Leisure

Chesterfield performer stars in award-winning musical Operation Mincemeat

Chesterfield performer stars in award‑winning West End musical Operation Mincemeat

A performer who grew up in Chesterfield is taking centre stage in one of the UK’s most celebrated contemporary musicals.

Holly Sumpton, a former Chesterfield student, stars in the multi‑award‑winning Operation Mincemeat. The show is currently playing in the West End and preparing for a major world tour beginning with the UK. Holly plays Ewen Montagu, a British naval intelligence officer whose daring deception played a pivotal role during the Second World War.

Holly grew up in Chesterfield and attended St Mary’s RC High School before studying performing arts at Chesterfield Studios. She later trained in musical theatre at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, developing the skills that have led to leading roles on major stages.

Award‑winning global success

Since premiering at London’s New Diorama Theatre in 2019, Operation Mincemeat has grown into one of the UK’s most successful contemporary musicals. The production has received 67 award nominations and won 25 awards, cementing its reputation as a standout success on the stage.

The UK tour continues until late 2026. The international tour follows, beginning in America, with further dates including Australia, New Zealand and China.

SpitLip, the musical’s writers and composers, said:

“We’re so excited to see Operation Mincemeat heading out on a world tour next year. Having launched our show on Broadway this year, we know there’s an appetite for shows which champion joy and the power of small groups of people to change the world.

“We’re also delighted to be welcoming back our agent, Holly, to kick off the UK leg of the tour.”

A place to learn

Holly’s journey highlights the opportunities available to young people growing up and learning in Chesterfield.

Find out more about learning and skills in Chesterfield at http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/learning/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure

Artists Jam sparks creative revolution across Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s creative scene is being strengthened through a new initiative that brings local artists together to share ideas, build confidence and develop their practice.

Artists Jam, delivered by Creative Revolution with support from Arts Council England funding, offers a welcoming space for creatives across all disciplines to meet, learn and experiment in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Open to artists, makers, performers and anyone with a creative interest, Artists Jam was developed in response to feedback from Chesterfield’s creative community. The initiative focuses on providing accessible opportunities for creatives to connect and collaborate.

Artist Jam Creative Revolution

Organisers say the project was developed in response to a clear need within our town’s creative community.

Lisa Price, Marketing Officer at Creative Revolution, said:

“The idea for Artists Jam arose from the lack of connectivity and collaboration among creatives in Chesterfield and the surrounding areas. Just as musicians come together to ‘jam’, we wanted to create a similar space for artists to develop their practice.”

Chesterfield’s growing creative community

Sessions take place at Open Hus Collective in Chesterfield on the second Friday of every month, from 12:30pm to 2:30pm, with the next session scheduled for Friday 8 May 2026.

Each session is participant‑led, allowing activities to evolve naturally based on the interests and needs of those attending. This flexible approach helps ensure the programme remains inclusive, relevant and shaped by the local creative community.

Attendees can expect informal skill‑sharing, optional opportunities to share work, and collaboration across disciplines including visual arts, writing, performance, craft and digital media.

Lisa added:

“It’s a relaxed, friendly environment where everyone is welcome, whatever their experience level. It’s about connection, encouragement and helping people grow their creative practice.”

Partnership strengthening Chesterfield’s cultural offer

Artists Jam also works in partnership with Chesterfield Champion – Junction Arts, bringing together ‘Chesterfield Creatives’ and ‘Artists Jam’ under one umbrella to strengthen the town’s creative network.

The collaboration is helping to connect more people across Chesterfield’s cultural sector, encouraging shared learning and new opportunities for local artists.

Future sessions will continue to feature guest creatives and practitioners, including poets, facilitators and artists working across different disciplines, further expanding the programme’s reach and influence.

Supporting confidence and creative growth

Supporting confidence and creative growth

Artists Jam is already making a positive impact, with participants progressing into new opportunities ranging from performances and facilitation roles to public exhibitions.

For many, the sessions have provided a stepping stone to build confidence, test ideas and move forward creatively. Organisers say the growing popularity of the programme highlights the appetite for supportive, community‑focused creative spaces in Chesterfield.

Part of Chesterfield’s creative evolution

Artists Jam is contributing to Chesterfield’s wider cultural development, aligning with ambitions to strengthen the town’s identity as a place for creativity, innovation and collaboration.

With continued funding in place until October 2026, the project now focuses on expanding partnerships and strengthening engagement across Chesterfield’s creative sector.

To discover more events happening in and around Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk

To find out more about Artists Jam, visit: ccep.org.uk/artists-jam/

Junction Arts is one of over 200 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to 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 our Champions network.

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

Beauty salon set to open in town centre with focus on luxury, calming treatments

An independent beauty salon is set to open in Chesterfield town centre, adding a calm, luxury wellbeing offer to the area.

A launch event will take place on Saturday, 9th May at 2:00pm, with discounts and giveaways available on the day.

One 9 Beauty is the result of eight years of dedication from founder Claire Mott, who first trained in beauty while raising her young family. What began as a hobby alongside full‑time office work gradually developed into a growing business with a loyal client base.

After the birth of her second child, Claire made the decision to commit fully to the business, continuing to grow while working from rented salon spaces. Opening her own premises marks a significant milestone in that journey.

The salon’s name is inspired by Claire’s daughter’s birth date, reflecting the personal story behind the brand and the family motivation that has shaped its growth.

Located in the heart of Chesterfield, One 9 Beauty benefits from strong footfall, passing trade and convenient nearby parking, making it easily accessible for clients.

Designed to promote calm and relaxation, the salon offers a slower‑paced, spa‑like experience that sets it apart from more fast‑paced beauty environments.

Claire Mott, Founder of One 9 Beauty, said:

“I’ve always dreamed of having my own salon, so to finally open One 9 Beauty is an incredible achievement. I’m proud of everything it’s taken to get here, and it means so much that my children can see what hard work can lead to.”

One 9 Beauty specialises in skincare, lashes and brows, offering treatments including lash extensions, Korean lash lifts, brow lamination, waxing and tinting.

Skin treatments are a key focus, with in‑depth consultations designed to tailor services to individual needs. Payment plans and bundled offers are available, helping make treatments more accessible.

The salon’s ethos centres on enhancing natural beauty rather than dramatic transformation, with a strong emphasis on care, detail and client wellbeing.

Alongside client services, the business is expanding into professional training, with its first courses launching in May. These will cover lashes, brows and selected facial treatments, with a focus on high‑quality education and ongoing support.

Claire added:

“Good training at the start of your journey is essential. I want to provide courses that give people a strong foundation and the confidence to build successful businesses of their own.”

Looking ahead, the salon plans to grow its training offer further and is inviting interest from other professionals, with four beauty rooms available to rent within the space.

With a strong personal story and a focus on quality, One 9 Beauty adds to Chesterfield’s growing independent business community, reinforcing the town’s reputation as a supportive place to invest, grow and thrive.

Find out more about business and investment opportunities in Chesterfield: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Visiting

New events to bring energy and visitors to Chesterfield town centre

A new programme of cultural and community events is set to bring renewed energy to Chesterfield town centre, with local businesses welcoming plans to animate the town’s revitalised market square.

Chesterfield Champions say the events will help attract visitors, boost footfall and encourage people to spend more time in the town centre – supporting independent traders and strengthening Chesterfield’s appeal as a destination.

A strong start for the new market square

The recently refurbished market square has already hosted its first major event of the year, Chesterfield Glow Up, which saw thousands of people turn out to celebrate the transformation.

Designed to appeal to a broad audience, the event featured a funfair, live music, street entertainers, craft activities and a bespoke light show that illuminated the market hall. The success of Glow Up demonstrated how revitalised town‑centre spaces can support large‑scale, high‑quality events.

Julie Davies-Bowler, Marketing Manager at Pinewood Properties, believes a strong events programme is essential to bringing people into the town centre.

“A strong events programme is extremely important,” she said. “Events create a sense of vibrancy and community, encouraging residents and visitors alike to spend time in the area, explore local shops and support independent businesses.

“They help to showcase what the town has to offer and make the town centre a destination in its own right rather than just somewhere people pass through.”

Among the first highlights will be the return of the popular 1940s Market on Thursday, 28th May, which is expected to draw large crowds once again with its mix of themed stalls, entertainment and vintage atmosphere. The event will also form part of the national Love Your Local Market campaign, shining a spotlight on Chesterfield’s independent traders.

For businesses based in the market, events can also create opportunities to attract new customers.

Simon Davidson, Owner of The Cheese Factor, believes variety will be key to keeping people coming back.

“This is very important and has proved in recent years to be a good draw for the public,” he said. “A diverse programme is essential so there’s always something different happening.”

That variety will be reflected in events such as the Chesterfield International Market, taking place from June 19th to 21st, which will bring a vibrant mix of international street food, crafts, and traders into the town centre.

Simon hopes the new space could host a wide range of activities, from themed markets to cultural performances.

“I’d like to see multicultural food vendors, street entertainers, dance groups and themed markets such as makers’ markets or food festivals,” he added. “Events like these encourage people to stay longer and visit more often.”

Gillian Scotford, Director at Accessible UK, believes events can also help create a more inclusive town centre environment.

Plans for the summer already reflect that ambition, with the market square set to host a steampunk-themed weekend working in partnership with Newark Steampunk Society on 4th and 5th July. The event will feature a creative mix of themed stalls, a bar and live music, creating a lively, immersive experience across both days.

“Events give people a reason to visit the town centre rather than just shop online or go elsewhere,” she said. “They help create a sense of community and can bring visitors in from outside the area.

“It would also be great to see inclusive events where accessibility is considered from the outset so that disabled people and families can take part fully.”

Looking ahead, a brand-new event celebrating the emergency services will take place on Saturday, 15th August, offering a family-friendly day that recognises the work of our local heroes.

Seasonal celebrations and cultural festivals are also seen as an important way to draw visitors into the town.

Fiona Stubbs, Editor at Reflections magazine, said events could help keep spending within Chesterfield while boosting civic pride.

“For many years, people have called for a larger town centre events programme, so it’s exciting to see this coming to fruition,” she said.

“Events not only offer people something to do, but they also help keep leisure spending in the town and encourage a sense of pride in the place.”

Business leaders agree that a lively cultural programme could transform how people use the town centre, particularly in the evenings and at weekends.

As Chesterfield bids to be Town of Culture 2028, the improved spaces and programmed events will help create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, supporting Chesterfield’s businesses while strengthening the town’s reputation as a destination for community and culture.

The events programme is being delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council and partially funded through the Government’s Pride in Place programme.

Pride in Place will see almost £20 million invested in the town over the next decade. All decisions about how this funding will be spent is determined by the independent Chesterfield Town Board and is being shaped by local people through engagement.

More events are being planned for 2026, with details set to be announced soon. You can find out more about festivals and events happening in Chesterfield at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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

New café opens at Chesterfield Library

A new café has opened at Chesterfield Library, adding a welcoming food and drink space at the heart of the town centre.

Nook & Scran by Scrannery opened on Friday 24 April, bringing freshly prepared food, speciality coffee and locally sourced produce to New Beetwell Street. The café offers a relaxed and inviting place for library users, shoppers, theatre audiences and anyone spending time in the town centre.

Licensed to support events held within Chesterfield Library and its theatre, Nook & Scran helps strengthen the venue’s role as a place to meet, learn and connect.

The opening formed part of the county council’s ongoing commitment to the library as a cultural and community hub. An official launch event is scheduled to be held for guests next month.

Derbyshire County Council Leader, Councillor Alan Graves, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Nook & Scran to Chesterfield Library. Libraries are at the heart of the communities they serve, and this new addition will certainly strengthen that.

“Nook & Scran will be a valuable asset to the library and the wider community – a cosy yet vibrant place for people to meet friends and spend time while enjoying everything the library has to offer.”

“It’s also great to work with a café that values local suppliers and partners with social enterprises.”

Nook & Scran by Scrannery serves speciality coffee from Redemption Roasters, a UK social enterprise that provides training and employment opportunities for prison leavers and people at risk of offending.

Scrannery already operates multiple sites across Derbyshire and Sheffield and is recognised for its commitment to quality, accessibility and responsible employment. The business continues to grow its collection of independent coffee spaces across South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, each designed to bring together quality food, exceptional coffee and a welcoming atmosphere.

Dave King, co-founder and director of Scrannery, said:

“Libraries are evolving community spaces, and we’re delighted to be part of Chesterfield Library’s future. Nook & Scran is designed to complement what the library offers and create a warm, accessible place for people to meet and spend time.”

Kieran Morgan-McGeehan, co-founder and director of Scrannery, added:

“We want this café to feel like it truly belongs to Chesterfield. Using local suppliers, employing people responsibly and partnering with social enterprises like Redemption Roasters all help ensure the café has a positive impact beyond food and drink.”

For more inspiration on places to eat and drink in Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/2026/02/50-food-and-drink-businesses-to-try-in-chesterfield

To find out more about Scrannery, visit: nookandscran.scrannery.uk/

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

Two Chesterfield Champions named finalists at Visit England Awards

Two Chesterfield Champions, Peak Edge Hotel and The Tickled Trout, have both been named as finalists in the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2026, recognising their outstanding contribution to England’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Nestled on the edge of the Peak District, Peak Edge Hotel has been shortlisted in the Small Hotel of the Year category. It is a relaxed rural retreat known for its warm hospitality and personal service. The hotel features stylish rooms and an award-winning two AA Rosette Red Lion Restaurant, which focuses on farm-to-table dining using produce from its own Red Tractor-accredited farm.

Mark Thurman, Managing Director, Peak Edge Hotel and Casa Hotel, said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to be named a finalist in the Visit England Awards for Excellence. It means a huge amount to the whole team and reflects the care and consistency that goes into everything we do.

At Peak Edge, our focus is on creating a complete guest experience – from genuine farm-to-plate dining using produce from our own Red Tractor certified Walton Lodge Farm Estate just minutes away, through to the atmosphere, service and overall feel of the hotel. We’re always looking at ways to evolve and improve, while keeping that sense of warmth and authenticity at the heart of it.

To be recognised on a national stage like this is something we’re incredibly proud of, and a great opportunity to showcase the Peak District.”

Peak edge couple

Meanwhile, The Tickled Trout in Barlow, also a two AA rosette restaurant, has been shortlisted in the prestigious Pub of the Year category.

Led by Chef Patron Chris Mapp, the pub is known for its focus on quality, provenance and seasonal cooking, helping to strengthen Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire’s reputation as a leading food and drink destination.

Chris Mapp, Owner of The Tickled Trout in Barlow, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be named a finalist in the Visit England Awards for Excellence. It is a huge honour to be recognised on a national stage and reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We are incredibly proud to represent Barlow and the wider Chesterfield area.”

The tickled trout

The national awards celebrate the very best in England’s tourism and hospitality industry, recognising businesses that consistently deliver exceptional quality and visitor experience.

The winners of the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2026 will be announced at a national ceremony on Thursday, 11th June 2026, bringing together leading tourism and hospitality businesses from across the country.

To explore more independent places to eat and drink, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/eating-out

Peak Edge Hotel, and The Tickled Trout are two of over 200 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to 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 our Champions network.

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

Chesterfield celebrates creativity at Derbyshire Makes festival

Residents of all ages came together to celebrate Chesterfield’s creativity on Saturday, 18th April 2026, as the free Derbyshire Makes festival brought our town centre to life.

Led locally by arts charity and Chesterfield Champion, Junction Arts, the event saw artists, makers and community groups transform the town into a vibrant hub of creativity. The festival highlighted both Chesterfield’s rich heritage of making and its growing creative and cultural industries.

A major highlight of the day was The Great Chesterfield Make Off, where 40 local artists created brand-new work live in New Square. Visitors had the chance to watch creativity in action, discover emerging talent and experience the imagination and skill that define the town’s arts scene. From painters and potters to writers, performers, textile artists and designers, the Make Off turned the square into a dynamic open-air studio.

Sorbo Lounge - Derbyshire makes

At Sorbo Lounge, visitors took part in hands-on, artist-led workshops, creating their own mini masterpieces to take home.

Meanwhile, The Pavements Shopping Centre hosted MakeLand, an immersive virtual reality installation by artist John Whall, alongside Chesterfield Makers, a photographic exhibition celebrating local creatives.

The streets were filled with energy thanks to live performances from internationally renowned artist Matt Pang, whose Thingamabob show entertained crowds throughout the day.

Interactive experiences added even more to the atmosphere, including the Newton-O-Matic, a playful installation inspired by Sir Isaac Newton, and Lady of the Loom, a roaming storyteller sharing curious objects and fascinating tales.

The festival also highlighted the endangered local heritage craft of lacemaking, highlighting the work of those preserving the tradition through a special exhibition at Chesterfield Library.

Now in its second year, Derbyshire Makes is Derbyshire County Council’s flagship programme of cultural events across the county. The free festival runs annually across six distinct local hubs between Saturday, 11th April and Saturday, 16th May, 2026.

Junction Arts Project Manager, Kylie North, said:

“We had a brilliant time bringing Derbyshire Makes to Chesterfield. The town has a strong heritage of making, alongside a new, exciting and growing creative community. Local people really embraced the fun and creativity of the day, a huge thank you to everyone who came out and took part.”

Derbyshire Makes is supported by funding from Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

To explore even more cultural events happening across Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events

Junction Arts is one of over 200 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to 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 our Champions network.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Heritage, Home, Leisure, Manufacturing, Stay

Chesterfield bakery celebrates two national sourdough awards

A small independent bakery in Chesterfield, based at Boythorpe Business Park, is celebrating national recognition after being crowned both Britain’s Best Plain Sourdough 2026 and Britain’s Best Flavoured Sourdough 2026 at the Britain’s Best Loaf awards, organised by leading baking industry publication British Baker.

Peak & Stone Bakery, run by husband and wife team Tom and Emily Martin, took home the two trophies at the competition held at the NEC Birmingham on Monday, 13th April, after their loaves were judged the best in their categories by a panel of experts from across the UK baking industry.

With more than 200 loaves entered from bakeries across the country, judges deemed Peak & Stone’s Stanedge Country Sourdough the finest in the Plain Sourdough category and their Cheese, Chilli & Sundried Tomato Sourdough the winner of the Flavoured Sourdough category.

The Cheese, Chilli & Sundried Tomato loaf, which is made with mature Cheddar, pickled jalapeños and sundried tomatoes, was described by judges as a “really exceptional loaf”, praised for its brilliant texture, balanced flavour and striking appearance.

Their plain sourdough winner, the Stanedge Country Sourdough, is named after the famous Derbyshire millstones of the Peak District and is made using a slow 48-hour fermentation process and the bakery’s eight-year-old sourdough starter, affectionately named Geoff after Tom’s grandad. Judges described the loaf as delivering “everything you’d want from a sourdough”, praising its flavour, structure and overall quality.

Britain’s Best Loaf is an annual competition that honours the finest bread produced by the nation’s best bakers. Every loaf, entered across eight categories, is judged anonymously and assessed on external appearance, internal structure, aroma, taste and mouthfeel, ensuring the winners truly represent the very best of British baking.

 Peak stone bakery

Amy North, editor of British Baker, said:

“Britain’s Best Loaf aims to find the finest loaves the nation has to offer, and in doing so we can celebrate the care, creativity and craftsmanship put in by bakers day in and day out.

“We received a record-breaking number of entries this year, so our judges definitely had their work cut out for them to find the winners. Their expertise and attention to detail paid off and we have a stellar line-up of worthy winners.”

Speaking about the achievement, Emily Martin, Owner of Peak & Stone Bakery, said:

“As a husband and wife team, winning both of these national awards means the absolute world to us and our little bakery. We’re incredibly proud and honestly still a little shocked.

“We’re so grateful to our customers who support us week in, week out. Without them, achievements like this simply wouldn’t be possible.”

Despite competing with much larger bakeries nationwide, the couple bake all their sourdough themselves in small batches using traditional long-fermentation methods.

The awards highlight the growing strength of independent artisan baking and place Chesterfield firmly on the map for award-winning sourdough.

You can purchase these award winning breads direct at local farmers markets. Details of where they stand can be found on their social media @peakandstonebakery

Explore places to shop, eat, drink and visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting

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

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa has joined Best Western Hotels GB

Chesterfield Champion, Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa in Chesterfield, has joined BWH Hotels GB as part of the BW Signature Collection by Best Western.

The 72-bedroom Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa is a Grade II listed 19th-century manor house set within six acres of award-winning gardens and surrounded by 29 acres of parkland at the gateway to the Peak District National Park.

The property is a well-established destination for spa breaks, weddings, dining and corporate events, with convenient access to the M1, offering strong transport links for regional and national visitors.

Ringwood spa

Facilities include exceptional dining experiences, multiple options for meetings and events, plus its Garden Secret Spa – Derbyshire’s first five-bubble rated spa. The spa provides a tranquil escape with a range of treatments, thermal facilities and relaxation spaces designed to deliver a premium wellness experience.

The hotel is also recognised for its versatile event spaces, making it a popular choice for weddings, private celebrations and corporate functions.

Guests can also enjoy the surrounding landscaped gardens and parkland, which provide a picturesque backdrop throughout the year and enhance the sense of seclusion despite the hotel’s accessible location. Its proximity to the Peak District National Park further positions the hotel as an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of the area, appealing to walkers, tourists and those seeking countryside escapes.

By joining the BW Signature Collection, the hotel will gain access to BWH Hotels’ global distribution network, marketing support and the Best Western Rewards® loyalty programme, while retaining its independent identity. This partnership enables the hotel to expand its reach to international markets while continuing to offer a personalised and distinctive guest experience rooted in its heritage.

James Winfield. General Manager at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, said:

“We are thrilled to be joining the BWH Hotels GB portfolio and seeing the benefits it adds to our business. We are extremely proud of Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa and hope that joining the BW Signature Collection will allow us to maintain our uniqueness, our ethos and heritage while reaching a wider audience.”

He added:

“Our vision, combined with Best Western’s support, will help us enhance the experience for our guests while benefiting from being part of a wider global network.”

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

Ringwood hotel & spa is one of over 200 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to 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 our Champions network.

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

Businesses celebrate the refurbishment of Chesterfield’s Market

Chesterfield’s Market has recently re-launched following a multi-million-pound refurbishment scheme – marking a major milestone in the town’s wider regeneration.

The historic marketplace and new square have been revitalised with new, flexible trading and event areas, improved lighting and power, enhanced access, and new stall layouts, as well as general paving improvements.

Local business leaders say the transformation has already begun to reshape the atmosphere of the town centre, supporting independent businesses and encouraging new traders to set up in Chesterfield.

We spoke to Chesterfield Champions about the improvements.

From the top floor of the Market Hall, Fiona Stubbs, editor of Reflections magazine, has watched the transformation of the square unfold and says the atmosphere has already begun to change.

“There’s already a more vibrant feeling to the market square,” she said. “Now it’s great to see people shopping, meeting up, sitting with a coffee while watching the world go by, and generally enjoying the space.

“There seems to be a feeling of both progress and community, and hopefully that will have a positive impact on other town centre businesses.”

Fiona also highlighted how the space could support future market traders and start-up businesses.

“Hopefully, the smart new space and improved facilities will prove attractive to traders and start-ups,” she added. “The improved accessibility should offer practical opportunities for traders as well as visitors.”

With the redevelopment now complete, businesses are hopeful the square will play a key role in supporting Chesterfield’s independent business community and reinforcing the town centre as a destination for shopping, leisure and social activity.

Simon Davidson, owner of The Cheese Factor, based at Chesterfield Market Hall, hopes the new-look market space will increase footfall and attract more traders.

“I’m hopeful that with more events being organised, this will bring people back into the town centre.

“The improved space creates a more modern and pleasant environment for traders, and hopefully we’ll see more businesses taking up stalls and pitches.”

Tracy Walters, at Accessible UK, whose company is based in the Market Hall offices, believes the improved public space will help make the town centre more inclusive and appealing.

She said: “Having a more attractive and well-designed square should naturally bring more people into the town centre, improving the overall environment for businesses like ours.

“Accessibility is a key factor for us professionally, so improvements that make the square easier to navigate for disabled people and families will help create a more inclusive town centre.”

She also noted that the enhancements could help attract more visitors to Chesterfield, especially those with access needs.

“Being located close to a Changing Places toilet is important for visitors who require those facilities,” she explained. “The improved square could encourage more people with accessibility needs to visit and spend time in the area.”

Businesses also believe the new square could become a focal point for activity, encouraging people to spend more time in the town centre and explore nearby independent shops and cafés.

Julie Davies-Bowler, Pinewood Properties, believes the flexible design of the new space will play an important role in increasing visitor numbers.

“The multi-use nature of the new space has the potential to increase footfall,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the variety of uses it can accommodate and feel that it is already being well utilised.”

The improvements to Chesterfield Market have taken place as part of  Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield, with refurbishment plans being carried out by Chesterfield Borough Council at key town centre sites.

Key public spaces and the connections between them are being transformed as part of the plans being delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council, with almost £20m secured from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and additional funding provided by the council.

The multi-million-pound project also includes works to refurbish Stephenson Memorial Hall, home to the former Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum which will reopen as 1435 – the transformed venue where people and stories meet.

The Chesterfield Borough Council-owned venue is set to welcome audiences and visitors later this year and will feature a 625-seat theatre, an expanded museum with improved facilities for hosting prestigious touring works, two bars and flexible spaces for people to gather. The striking new design preserves the building’s heritage while improving accessibility for all.

Find out more about festivals and events happening in Chesterfield at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/ 

Discover more about the Revitalising the heart of Chesterfield at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/revitalising-heart-of-chesterfield/

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

Filmmakers wanted to help tell Chesterfield’s story

People from across Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire are being invited to pick up their smartphones and be part of something special, as Chesterfield Champion Junction Arts celebrates 50 years of bringing creativity to our communities.

To mark this milestone, the charity has launched 50 Stories for 50 Years, a year-long project capturing the voices, memories and impact since it began in 1976. Alongside a new documentary film, the project will also create a digital archive of local stories and a touring exhibition, appearing at popular events including the Chesterfield Children’s Festival, Tapton Lock Festival and Bright Winter Nights.

Now, local people aged 14 and over are being invited to get involved as community filmmakers.

This is a chance to help capture the spirit of our area, from festivals and events to behind-the-scenes moments, all contributing to a special anniversary film set to premiere in January 2027.

The documentary is also being led by Chesterfield Champion, filmmaker Matthew Pritchard of Defeye Creative, bringing together archive footage with new clips filmed by the community.

From its early days in South Normanton to becoming an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, Junction Arts has spent five decades creating opportunities for people to connect, get creative and feel inspired. Its work includes much-loved events such as the Bolsover Lantern Parade, as well as a wide range of activities that reach thousands of people every year.

Nathan Hamer, Project and Volunteers Coordinator at Junction Arts, said:

“We’re looking for enthusiastic participants to capture short moments on film; these clips will help build a community-powered documentary celebrating 50 years of creativity.”

No filmmaking experience is needed to take part. Volunteers will receive a free one-hour training session covering simple filming techniques.

Filmmaker Matthew Pritchard added,:

“This is about ‘community capture’. Junction Arts is rooted in the people it works with, so it feels right that the community helps tell this story. You don’t need to be a filmmaker — if you’ve got a smartphone and want to get involved, we’ll show you everything you need to know.”

Participants can contribute as much or as little time as they like, whether filming a single event or multiple moments across the year. All contributors will be credited in the final film.

To sign up for a training session or find out more, contact: nathan@junctionarts.org

50 Stories for 50 Years has been made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players. You can find out more by visiting: https://junctionarts.org/50stories/

Junction Arts and Defeye Creative are both one of over 230 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to 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 our Champions network.

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