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.

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.