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Record numbers celebrate Sparkle Night Walk’s 10th anniversary

30th June 2025

A record-breaking number of walkers stepped out to turn the streets of Chesterfield pink for the 10^th anniversary of Ashgate Hospice’s Sparkle Night Walk.

More than 3,500 supporters took on the annual 10km walk, sponsored by Magpie Beauty, which started and finished at Chesterfield Football Club’s stadium on Saturday 28 June.

This year’s event smashed the previous record of 3,404 participants set in 2024 as a total of 3,500 people turned out to walk for the hospice.

Walkers have already helped raise more than £280,000 to help fund Ashgate’s palliative and end of life care in North Derbyshire, and there’s still more to come, with donations open until the end of July.

Among those taking part was Nikki Saxton-Maud (38), who walked in memory of her mother-in-law Doreen (71), who died in May last year after receiving community care from Ashgate Hospice.

“They made her feel like the centre of the world,” said Nikki. “I know the nurses have lots of patients, but she was their focus.”

Nikki took part in the event alongside her daughters, Phoebe and Georgie, raising over £600 so far between them.

“We did it a few years ago when it was the Midnight Walk,” she added. “It’s grown a bit since then!”

The event saw participants enjoy live entertainment to kick off the party at 7pm before the walk started at 10pm. The first walkers started crossing the finish line at about 11.10pm.

The 10km route took walkers from the stadium down the A61 bypass, which was closed to traffic, past the Crooked Spire and through the streets of Chesterfield before returning to the football ground.

Charlotte Butterworth, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice said: “This year’s Sparkle Night Walk was extra special as we marked its 10th anniversary, and what a way to celebrate.

“We’ve been blown away by the support once again. Thousands turned out in pink, glitter and bunny ears to walk for someone important to them and raise money for local hospice care.

“Thank you to everyone who’s been with us over the years and helped make Sparkle what it is today. Whether you’ve done one walk or all 10, you’ve been part of the journey and we couldn’t do it without you.

Super early bird registration for next year’s event has opened at £10 per person, and more than 400 people have already signed up.

Entry will be available at a reduced rate until 31 August, with the walk set to take place on 27 June 2026.

To find out more about next year’s Sparkle Night Walk and to register for the super early bird price of £10 go to: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/sparkle-night-walk

The Sparkle Night Walk 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.

Our town offers the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories. Look forward to the return of the Chesterfield Children’s Festival or enjoy a night of stargazing at Chesterfield Observatory. Step back in time at a medieval exhibition, discover ghostly tales on a haunted pub tour, or soak up our vibrant food and music scenes.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure

Next phase of Chesterfield Town Centre improvements to begin

30th June 2025

Work to transform Rykneld Square into a greener space, with more planting, seating and new paving is set to begin.

This phase of the council’s Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project is due to begin on Monday 7 July and should be completed by the end of October 2025. The planned works include the creation of new grassy areas for people to sit in, new paving, specialist planting and a new bin store, which together will help the space more welcoming for visitors and residents.

Whilst these works are ongoing access through the square will be limited and part of Spa Lane car park (next to the decorator centre) will be closed for use as a construction compound.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “These works will help enhance the Crooked Spire for visitors and residents by providing a warm welcome to the town centre, it also supports the plans we are developing with our partners about the future use of the Visitor Information Centre.

“There will be some disruption arising from these works, but we are working with our contractor and updating local businesses to try and minimise the impact. Once completed this will be a fantastic new space for Chesterfield residents and visitors to enjoy.”

The works in Rykneld Square include new paving and surfaces to create a more modern public space.

It will also include new seating for visitors to use and new planting to help enhance biodiversity and create a more welcoming space.

A new bin store will be created to help keep the area looking tidy and allow unhampered views of the churchyard and heritage railings.

The pavement that runs along the top of the square will be upgraded, to create a more level surface.

New bollards will also be installed to help make it a safer space for pedestrians along with a new crossing point.

The works are due to be completed by late October 2025 and will be carried out whilst other areas of the town centre are also being regenerated.

To find out more about the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project and sign up for email updates visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

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

Living in Chesterfield: Why more families and professionals are moving to our Derbyshire town

30th June 2025

In a time when many are rethinking where and how they want to live, Chesterfield is quietly emerging as a compelling relocation destination.

Recently named one of the happiest places to live by The Guardian, our 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.

The town is seeing new housing developments, including a new £78 million scheme by Honey Homes, and regeneration projects like the Staveley Corridor, Chesterfield Waterside, and Spire Neighbourhood will bring more homes.

But what’s driving this momentum? We spoke to local estate agents and business leaders to understand why young professionals and families are choosing to call Chesterfield home and why now might be the perfect time to join them.

Chesterfield’s national recognition

Chesterfield’s recent national recognition hasn’t come out of nowhere. Richard Sherwood, Director of Roy Peters Estates, has seen it first hand over nearly three decades in the local property market.

“It is no surprise that Chesterfield has been identified as one of the happiest places to live in the recent Guardian article. Chesterfield is a great market town, and it continues to evolve. We are looking forward to the modernisation of the Market Square being completed. We have the Peak District on the doorstep and can be in London or either coast in two hours.”

Richard also points to the town’s independent business scene, like restaurant Bottle & Thyme and Queensbury Financial Advisors and its strong sense of community, reflected in events like the Sparkle Walk for Ashgate Hospice and the Redbrik Chesterfield 10K.

A housing market built on stability and opportunity

While many towns have seen turbulence in the housing market, Chesterfield has remained remarkably resilient. Jessica Risorto, Director at Redbrik, explains how North Derbyshire has responded to national fluctuations with confidence:

“Chesterfield’s property market has weathered the national fluctuations with resilience and growing appeal. Chesterfield has stood out by maintaining its status as an affordable place to live, especially compared to other towns of similar size and location.”

She notes a growing wave of first-time buyers entering the market in 2025, particularly young families.

“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.”

Where people want to live — and why

Chesterfield’s appeal isn’t just about price, it’s about lifestyle. Jess highlights the west side of Chesterfield as one of the most desirable areas, thanks to its character homes, green spaces, and proximity to the Peak District. But she also sees rising interest in areas like Bolsover, Calow, and Brimington:

“These neighbourhoods are fast becoming top choices for buyers, thanks to their evolving communities, increasing investment in local infrastructure, and the quality of homes being built.”

Developers, including Honey, Woodall Homes and Stancliffe Homes, are responding to demand with thoughtfully designed new builds, especially bungalows, which are proving popular with both downsizers and families.

Regeneration with purpose

Chesterfield’s transformation is rooted in long-term thinking. Stacey Davies-Bowler, Managing Director of Pinewood Property Estates, sees the town’s regeneration as a model for sustainable, community-led growth:

“The most exciting aspect of Chesterfield’s evolution is that it isn’t driven by speculative development, but by targeted investment focused on long-term value for residents, businesses, and the wider region.”

Projects like the Waterside regeneration are reshaping the town’s economic landscape. Stacey believes these developments will create modern, mixed-use spaces that integrate homes, businesses, and leisure, with better connectivity and public realm improvements.

Adding to this, Stacey has observed a shift in what buyers and renters are looking for:

“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.”

A way of life

For those considering moving to Derbyshire, Chesterfield offers a great lifestyle.

Jamie Wajs, Director at Lime Living, paints a picture of a town that blends convenience with culture and nature:
“Chesterfield offers the perfect balanced lifestyle with a great mix of local amenities and a good offering of educational facilities for families, and we have easy access to open and green spaces.”

“You can enjoy an increasing variety of independent shops, bars, bistros and restaurants in the town centre and along Chatsworth Road.”

He also highlights the town’s growing cultural scene, from the Winding Wheel and the Crooked Spire to the soon-to-reopen Stephenson Memorial Hall, which is being transformed as part of a multi-million pound renovation project to create a modern visitor and cultural experience in the heart of our town centre.

And for a true local experience?

“Derbyshire v Yorkshire at cricket, soaking up the atmosphere down at Queens Park.”

Be part of the community

As Chesterfield evolves, its friendliness and community spirit are grounded in the place.

Ryan Wilkes, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, believes that’s part of what makes the town so special:

“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.”

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

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

Chesterfield’s first Pottery Festival announced

27th June 2025

Chesterfield will get hands-on this August as Creative Community Pottery launches the first-ever Chesterfield Pottery Festival.

Running through the month, the festival invites people to experience hands-on pottery experiences, from vase-making workshops to a pottery-themed pub quiz. It’s a chance to try something new, get creative and connect with others.

Led by Creative Community Pottery, a local group working to open a permanent pottery space in the town, the festival is designed to be inclusive and welcoming regardless of experience. All proceeds will support the group’s long-term goal of creating a dedicated community pottery studio.

Clare Gage, local potter, said: “This festival brings together Chesterfield’s creative past and present, and looks to the future. You’ll explore our town’s history of working with clay while learning the skills yourself in fun, inclusive activities. Come along and be part of it!”

Festival highlights include:

Vase Making Workshops – Monday 4 August
Learn to shape and decorate your ceramic vase at The Assembly Rooms, Chesterfield Market Hall.
Clay Decoration Drop-In – Tuesday 5 August
A relaxed, family-friendly session to make personalised hanging decorations at The Assembly Rooms, Chesterfield Market Hall.
Pottery in the Pub – Wednesday 6 August
A pottery-themed quiz night at Holme Hall Inn, one of Chesterfield’s historic potters’ pubs.
Community Pottery Exhibition & Makers Market – Saturday 30 August
A showcase of local creativity at The Assembly Rooms, with work from community groups, archive material from Chesterfield Museum, and a market of handmade ceramics.

Full details and tickets for the festival are available at creative-community-pottery.sumupstore.com.

A Creative Summer in Chesterfield

The Pottery Festival joins 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, Leisure, Stay, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield businesses encouraged to capitalise on Government’s £165bn Industrial Strategy

26th June 2025

Chesterfield’s business community are being encouraged to seize the opportunities presented by the Government’s newly launched Modern Industrial Strategy, which sets out a ten-year vision to drive growth across advanced manufacturing, clean energy, life sciences, and digital innovation.

The strategy, shaped through national consultation including input from businesses in Chesterfield, outlines over £165 billion in sectoral investment and introduces a range of measures to support SMEs, improve planning, and boost skills.

Key initiatives include:

£39bn into advanced manufacturing
£30bn into clean energy
£31bn into creative industries
£65bn into professional and business services
£1.2bn per year for skills development
A new Business Growth Service to improve access to support and funding
Expansion of the Made Smarter programme with up to £99m for SME manufacturers
Measures to address late payments and improve procurement access
Planning reforms to fast-track projects

The East Midlands is already home to nationally significant assets in clean energy, defence, and life sciences. Chesterfield’s manufacturing base and successful track record of developing innovative skills and business support initiatives position it to benefit directly from the strategy’s priorities.

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “The Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy marks a turning point. It speaks directly to the strengths, ambitions, and future of the East Midlands.

“The strategy sets out a bold, ten-year vision to back Britain’s industrial heartlands to drive clean growth, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and the digital revolution.

“For the East Midlands, this means jobs, skills, and global investment. But above all, it means that our region, long overlooked, is finally being recognised as the engine of the UK’s future growth.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, added: “This strategy aligns with the ambitions we’ve been championing in Chesterfield — supporting SMEs, investing in skills, and driving innovation. Our businesses are ready to grow, and this national framework gives us the tools to do it. We’ll continue working with partners to ensure Chesterfield is not only included in this vision but helps lead its delivery.”

Whilst the new industrial strategy has been welcomed, East Midlands Chamber has called for more detail on how the strategy will be delivered and how it will benefit businesses across the East Midlands.

East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight, Richard Blackmore, said: “Measures announced in the Industrial Strategy are a welcome blueprint for businesses to build on. The detail of exactly how each element is applied is what will really matter and what needs to be scrutinised going forward.”

“With all the investment pledged, we need to see the region fully benefit. What’s needed now is the critical detail on implementation of the strategy, which must have East Midlands businesses front and centre to enable growth.”

Read the Modern Industrial Strategy

Discover more about the support available to businesses in Chesterfield.

If you are a business in Chesterfield and would like play a proactive role in the economic growth of Chesterfield, the Chesterfield Champions may be for you. Over 230 Chesterfield Champions support the local economy, working closely with Destination Chesterfield to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a destination to live, work, visit and invest. Find out more about Chesterfield Champions.

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

Chesterfield and Staveley play areas upgraded

25th June 2025

Families in Chesterfield and Staveley are enjoying new equipment at three play areas, which have been recently upgraded after children at local schools were invited to pick their favourite designs.

Parks at Wicken’s Place, Hartington Recreation Ground and Pennine Way have all been upgraded as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s ongoing investment in local facilities.

Pennine Way in Loundsley Green now includes an exciting castle-themed climbing frame, swings and a dragon springer. Children at Brockwell Junior School helped pick the final design.

Hartington Recreation Ground in Staveley features new equipment designed for children aged three to 14, including a climbing frame, swings and a sensory play panel. Pupils at Staveley Junior School helped pick this design.

Wickins Place in Mastin Moor is themed around nature and includes a new toddler play tower and a snake swing. It was chosen by children at Norbriggs Primary School.

Councillor Steve Lismore, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Upgrading community facilities like these is a crucial part of continuing to make Chesterfield a better place to live and raise a family. Play areas are an important social resource where children can make new friends and parents can meet. Thank you to all the children who helped us to pick the final designs, and I hope you and all the other children in the area have a fantastic time playing in these parks.”

These new play areas are funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Community Infrastructure Levy, and some additional funding from Veolia Environmental Trust.

The improvements form part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Parks, Open Spaces and Play Delivery Plan, which runs until 2028.

Through this delivery plan, more parks across the borough will be upgraded over the next three years.

Chesterfield was recently named in a list of Britain’s happiest places to live by the national newspaper, The Guardian.

The article highlights Chesterfield’s access to open spaces as one of its major advantages, stating: “Chesterfield sits on the edge of the Peak District and is home to one of the oldest open-air markets in England, as well as historic medieval alleyways, churches, museums and grand old buildings. Its blend of urban and rural access (being just a short journey from both the Peak District National Park, and Sheffield and Derby) makes it a popular place to live.”

Discover more about living in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure

Jack and the Beanstalk is coming to Chesterfield!

25th June 2025

Kick your Christmas celebrations off by coming along to Chesterfield’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Winding Wheel later this year.

The cast of this year’s pantomime have been in town to promote the annual Winding Wheel production, including Jamie Christian, Saturday night’s larger than life character from everyone’s favourite BBC family entertainment show, who will be taking to the stage alongside comedian Patrick Monahan as Simon Trott, magician Nicholas Lee as Fleshcreep, Rachel O’Hare as the Spirit of Cloudland, John Lyons (who stared in A Touch of Frost) as King Crumble, Simon Howe as Dame Trott and Lewis Burrage as Jack.

Jamie Christian, who is one of the lead characters in Jack and the Beanstalk, said: “I’m pleased to be in Chesterfield this Christmas. I’m very familiar with the area as I previously worked for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, so starring alongside the other cast members in Jack and the Beanstalk will be great fun. I’ve been to the Winding Wheel lots of times to watch shows, so being on stage there myself will be different, but something I’m really looking forward to.”

The story will be familiar to many, with Jack needing to find the courage to climb to cloud land to slay a giant to free his village of fear and win the hand of the princess.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The pantomime is a highlight in my Christmas calendar each year as I know it is for many families. I encourage people to plan ahead if they can and book tickets for what I’m sure will be a fantastic trip out that everyone will enjoy.”

Jack and the Beanstalk will be at The Winding Wheel from Friday, 5 December 2025 to Sunday, 4 January 2026.

Find out more and get your tickets here: https://chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/shows/jack-and-the-beanstalk-pantomime/

Check out other events happening in Chesterfield.

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

Chesterfield’s Crooked Spire named one of the East Midlands’ most visited free attractions

24th June 2025

Chesterfield’s iconic landmark, the Crooked Spire Church, has been named the third most visited free attraction in the East Midlands, according to the latest V isitEngland Annual Survey of Visits to Visitor Attractions.

The Chesterfield Parish Church welcomed 89,367 visitors in 2024, drawn by its distinctive twisted spire and centuries of history. The recognition places the church alongside some of the region’s most celebrated heritage destinations and highlights Chesterfield’s growing appeal as a short break destination.

Ryan Wilkes, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, said, “Chesterfield’s heritage is one of our greatest assets. From the Crooked Spire to our historic market, canal, and nearby stately homes, we offer visitors a rich and authentic experience. People are drawn to places with stories, character, and a strong sense of identity. Chesterfield delivers all of that and more.”

The VisitEngland survey gathered information from 1,373 English attractions and also revealed that overall visits to English attractions rose by 1.4% in 2024, with international visitors fuelling much of the growth.

Across Derbyshire, heritage continues to be a major draw. Chatsworth was named the most visited paid-for attraction in the East Midlands with 632,000 visitors, while Hardwick Hall ranked fifth with 305,000. Other nearby attractions featured in the top 20 include Bolsover Castle, Peak Rail, and Crich Tramway Village.

Chesterfield’s wider heritage offer includes Barrow Hill Roundhouse, the UK’s only operational railway roundhouse and the Chesterfield Canal. The town’s 800-year-old open-air market, medieval roots, and vibrant events calendar make it an ideal base for exploring the region.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “England’s first-class attractions, from our world-renowned museums, art galleries and historic houses to our places of worship, our parks and gardens, remain vitally important to our tourism offer to both international and domestic visitors.

“With summer on the doorstep and the school holidays fast approaching, make this the year you discover England’s fine attractions. Not only will you be giving our great attractions a much-needed boost, but I know you will enjoy a fantastic day out with family and friends, creating memories of a lifetime.”

This summer, Chesterfield invites visitors to explore more than just its famous spire. From stargazing at Chesterfield Observatory to medieval exhibitions, haunted pub tours, and the return of the Chesterfield Children’s Festival, the town offers a packed line-up of experiences.

For more inspiration and to plan your visit, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer.

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

Dinosaurs, street entertainment and festive fun

23rd June 2025

There are some great things to look forward to for the rest of 2025 as Chesterfield Borough Council unveils their upcoming event programme for Chesterfield.

With new and exciting events planned and an expanded Christmas offering, there are lots of great things for the whole family to enjoy when visiting the town centre.

Over the summer months, Chesterfield Borough Council’s little and often programme will be returning, bringing street entertainers, musicians and performers to roam the town centre and entertain visitors.

On Saturday 27 September, Chesterfield will be taking a trip back to the Jurassic period as dinosaurs take over the market. Including interactive shows in the market square and giant roaming dinosaurs, it’s a fantastic event for the whole family to enjoy.

Christmas this year will include the popular Switch-on event on Sunday 23 November, there will be street entertainment throughout the town centre, but due to the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield works in New Square, the stage show will be outside the Town Hall on Rose Hill this year.

Santa’s Grotto will be returning to the Assembly Rooms and there will be street entertainment on weekends, building up to Christmas. The popular Winter Window Trail, which debuted last year, will also be returning.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’ve put together a fantastic programme of events that offer something for everyone to enjoy and we hope that this will help encourage more people to visit the town centre and support local businesses.

“There are some new events for this year and the return of some popular events from previous years. We’ll be sharing more details about these fantastic events over the coming months, and I’d encourage everyone to support them.”

More details about these events will be shared on the council’s website and social media pages over the next few months.

Summer in Chesterfield

The little and often street entertainment programme joins 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, Christmas, Featured, Half term, Home, Leisure, Stay, Summer, Visiting

Proposed Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route set to unlock major investment and growth opportunities

20th June 2025

A proposed new transport link between Chesterfield and Staveley has taken a major step forward, following confirmation of regional funding support through the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

The Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route (CSRR) is a key infrastructure project that will unlock development along the A619 corridor, enabling the delivery of new homes, employment land and environmental improvements. The route is expected to catalyse regeneration along the Chesterfield Canal corridor, with the potential to inject up to £500 million into the regional economy.

The announcement has been welcomed by local leaders and stakeholders, who have long championed the project as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable growth across the borough.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This is fantastic news for the borough of Chesterfield and the region. The Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route is a transformational opportunity which will also unlock new sites for development that will drive significant economic growth across the borough, supporting the creation of new homes and new jobs for local people.

We have worked hard with public and private sector partners to secure this funding, and have fully supported Mayor Claire’s work to secure significant investment to support this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our borough, and the wider region.”

The funding announcement follows a successful bid by EMCCA, led by Mayor Claire Ward, to secure investment in strategic transport priorities across the East Midlands. The CSRR is one of several projects identified for support, reflecting its importance to the borough and the wider region.

Andy Dabbs, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, commented: “This landmark investment in transport infrastructure is a game changer for the East Midlands and the borough of Chesterfield.

The proposed investment in the Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route will unlock vital connectivity and be a catalyst for regeneration along the Canal Corridor. With the potential to create thousands of jobs and homes, and inject £500 million into the regional economy, this project exemplifies the kind of investment our communities need.

We commend Mayor Clare Ward for securing this funding for the region, and we will continue to work with partners to ensure Chesterfield plays a central role in driving inclusive, sustainable growth across the region.”

Andrew Byrne, Development Director at Devonshire Group, added: “The securing of these funds by EMCCA is fantastic news, and we are grateful to Mayor Claire and her team for the continued promotion of the CSRR.

This is a long-standing project that is now gaining impetus. The delivery of the CSRR is key to the regeneration of this once-thriving corridor, and will provide much-needed homes and employment, as well as delivering environmental improvements to the area. Devonshire Group will continue to work with its partners at the Borough Council, County Council, EMCCA and Harworth Group to make this happen.”

Harworth Group, Chief Executive, Lynda Shillaw, welcomed the Government’s investment in the East Midlands. She said: “We are encouraged by the Government’s announcement on the Mayoral settlements, focused on much-needed investment in transport and infrastructure across the regions, in the North of England and the Midlands. As a leading land and property regeneration business and a long-term investor in the regions, we believe that public investment in strategic infrastructure is critical to help unlock and accelerate some of the country’s largest opportunities across employment and housing.

This includes the East Midlands, where we are particularly optimistic by the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s announcement regarding the Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route (CSRR) and the A614/A6097 road improvements among other investments, securing a significant transport investment package and encouraging much-needed regeneration.”

East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore added:

“With infrastructure across the East Midlands in real need of investment to enable growth, it’s encouraging to hear of spending on improved transport, flood defences and nuclear energy, but as with the recent comprehensive spending review from the government it’s really the detail that matters – what projects, how they’re implemented, and how effective they are. It’s essential nowhere needing improvement is overlooked.

The Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route is part of a wider vision to deliver over £2 billion of investment and regeneration opportunities across the borough. Businesses and investors are encouraged to explore the full range of opportunities at www.chesterfield.co.uk/invest.

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

Meet a dragon, train as a knight, and laugh with a jester this summer

19th June 2025

Get ready for a summer of medieval magic as dragons roar, jesters tumble, and knights take to the field! This new free, family-friendly exhibition and event series has hands-on activities, live performances, and fascinating displays that bring the Middle Ages to life. From taming a mighty dragon to learning the art of being a fool,

The new exhibition and series of events showcase medieval times and are part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Museum on the Move project.

The free Medieval Times exhibition will include lots of hands-on family family-friendly activities, and there will be a series of special events to help make it even more exciting.

Will Sir Aurelious tame the dragon?

The events start with a special visit from Epico the Dragon, the magnificent creature, which will be coming on Tuesday 29 July to perform three live shows where visitors will have the chance to join Sir Aurelious on a quest to find and tame the beast.

Train to be a knight

On Saturday 2 August, popular re-enactors Lord Thomas Stanley Retinue will be hosting an encampment with displays, talks and demonstrations as well as fun interactive drill exercises for kids to take part in. Medieval musicians will also be attending to perform and demonstrate traditional instruments.

Learn ‘how to be a fool’ with a Jester

A Medieval Jester will be visiting on Wednesday 6 August, and there will be lots of family fun with juggling, circus skills, storytelling and interactive ‘how to be a fool’ workshops.

Meet a medieval surgeon

The following weekend, on Saturday 9 August, a medieval surgeon will be coming to talk about his craft, he’ll share all the gory details, the bizarre cures and let you see some of the scary surgical equipment he uses.

Medieval Times Exhibition

The exhibition is a fantastic way to start the school holidays, it’s open from 29 July to 9 August, Tuesday to Friday from 11am to 3pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. It will be hosted along with all events at Mary Swanwick Primary School in Old Whittington.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re really excited to be working with the school to host this incredible exhibition and series of events. There have been some fantastic exhibitions around the borough over the last year and this one is another example of how we can create fun activities that will help people of all ages connect with our history. This will be a great way to start the summer holidays and have a fun, free day out.”

Activities at the exhibition include a Medieval Market Stall with handling objects, an Apothecary medieval cures game, weapons and chain mail to handle and try on as well as the chance to make a leather purse, and an illuminated letter.

The Medieval Times exhibition is part of Museum on the Move, which is a programme of events and exhibitions that are being funded by Arts Council England.

It aims to ensure that whilst Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre are closed for refurbishment, residents and visitors can still connect with our borough’s history and culture.

To find out more about the exhibition and events, please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/museum-events

Discover heritage, history and more this Summer in Chesterfield

Medieval Times joins 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, Leisure, Stay, Summer, Visiting