Leisure

New bespoke, handcrafted design business opens at Chesterfield Market Hall

29th January 2026

GL Laser Creations is a new independent business now trading from Chesterfield Market Hall, offering handmade and personalised wooden gifts designed and made on site.

Owner, Gemma spent many years working as a manager for a large corporate company, having worked her way up from the bottom. Alongside a busy family life, she always had a creative side, which first came to light when she designed unique items for her own wedding. With support from her husband, a chief engineer working with industrial machinery, including lasers and CNC equipment, those early designs were cut and made with industry professionals and quickly became a hobby.

The business has its roots in a very personal story. Gemma’s mum always encouraged her to follow what she loved and noticed how her passion for creating lit her up. After her mum sadly passed away 16 months ago, shortly after reaching retirement age, that encouragement became the motivation to finally take the leap.

While organising the funeral, Gemma created wooden book-style covers for the order of service, as she wanted people to keep something meaningful rather than something that would be folded away. These later developed into her now best-selling wooden cards.

After leaving her corporate role to support her dad, an opportunity came through a friend who offered workshop space and access to an industrial laser at Arena UK in Grantham. This allowed her to continue creating while also caring for her family, and gave her the confidence to see whether the business could stand on its own.

Speaking on her decision to open at the Market Hall, Gemma said:

“When it came to opening a shop, Chesterfield Market Hall stood out for its support of new and independent businesses. The affordable setup allowed GL Laser Creations to start small, build a customer base, and test the market.”

The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with many customers returning regularly to check in and support the business.

Around 80% of the products sold are original designs, exclusive to the shop. Everything can be personalised at no extra cost, and bespoke items are made to order. Customers only pay once they are happy with the finished piece.

All products are made by hand from start to finish. Gemma designs each item on her own software, runs the laser herself, and completes all building and painting. A laser engraver is also available in the shop, allowing customers to have items personalised while they wait and be involved in choosing fonts and layouts.

Popular products include wooden cards, wine holders, and decorative lanterns, all designed to offer something different from what is usually available on the high street.

New designs are added weekly, and the business continues to grow through word of mouth, leaflets, and support from Market Hall management through social media.

GL Laser Creations is open at Chesterfield Market Hall and can also be found on Facebook: www.facebook.com

For more independent retailers in Chesterfield, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Manufacturing, Stay, Visiting

Plans take shape for Saints Bar in town centre

28th January 2026

Set within a striking building dating back to the 1400s, Saints Bar is preparing to open in the heart of our town centre, bringing together historic charm, live music and a welcoming social atmosphere.

Directly opposite the Crooked Spire in the town centre, Saints Bar is the result of a shared passion for hospitality and music between its owners. The team brings together years of experience working in bars, live music production and performance, as well as first-hand knowledge of running licensed premises. Pub keeping is also a long-standing family tradition, with generations of publicans behind the venture.

The owners say Saints Bar is designed to be more than just another place to drink. Instead, the focus is on the connection between friends, artists, locals and visitors, creating a venue that feels familiar, lively and inclusive.

The historic building itself plays a central role in the concept. Original features such as a stone archway and beautifully preserved oak-panelled rooms dating back to the 1600s have been carefully retained, giving the space a sense of heritage while being adapted into a relaxed, modern bar environment.

“We wanted to create somewhere that respects the history of the building but still feels comfortable and social,” the owners explain. “It’s about atmosphere, not pretension, a place you can enjoy whether you’re popping in for a quiet drink or staying for an evening of music and cocktails.”

“The town centre location was a key factor in the decision to open Saints Bar. Its position among other established venues, strong pedestrian access and proximity to the train station make it ideally placed to contribute positively to Chesterfield’s evening economy.”

The drinks offering will include a range of signature cocktails developed exclusively for Saints Bar by an experienced cocktail specialist, alongside classic cocktails, locally sourced beers and ales, and a carefully selected range of mid- to high-end spirits and wines. Plans are also in place to apply for permission to install a kitchen area, allowing the venue to offer a small selection of high-quality food such as artisan pizzas, cheese boards and tapas-style dishes.

Looking ahead, Saints Bar plans to host a variety of themed events and live entertainment, including music-led nights, line dancing, ladies’ nights and murder mystery evenings designed to make the most of the building’s historic character. The team is also considering dedicated evenings for hospitality and bar industry workers, offering discounted rates as a way of supporting others in the sector.

Supporting local businesses is another priority. Saints Bar aims to work with local producers and suppliers wherever possible and is exploring rotating bar lines to showcase a range of regional beers and products.

Early feedback from the community has been very positive, with residents keen to see the historic building brought back into active use. The owners hope Saints Bar will become a well-loved town centre destination, a place that enhances Chesterfield’s night-time offer while celebrating its heritage.

Updates on the progress of Saints Bar can be found on the venue’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com

Followers can see behind-the-scenes restoration work and learn more about upcoming plans as the opening approaches.

For more independent bars and restaurants within Chesterfield, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Love is all around this Valentine’s weekend in Chesterfield

26th January 2026

This year, Valentine’s Day lands on a weekend, which means more time to spend together, away from the weekday routines. Whether that’s with a partner, friends, family, or someone you enjoy being around, it’s the shared moments that mean the most.

Make memories together by trying something new, visiting somewhere you’ve never been before, or simply planning a little bit of fun. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about big gestures.

Discover eight ideas to help you make the most out of your Valentine’s weekend.

1. Live music

If live music is your thing, experience The Illegal Eagles at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Friday. They bring a night of classic hits in celebration of 30 years on the road. The following evening, the Winding Wheel presents a tribute to one of the world’s most recognisable voices, Céline Dion, featuring many of her best-loved songs.

Real Time Live brings a night of classic rock on Friday, followed by a Download Festival party on Saturday.

Or combine live music with two for £15 cocktails at Barca Bar, Casa Hotel, with Alex Wallhead, on Friday and Jayrar on Saturday, both from 6:30 pm.

2. Dining out

Brunch

Ninety-Four offers a standout brunch menu, with French toast Valentine’s specials ‘I love you berry much’ with Acai, coconut flakes, toasted almonds, chia seeds, banana chips and fresh berries and ‘Marry me Chicken’ with pulled chicken in a creamy tomato marry me sauce with sundried tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh . They now open Friday and Saturday evenings too, offering upmarket sharing plates.

Alternatively, head into our town centre to Bottle & Thyme. This cosy spot serves fresh, seasonal dishes with a creative edge or try their signature Turkish Eggs.

For a more relaxed setting, Sorbo Lounge is colourful, family-friendly, and dog-friendly too. Their Sunshine Brunch puts a fresh spin on all-day brunch favourites, making it an easy choice for a laid-back morning.

Make a weekend of it with Casa Hotel’s Bottomless Brunch. Enjoy sharing platters of charcuterie and tapas in Barça Bar, complemented by 90 minutes of bottomless Prosecco, Estrella Damm, or cocktails, spritzes and soft drinks. Extend the experience with an overnight stay for two in a deluxe room, followed by breakfast the next morning.

Drinks

If you’re planning an evening out, explore our diverse pubs and bars. Start on Chatsworth Road and taste an exclusive range of flavours at Brampton Brewery, where golden ales and dark stouts ensure every sip tells a story of passion and tradition.

For a livelier atmosphere, head further down the road to Junction Bar to sample their signature cocktails, such as the ‘Cherry Bakewell’ and ‘Junction Juice’. Enjoy live performances from local artists, with DJs taking over on Saturday.

Dinner

Share a special meal with your loved ones at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, where the elegant Coach House Restaurant will host a Valentine’s Black Tie Dinner, serving dishes from Grilled seabass fillet with spinach garlic cream to a pork loin steak, with a red wine green peppercorn sauce to make the evening feel extra memorable.

Treat yourself to a relaxed evening at the Red Lion Restaurant, to tuck into an eight‑course tasting menu packed with seasonal flavours – many fresh from their own Walton Lodge Farm Estate. Each course is created to surprise and delight. And if you fancy making it extra special, you can add a wine flight perfectly matched to each dish.

Or visit the Tickled Trout, on the edge of Chesterfield in Barlow, for quality British food and relaxed dining.

Closer to town, Casa’s Cocina Restaurant offers Spanish-inspired sharing dishes that showcase the best of British produce. Share a 16oz Châteaubriand, served with two sides, two indulgent sauces and a bottle of Malbec – perfect for a romantic evening.

For great flavours and warm hospitality in the heart of our town centre, Odyssey Greek Restaurant serves authentic flavours of Greece, with dishes perfect for a romantic date night.

3. Get outdoors

Celebrate Valentine’s weekend with a breath of fresh air and some quality time together. Take a relaxed stroll through Queen’s Park, an ideal spot for families, couples, or a catch-up with a friend, or explore Holmebrook Valley Park for open green spaces, sweeping views across town and a peaceful moment by the lake.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, venture a little further into the Peak District to discover a new scenic spot – ideal for creating memories.

Hardwick Hall hosts St Valentine with themed activities in the Stableyard over the February half term. Find playful trails and crafts inspired by connection, pairs, and love, as well as exploring the garden and hall.

Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground offers a fun family day out too, with friendly animals to meet and spaces to explore together.

Or discover Bolsover Castle for a more thoughtful, quieter Valentine’s outing. The beautifully preserved 17th-century site has richly decorated rooms, painted ceilings and gardens that inspire a sense of history and charm.

Enjoy a relaxed boat trip along the Chesterfield Canal. Departing from Tapton Lock on Saturday, every hour between 11:00 pm and 3:00 pm, enjoy a 40-minute return cruise taking in local wildlife. You could spot moorhens, kingfishers, deer, herons, and even have a go at steering! Tapton Lock Visitor Centre will also be decorated with a ‘love’ theme, welcoming you to stop off for a drink, sandwich, ice cream, and other treats.

4. Take on a challenge

Assess your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills together at Chesterfield Escape Room. Challenge yourselves in an immersive setting while sharing laughs and building memories as you work to solve clues and escape within 60 minutes. It is a lively alternative to a traditional dinner date that gives you a chance to bond in a playful, cooperative way.

Take on a fun, firsthand challenge at The Snake Room Urban Axe Throwing. The team guides you through a safety briefing and basic techniques before you compete to hit bullseyes in a relaxed but exciting environment. Perfect for adventure and a laugh with friends or a bold date idea, you can also grab a drink at the onsite café to celebrate your scores afterwards. Plenty of restaurants along the road, too.

Bring your friends or family to play over six hundred games at Board & Bean – now with free entry.

With a range of difficulty levels and plenty of choice, you could easily spend hours together without realising, making it ideal for groups, couples or families looking to try something a little different over Valentine’s weekend.

Team up or go head-to-head over trading card battles or role-playing adventures at Geeks HQ. Afterwards, browse collectibles and comics, and discover unique custom 3D-printed creations, all while sipping drinks and sharing snacks in this relaxed, late-night setting. Open until 11:00 pm Friday, 9:00 pm Saturday and 6:00 pm Sunday.

5. Get active together

Add a little adventure to your Valentine’s weekend with Iron Age Archery. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced archer, enjoy hands-on sessions and games that bring out your competitive side. It is a unique way to spend time together outdoors.

6. Spend time with local animals

Matlock Farm Park offers plenty of farmyard fun, from meeting, feeding, and petting a wide range of friendly animals to alpaca trekking through the woods.

Visit Adam’s Happy Hens to feed emus, goats, pigs, horses, and free-roaming hens. Or catch a live demonstration such as, cow milking at Chatsworth Farmyard.

7. Relax

Start your weekend on Friday with a magical night of stargazing at Chesterfield Barnett Observatory. From 8:00 pm, share views of planets, stars, and other celestial sights through a large telescope. No need to book, just show up and take a journey through the stars.

Take time just for you at Hotpod Yoga. Their modern studio at Elder Way allows you to recharge, relax, and re-energise your body while calming your mind.

Or treat yourself to a rejuvenating day at Ringwood Hotel and Spa. Experience ‘The Double Indulgence,’ a lavender back, neck and shoulder massage, followed by a customised facial. Alternatively, simply unwind in the vitality pool, saunas, steam room, and relaxation lounges.

8. Get creative

Get creative together at Peel Pottery. Paint ceramics or personalise clay pieces to take home – from mugs and plates to a heart featuring your loved one’s name.

Grab your besties and create a masterpiece on Saturday at Bottle & Thyme with Thirsty Work’s Sip and Paint special Galantine’s event. Enjoy a themed cocktail on arrival, a pre-drawn canvas, all painting materials, and a fully guided painting session. Bond, catch up, and leave feeling inspired.

Explore more local places to dine across our town, by visiting: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2025/10/50-food-and-drink-businesses-to-try-in-chesterfield/

For a variety of shopping ideas to treat your loved ones, visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2025/10/50-independent-retailers-in-chesterfield/

Posted in Blog, Destination Chesterfield, Half term, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

£2 million funding boost for Staveley Town Deal projects

23rd January 2026

£2 million of funding will help to enhance key projects in Staveley and deliver more benefits for the local community.

East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is providing additional funding to enhance two of the Staveley Town Deal projects, creating an improved green space at the Moorings at Staveley Basin and delivering more for the local community at Barrow Hill Memorial Hall, especially for children and young people.

Chesterfield Borough Council applied for the funding on behalf of the Staveley Town Deal Board.

Barrow Hill Community Trust is leading the refurbishment of Barrow Hill Memorial Hall. With support from the Town Deal, the Trust is developing a new community pantry, community bar and café, and a health hub. Town Deal funding has also enabled essential building upgrades, including new electrical and ventilation systems.

Funding from EMCCA will support the creation of a nursery and a physical activity space with youth provision in the evenings, as well as provide match funding to help kick-start works on the second storey. This phase will deliver a new events venue alongside additional community facilities.

Derbyshire County Council have built and operate the Moorings at Staveley Basin – the mixed-use development sits next to the historic town basin and aims to attract new businesses to the area. Additional funding from EMCCA will enhance the landscape around the building and create new pontoons for boats to moor in the basin.

Both Staveley projects align with EMCCA’s ‘Vision for Growth Spatial Strategy’ and will support the ambitions of the East Midlands Investment Zone to regenerate the area.

The funding also ensures these projects are delivered as originally envisioned in the Staveley Town Investment Plan.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This investment is about more than buildings and infrastructure – it’s about people. By working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council and communities in Staveley, we’re creating inclusive places where everyone feels welcome and has the opportunity to thrive.

“I am committed to making the East Midlands a place that everyone is proud to call home, and that begins with investing in projects that regenerate our towns, villages, and cities.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice-chair of the Staveley Town Deal, said: “This is fantastic news for Staveley that will see an important green space improved and a much-used community asset reach its full potential. We’ll work closely with the project sponsors to ensure they have the support they need to deliver these projects for the benefit of Staveley residents.”

Simon Redding, Chair of Barrow Hill Community Trust said: “This funding will make a major difference to the lives, wellbeing and economic inclusion of the people of Barrow Hill and the surrounding communities to the east of Chesterfield. Finally local people will have the community-led facilities for families, young people and physical activity that they deserve and need.”

Ivan Fomin, chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “This funding demonstrates how investment from the Town Deal has helped secure further funding for Staveley that will deliver even more benefits for the local community.”

For more information on the Staveley Town Deal project, and other local development’s, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Stay

Why homebuyers are choosing Chesterfield for value, connectivity, and community

20th January 2026

A new study highlights that people are deciding to settle within Chesterfield, taking advantage of the convenience of commuting to Sheffield while benefiting from the area’s strengths as a place to live.

The study by sellhousefast.uk assessed commuter towns for England’s five biggest cities (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Sheffield), and ranked them on livability and commuting factors.

Chesterfield came in at the top for commuting to Sheffield, and fourth overall, with an approximate commute time of 40.5 minutes by car and 12 minutes by train, and an average house price of £212,576, as well as, 64% of schools rated good/outstanding within five miles. The study also calculated the crime risk score of 626/1,000 giving Chesterfield an overall score of 6.29.

Neighbouring town Dronfield came in fifth with a commute to Sheffield of 29 minutes by car and 10 minutes by train, with average house prices of £273,863

Bolsover, just 15 minutes away from our town centre, placed seventh in Up-and-coming areas with the most significant house price increases, helping buyers identify up-and-coming areas before prices peak, with an 86.1% increase in house prices since 2015.

Destination Chesterfield Board Member, Ryan Wilkes said:

“What really sets Chesterfield apart is the quality of life it offers. Residents benefit from excellent connectivity to major cities while enjoying lower housing costs, good schools, and a strong sense of community. It’s no surprise that more people are recognising Chesterfield as a place to build a long-term future.”

Chesterfield continues to be recognised as a great place to live, once again ranked the happiest place to live in the East Midlands by Rightmove’s 2025 Happy at Home survey.

Also in 2025, Chesterfield was 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, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Locals’ celebrate Queen’s Park Sports Centre tenth birthday

16th January 2026

Over 900 of our local residents and visitors attended Queen’s Park Sports Centre’s open day on January 11th to celebrate the facility’s tenth birthday.
Over the last ten years, the sports centre has grown to be a community hub for many different groups, organisations and individuals to use, learn and enjoy.

As part of the open day, the centre encouraged local people to come along and join them to take part in a range of free or low-cost activities that were suitable for everyone.
The open day included a range of activities, from fitness classes and swimming lessons to opportunities to explore the gym facilities, participate in racket sports, try netball, experience pre-school gymnastics, and participate in an on-site treasure hunt where participants could find prizes hidden around the centre.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said:

“Marking 10 years of Queen’s Park Sports Centre is fantastic. The centre is an inclusive space that provides activities that bring communities together, from activities for children to specific sessions such as Outswimming Cancer. There is something on offer there for everyone.

“Getting active has so many benefits both physically and mentally, so I encourage anyone who hasn’t visited the centre to find out how they could join what has become a community.”

People can find out more about Queen’s Park Sports Centre here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk and learn about New Year membership offers by following this link: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure

Chesterfield to benefit from £121m regional road maintenance plan

14th January 2026

Chesterfield is set to benefit from part of a £121m investment proposed by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) for road maintenance and repairs across the region. The funding will cover the region’s four highway authorities in the 2026/27 financial year.

The funding, to be considered by the authority’s transport committee this week, aims to make roads safer, reduce congestion and tackle years of wear and tear caused by previous underinvestment in the region.

The proposed investment would be used for a range of work, from repairing worn surfaces and potholes, to maintenance preventing damage before it happens. Some projects will combine road repairs with improvements to pavements, drainage, and public spaces, delivering better results for local communities.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This proposed investment shows our commitment to keeping roads safe and reliable for everyone in the East Midlands. By acting now, we can tackle years of wear and tear, support local communities, and make journeys smoother for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. This decisive action shows we are ready to deliver in 2026.”

Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability at Derby City Council, said: “This proposed additional investment is excellent news for our region.”

Members of the authority’s Transport and Digital Committee will also consider an alternative option this week. This would invest a total of £79.4m in road maintenance for the 2026/27 financial year.

Additionally, more than £13.5m is proposed for local neighbourhood projects. These smaller-scale schemes improve road safety, access, and local travel, directly benefiting people’s daily lives in towns and villages across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

The proposed funding is subject to agreement at the Transport Committee meeting, before going before the EMCCA board for final approval in March.

The upcoming Transport Committee will also discuss the progress of the existing £184m transport investment programme. It has already brought safer roads, better bus services, new cycle routes, and improved travel connections across the region.

Mayor Claire said: “This investment is a significant step forward for our region. By focusing on road maintenance, safer streets, and better transport connections, we are delivering tangible benefits for our communities now, while laying the foundation for long-term improvements across the next seven years.”

Key projects which are underway:

Chesterfield Staveley Regeneration Route (Derbyshire): £2.5m invested in development of the scheme, supporting new housing and regeneration;
Merrill Way/A514/Boulton Lane Junction (Derby): Work has begun on £3m junction improvements;
A614/A6097 Major Road Network (Nottinghamshire): More than £7m contribution to tackle congestion and support new housing, with construction planned for summer 2026.

The programme is on track to spend £151m this year, a significant increase compared with 2024/25, showing that EMCCA and the constituent authorities are making real progress on projects that matter to communities and delivering on a larger scale than previously.

This year’s programme is the first of a seven-year investment plan, giving the region certainty to deliver bigger and longer-lasting improvements.

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

New art venture Scarlet Sky Studio moves into town centre

12th January 2026

Scarlet Sky Studio, a new art venture, has recently moved into the Market Hall within our town centre. Sarah cook, has been passionate about design since the age of six. With over 25 years’ experience in the design industry, working in the UK, Ireland, the USA, and worldwide, Sarah has created fabrics and carpets for domestic and commercial spaces including hotels, car showrooms, airports, and historical restorations of stately homes and castles. She has collaborated with renowned companies such as Laura Ashley, Art House, and Wilton Carpets.

The idea for Scarlet Sky Studio emerged with encouragement from her partner, Chris, who runs Rock of Ages, a business specialising in vinyl and music memorabilia. While out for lunch, Chris suggested creating large canvases, inspired by the shortage of accessible, affordable art on the market. The name Scarlet Sky is a personal reflection: “Scarlet is my daughter’s name, and Sky represents freedom and the limitless possibilities of starting my own business,” explains Sarah.

Having studied fine art at university, specialising in textiles, print, and surface pattern design, Sarah has always loved experimenting with colour and media. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when canvas and paint were scarce, she and Chris developed a solution: rescuing pre-loved canvases and upcycling them, giving them new life while creating beautiful, affordable art. Acrylic and watercolour are her main media, though she embraces all materials to achieve the desired effect, often celebrating happy accidents in her work.

Since starting, Sarah has primarily sold her work online through platforms such as Etsy, Vinterior, social media, as well as her own website. A growing following led to enquiries about viewing the art in person. After hosting a few successful open days in her garden studio, she realised a more permanent space was needed.

Having moved to Chesterfield 18 months ago, Sarah says the town felt like the perfect place to open a shop.

Sarah said:

“Chesterfield is one of the friendliest towns I’ve lived in, full of like-minded people and supportive independent businesses. Its location near the Peak District and its vibrant town centre make it a great spot for independent shops to thrive.”

Scarlet Sky Studio now offers handmade, original art at affordable prices, providing locals and visitors alike the opportunity to buy unique pieces while supporting a small, creative business. The studio represents a combination of professional experience, personal passion, and sustainable practice, making it a standout addition to Chesterfield’s creative community.

For more information, visit: Scarlet Sky Interiors

Posted in Business, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Local community invited to celebrate 10 years of Queen’s Park Sports Centre

6th January 2026

Ten years ago, Queen’s Park Sports Centre opened its doors to our residents for the first time and has since grown to be a community hub for many different groups, organisations and individuals to use and enjoy.

This Sunday, Queen’s Park Sports Centre will be hosting an open day and is encouraging local people to come along and join them in celebrating ten years of the sports centre so far.

The open day will include a range of activities for all of the family from fitness classes to swimming lessons and vouchers will be hidden for customers to find, there’s loads to get involved in.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It’s a genuine pleasure to be part of celebrating this ten-year milestone of Queens Park Sports Centre serving our communities. The vision we had for an inclusive space, providing activities to get people moving and bringing them together has been more than realised.

“I encourage anyone, especially those who may not previously have taken part in exercise to come along to the open day and take advantage of the activities on offer on the 11 January.

“Getting active has so many benefits both physically and mentally and it’s never too late or early!”

Visitors can enjoy a mix of free fitness classes, family-friendly activities, and sports tasters throughout the day. Highlights include:

Fitness classes such as indoor cycling, yoga, Body Pump, and fun sessions like Clubbercise
Racket sports with drop-in badminton and pickleball games, plus a family netball taster
Children’s activities, including pre-school tumblers and gymnastics-style play
Swimming tasters for adults and children, ending with a family splash session with floats and toys

There’s something for all ages and abilities, making it a great day to try new activities and get active together.

All of the individual sessions will be bookable in advance via reception in person, or by calling 01246 345 555. Fitness classes, racket sports and netball are available to book online

It is advised that sessions are booked ahead of your visit to the open day to avoid disappointment. Many of the sessions will be free of charge or low cost to mark the open day.

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

Aurora train serves Chesterfield as part of landmark East Midlands launch

31st December 2025

A new chapter in rail travel has begun in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, as the first train from Transport UK and East Midlands Railway’s (EMR) £400 million Aurora fleet carried its inaugural passengers. The service, which stops at Chesterfield, gave local travellers a first glimpse of the step-change in comfort, reliability, and performance that the new Hitachi Rail trains bring to the network.

The maiden Aurora service departed Sheffield at 7am, bound for London, serving Chesterfield along the way and offering passengers their first experience of the upgraded fleet.

The 33 bi-mode trains will make full use of the £1.5 billion Midland Main Line upgrade, running on electric overhead lines to cut carbon emissions by 66 per cent – meaning quieter and greener journeys for passengers travelling through Chesterfield and beyond.

The Aurora fleet offers 24 per cent more seats and over 19 per cent more legroom in a typical five-carriage formation compared to the Meridian trains it replaced. Once the full fleet of 33 trains is in service, it will deliver a 46 per cent increase in total seating available on the Midland Main Line, benefitting commuters and travellers.

Transport UK’s EMR business worked closely with Derby-based design firm DG DESIGN to adapt a brand-new seat for the Aurora trains. The result combines comfort and support with practical features such as power and USB points, generous legroom, coat hooks, well-sized seat-back tables, and storage space for cabin bags under each seat.

Passengers on the new Aurora trains also experienced improved connectivity thanks to an enhanced Wi-Fi system using multiple SIM cards, along with specially engineered glass to allow mobile signals to pass through more effectively.

Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, said on the day the train departed:
“Today is truly a landmark moment for rail travel across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. At 7am, the very first train in Transport UK and EMR’s brand-new £400 million Aurora fleet departed Sheffield for London St Pancras – marking the start of a new era for Intercity travel on our network. With more seats, legroom and luggage space, as well as enhanced Wi-Fi, passenger information and the ability to run on electric, these new trains will transform the service we can provide.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire strengthen international tourism in Asia

30th December 2025

Visit Peak District and Derbyshire has highlighted the region’s world-class tourism offerings to leading travel buyers from China, Japan, and South Korea at an international travel trade mission in Chengdu, China.”

The mission, part of VisitBritain’s Destination Britain China and Northeast Asia (DBCNEA) programme, provided a significant opportunity to raise the international profile of the Peak District and Derbyshire. It supports Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s wider objectives to attract high-spending global visitors, extend the tourism season beyond peak months, and deliver long-term benefits to the local visitor economy.

During the event, the team held over 50 one-to-one meetings with tour operators and travel buyers from China, Japan, and South Korea, highlighting the region’s tourism offerings to inspire future itineraries and drive new business.

Additionally, Visit Peak District and Derbyshire delivered educational seminars showcasing local attractions, accommodations, and activity providers. These closely align with emerging Asian travel trends, including high-end, small-group, and immersive experiences.

Derbyshire is attracting growing interest from Chinese visitors, drawn by the area’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Chatsworth, internationally recognised for its role in the 2005 Pride & Prejudice film, remains a major attraction, while the wider Peak District offers ‘soft adventure’ experiences such as hiking and stargazing, appealing to a new generation of nature-inspired travellers.

Both ‘Peak District’ and ‘Chatsworth’ currently feature among the most popular trending searches on RedNote, one of China’s largest social platforms with over 300 million users, highlighting Derbyshire’s strong potential as a must-see UK destination.

Spending by visitors from China, Japan, and South Korea is forecast to reach £1.4 billion for the UK economy this year, with an average visitor spend from these markets of £1,528 per visit – more than double the all-market average of £818.

Attendance at DBCNEA strengthened Visit Peak District and Derbyshire’s ongoing engagement with the Chinese market, which includes a dedicated cultural tourism friendship between Derbyshire and Anhui Province, facilitated by Make It China. This established collaboration provided valuable momentum for trade discussions during the event.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, said:

“VisitBritain’s Destination Britain China and Northeast Asia mission offered us an invaluable platform to present Derbyshire’s unique blend of heritage, nature and immersive experiences to top buyers from China, Japan and South Korea.

By bringing our region directly into the spotlight at a global event, we build the relationships and confidence needed for tour operators to book the Peak District as an essential stop on future itineraries – making a powerful case for the region as a “must-see” destination beyond the typical London circuit.

Growing awareness among these influential buyers is key to unlocking the full potential of inbound tourism for our communities and economy.”

As part of its international tourism strategy, Visit Peak District and Derbyshire has been working extensively to ensure local tourism businesses are ‘travel trade ready’. Over the past year, the organisation has supported more than 40 businesses to become trade-ready through targeted development workshops and the launch of a new Travel Trade Brochure.

Businesses can find out more about Visit Peak District and Derbyshire’s business support activity at: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry

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