley Library and the upstairs fitted out as office space.

In the wider square works to the paving are ongoing and the new play area will be installed in September once groundworks are completed.

Designs for the play equipment have been developed in collaboration with pupils from Staveley Junior School, who visited the site with Stepnell and took part in a workshop to discuss what kind of equipment they would like to see installed.

Through the Animate Chesterfield public art project, Coralie Turpin has been appointed to work with the community and develop a new piece of artwork that will celebrate Staveley’s heritage and develop designs that can be incorporated into the new paving.

Taking inspiration from Staveley’s heritage and working with local schools the final design is set to be unveiled soon.

To find out more about the Staveley 21 project and the Staveley Town Deal visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-town-deal

Discover more about regeneration projects taking place in Chesterfield.

Posted in Development, Home

New campaign promotes Derbyshire as a top value destination

1st August 2025

‘Summer is a Big Deal’, is a new campaign celebrating everything that makes summer in Derbyshire unforgettable. Running from July to September, it champions the county as a great value summer destination, promoting it as accessible, affordable, and full of enriching experiences for all ages.

Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby have developed the campaign which highlights family fun and local festivals to unbeatable deals on days out, dining, and overnight stays, the campaign invites visitors and residents alike to make the most of the season closer to home.

At the heart of the campaign is a call to discover Derbyshire’s standout attractions – from dramatic castles and spectacular show caverns to grand stately homes, vibrant cultural venues, and world-class heritage sites.

By showcasing the wide range of affordable attractions and activities available across the county, the campaign demonstrates how Derbyshire delivers exceptional value without compromising on quality or enjoyment, encouraging visitors to make smart use of their time and money while supporting local businesses.

The campaign includes:

Exclusive Offers – Special summer deals from local businesses on food, accommodation, attractions, and events.
Events & Experiences – Promotion of family-friendly events, festivals and experiences that highlight Derbyshire’s rich cultural offer.
Car-Free Itineraries – Easy-to-follow itineraries and green discount schemes to encourage visitors to travel by train or bus and discover more of the region without a car.
Digital Promotion – Targeted digital and social media adverts, featuring high-impact advertising at major railway stations such as Manchester Piccadilly, Birmingham New Street, and Sheffield.

The ‘Summer is a Big Deal’ campaign supports Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby LVEP’s core aims of increasing visitor spend, encouraging overnight stays, and promoting sustainable and accessible visits across the region.

To explore what’s on and take advantage of summer deals, visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com/bigdeal.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “We know people are looking for quality experiences that offer great value and Derbyshire delivers exactly that. From family-friendly attractions to vibrant festivals and hands-on experiences, ‘Summer is a Big Deal’ captures the spirit of the season and reinforces the message that unforgettable summer adventures can be found right here on our doorstep.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “It’s the perfect time to explore the Peak District and wider Derbyshire to experience everything it has to offer: city breaks, heritage experiences, and the stunning natural environment. This is why I am so focused on strengthening the visitor economy in the region, investing in assets and infrastructure to create jobs which power these experiences, and partners like Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby are critical to achieving this.”

The campaign is funded by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. Supporting the visitor economy is a key strategic aim of the authority, which recognises the sector as an important driver of local economic growth and job creation.

The visitor economy is worth £2.89 billion to the Peak District and Derbyshire, supporting approximately 30,000 jobs and driving prosperity across local communities.

By investing in campaigns like this through the Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby LVEP, EMCCA is delivering on its visitor economy strategy to raise the profile of the region’s tourism sector while bolstering the East Midlands’ long-term appeal as a must-visit destination.

In Chesterfield there is an exciting programme of events and activities this summer.

Local blogger Mollie Scott has shared her favourite things to do and personal recommendations for a family-friendly weekend in Chesterfield. Check it out at https://lovelylocalindie.com/2025/06/17/family-friendly-chesterfield/

Feel inspired by exploring adventures, experiences and days out. Make the most of a packed line-up of festivals, family-friendly events, and heritage experiences.

Head to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer for more inspiration.

Posted in Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Chesterfield Celebrates 200 Years of Railway History at Barrow Hill Roundhouse

31st July 2025

Barrow Hill Roundhouse near Chesterfield will host a spectacular three-day gala this October to mark 200 years since the birth of the modern railway.

From Friday 10 to Sunday 12 October 2025, visitors will experience a once-in-a-generation celebration at the UK’s only surviving operational railway roundhouse. The event will feature iconic locomotives, including the legendary A3 60103 “Flying Scotsman”, which will be on display and hauling trains across the weekend.

This milestone year commemorates the world’s first passenger railway journey between Stockton and Darlington in 1825 and Chesterfield is proudly joining the national celebrations with an event that honours its deep-rooted rail heritage.

Alongside the Flying Scotsman, the gala will showcase a Class 55 “Deltic”, LMS 3F “Jinty” 16440, and other historic engines to be announced. Visitors can enjoy train rides, heritage exhibits, trade stands, local food and drink, and free parking.

A highlight of the weekend will be the world premiere of “I Am George Stephenson”, a new play created by Graves Youth Theatre and Paul Whitfield. Performed at 2pm and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday, the show offers a humorous and imaginative look at the life of the railway pioneer who made Chesterfield his home. Performances are included in the ticket price, but seats must be reserved when booking.

Mervyn Allcock, General Manager of Barrow Hill Roundhouse, said: “We are delighted to be putting on such a great show to celebrate this significant anniversary for the railways, particularly as George Stephenson, who played such an important part in the events of 200 years ago, made Chesterfield his home in later life.”

Craig Bentley, Director of the National Railway Museum, added: “Barrow Hill Roundhouse has a remarkable story and demonstrates the determination needed to keep the UK’s railway heritage alive. In this milestone year for the railways, we are delighted to be able to offer our support by bringing the world’s most famous locomotive to the nation’s last surviving operational roundhouse.”

Tickets are available now via SeeTickets.

If you are looking for some rail fun before the celebration, why not join a special train running day at Barrow Hill Roundhouse on the 16th and 17th August? Journey up the Springwell branch line on brake vans, top and tailed by two Roundhouse locomotives.

Entry includes access to the Roundhouse Museum and exhibitions, and turntable and signal box demonstrations.

Barrow Hill Roundhouse is part of an exciting programme of events and activities this summer.

Feel inspired by exploring adventures, experiences and days out. Make the most of a packed line-up of festivals, family-friendly events, and heritage experiences.

Head to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer for more inspiration.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Stay, Summer, Visiting

Thousands of families visit Chesterfield Children’s Festival

30th July 2025

More than 6,000 people gathered at Queen’s Park over the weekend to enjoy the third annual Chesterfield Children’s Festival, hosted by local arts charity Junction Arts.

The two-day celebration of arts, culture, and creativity delivered a jam-packed programme of free, family-friendly entertainment for visitors of all ages.

The festival featured live music, theatre, storytelling, dance, circus skills, art workshops, beatboxing, comedy and more, with every activity designed to spark imagination and bring people together through play and creativity.

A standout moment from the weekend was the immersive performance Story Chefs by Derby-based theatre company Maison Foo, which took families on a globe-trotting adventure filled with puppetry, music and interactive theatre. Serving up delicious food as part of their performance.

Also returning by popular demand was Everybody Dance, a mass dance-along developed in partnership with students from Spire Junior School and professional choreographers. On Saturday, crowds joined in the joyful movement piece that got the entire park dancing.

Sunday’s highlights included live comedy, baby-friendly sensory circus workshops, and interactive drumming sessions.

Throughout the weekend, families also explored the Post Office of Possibilities (P.O.P.), an immersive theatre experience created by Buxton’s Babbling Vagabonds with young people from Boza Youth Club. The interactive set encouraged visitors to write positive postcards and letters to their future selves, all while exploring drawers of surprises and curious objects.

The festival also celebrated young musical talent through performances curated by The Noise Academy, with young DJs and artists showcasing their skills and running beatboxing masterclasses throughout the weekend.

To ensure accessibility for all, Junction Arts worked with RevolOOtion to provide a mobile, accessible toilet and changing facility. The event also featured BSL interpreters, an audio version of the festival programme, and the newly introduced Wellness Tipi – a quiet space funded by Children in Need to support visitors who needed a calm retreat.

Jemma Burton, Project Manager at Junction Arts, said: “Wow, what an amazing weekend! It was wonderful to see families spending quality time together, exploring, playing, dancing and laughing. This festival is all about inclusion, joy and imagination, and we’re so proud to offer an event that is completely free and accessible.”

Now in its third year, the Chesterfield Children’s Festival has cemented itself as a beloved summer fixture, providing high-quality arts experiences for local families and visitors from across the region.

For more information or to see highlights from the festival, visit: www.junctionarts.org or follow @JunctionArtsUK on social media.

Chesterfield Children’s Festival is part of an exciting programme of events and activities this summer.

Feel inspired by exploring adventures, experiences and days out. Make the most of a packed line-up of festivals, family-friendly events, and heritage experiences.

Head to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer for more inspiration.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Summer, Visiting

New Asian-inspired eatery ‘Pluto’ brings fresh flavour to Chesterfield town centre

29th July 2025

Chesterfield’s food scene has a new addition with the arrival of Pluto, an independent business bringing authentic Asian street snacks and desserts to the heart of the town centre.

Founded by Stanley Chan, Pluto opened its doors with a mission to deliver joy, discovery, and health through food. From fluffy Japanese cheesecakes and colourful fruit sandwiches to crispy Taiwanese fried chicken and bubble tea, Pluto offers a fresh and exciting experience.

Stanley said: “Food has always been in my blood. My parents and extended family have worked in the food business for many years, and I grew up surrounded by the warmth, creativity, and care that goes into preparing meals. That passion stayed with me, and in 2010, I started my first venture, an online shop called Snacknsnack.com, which focused on selling Japanese snacks.

Now, Pluto is the next chapter in my journey, a space where I want to share the happiness that food can bring. Our concept is simple: joy, discovery, and health through food. We bring popular and authentic Asian street snacks and desserts to the heart of Chesterfield, giving people a chance to experience something new and delicious.”

Pluto’s arrival is a welcome addition to Chesterfield’s growing independent food and drink scene, adding further diversity to the town centre. Stanley chose Chesterfield for its strong sense of community and openness to new ideas.

“Chesterfield immediately felt like home. It’s a town with a strong sense of community and a real appreciation for local, independent businesses. What stood out to me was the vibrancy of the people here, friendly, curious, and open to trying something different.”

Dominic Staniforth, Board Member of Destination Chesterfield, commented: “Pluto is a fantastic example of the kind of independent business that makes Chesterfield special. It adds something different to the town centre and reflects the growing appetite for diverse food experiences.”

With a menu inspired by the street food culture of Japan, Taiwan, and Korea, Pluto offers something different for Chesterfield. Its playful approach to food and focus on quality ingredients have already caught the attention of customers.

As part of the town’s growing independent scene, Pluto adds a new layer of variety to the high street and gives people another reason to explore what Chesterfield has to offer.

Pluto is located on low payment adjacent to New Square. Discover more on their facebook page.

Check out some other tasty ideas of places to eat in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield champions round-up: Community, collaboration and local impact

28th July 2025

From environmental innovation and cultural celebration to charitable giving and professional networking, Chesterfield Champions continues to lead with purpose. Here’s a look at some of the inspiring initiatives and partnerships making a difference across the borough.

Rain Garden Planters Bring Green Innovation to Holmebrook Valley Park

Thanks to a £5,254 grant from Chesterfield Borough Council’s Community Grants Fund, two rain garden planters have been installed at Holmebrook Valley Park. Delivered by the Don Catchment Rivers Trust in partnership with BioScapes and local volunteers, the planters help reduce flood risk and support biodiversity.

The planters collect rainwater from the pavilion roof, slowing its release into the drainage system. They also feature habitats for bees, butterflies, amphibians, and hedgehogs.

“This is a great use of community grant funding,” said Cllr Martin Stone, “providing wildlife habitats and slowing the flow of rainwater into our drains and sewers.”

Tapton Lock Festival Returns with Festivity in 2025

The Tapton Lock Festival returns on 6–7 September 2025, promising a weekend of free, family-friendly fun along the Chesterfield Canal. This year, the festival partners with Arts Derbyshire’s Festivity tour, bringing even more music, art, and storytelling to the water’s edge.

Festival favourites like canal boat rides, climbing walls, and circus skills will return, alongside new highlights including:

Performances by Michael Vickers and Sarah Hinds
A digital art gallery and spoken word programme
Nature-inspired workshops led by Nicki Dennett and Paola DeGio

“I’m delighted that Festivity is joining us to bring even more cultural experiences to Chesterfield,” said Jane Wells, Project Manager at Junction Arts.

£40,000 Granted to Local Charities by Minorfern Foundation

Chesterfield-based vehicle parts distributor SDL Minorfern has marked the first year of its charitable arm, the Minorfern Foundation, by awarding £40,000 to ten small charities across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire.

Launched in 2024 and run in partnership with the Matthew Good Foundation, the initiative empowers SDL Minorfern staff to nominate causes close to their hearts. Beneficiaries include Brinsley Animal Rescue, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity, and Fairplay, among others.

“Supporting such a wide range of small charities has been both inspiring and humbling,” said Julie Salter, People & Culture Director at SDL Minorfern.

Next-Gen Professionals Build New Business Network

A new networking group, launched by Handelsbanken Chesterfield, is bringing together the town’s emerging professionals to connect, collaborate and grow.

The group has already hosted informal meetups, including rounders at Queen’s Park and socials at The Gasoline Bar, with plans underway for a Rounders League and more networking events.

Join Chesterfield Champions to pledge your support for Chesterfield and North Derbyshire

If you are passionate about Chesterfield and are keen to help raise the profile of the town and your business, the team at Destination Chesterfield would love to work with you. Find out more about becoming a Chesterfield Champion.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Destination Chesterfield, Home