Supporters of the Peak District and Derbyshire can now back its quest to be recognised as the best UK holiday destination in the prestigious annual British Travel Awards.

Voting is now open in all categories of the 2018 competition – billed as the largest and most influential poll of consumer opinion on the performance of leisure, travel and tourism providers.

The Peak District and Derbyshire has been nominated in the Best Holiday Region or County category, facing competition from other key destinations such as Cornwall, Cumbria & The Lake District, North Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Dales.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, said:-

“Being part of the British Travel Awards is very exciting for us as a further step in our mission to make the area’s mark as a world-class destination.

“We have so much to offer, from stunning, specially-protected landscapes, exhilarating outdoor activities and brilliant attractions to rich history and heritage, quality accommodation and fine, locally-produced food and drink.

“I hope as many people as possible will support our efforts to see it recognised as the best place to take a holiday in the UK by taking a few moments to cast their vote online.”

Lorraine Barnes Burton, CHeif Executive of the BTA, said:-

“The British Travel Awards give consumers the opportunity to reward travel and tourism enterprises for outstanding performance in service delivery and product offering.

“Voting is now open and nominated companies have until the end of September to lobby their happy customers for votes – good luck to Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire.”

Voting in the competition is quick and easy at http://www.britishtravelawards.com/btaform.php?nomLink=324.

Launched in 2008, the British Travel Awards are considered the benchmark for excellence when it comes to finding out who is the best in the travel industry. The British Travel Awards is an independent organisation, verified by leading global business practitioners Deloitte.

Businesses and organisations under the spotlight include holiday companies; travel agencies and holiday planning; cruise lines, airlines and transport; accommodation and hotel brands; holiday add-ons and UK domestic holidays and attractions.

Votes will be accepted until midnight on Sunday September 30. Results will be announced at a special Gala Awards Night at Battersea Evolution, London on Wednesday November 28.

A record crowd witnessed a Lancaster bomber flying over Staveley Town Basin, followed by a Dakota the next day. These were just two of many highlights at the Chesterfield Canal Festival held over the weekend of June 30th and July 1st.

The festival was put on by the Chesterfield Canal Trust. All four of its tripboats were in action, carrying over 800 passengers into Hartington Harbour, the newly built section of canal that was being used for the first time. The Trust’s volunteers have spent several years building this section and their superb work drew admiring comments from everyone.

Davis Kiddy, Festival Director, said:-

“We could not be more pleased with the Festival. It brought pleasure to thousands of people, showed off the fabulous construction work done by our volunteers and demonstrated yet again what an asset the canal is to the area. This strengthens the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s resolve to get the remaining nine miles of canal restored.”

Dozens of would-be navvies, young and old, had a go at driving a digger, whilst others chose to cool off in canoes provided by Pleasley Canoe Club, which also organised canoe polo matches.

The Newfoundland Training and Demonstration Team proved a real hit with several shows involving these huge dogs who clearly love being in the water and rescuing people.

Other attractions included Birds of Prey, archery, lots of children’s rides, a bouncy castle, radio-controlled boats, a glitter painter and vintage vehicles. Encounter Exotics brought all manner of exciting animals, whilst the steamroller, Old Faithful, was a magnet for photographers.

There was entertainment all day including music, dance and street theatre, both in the big marquee and outside by the lock.

As you would expect there were dozens of stalls of every type including holistic massage, home-made cakes, bonsai trees, old tools, canal art, the RSPB – the list was long. All the catering and coffee stalls did a roaring trade, with the longest queues for Frederick’s ice cream. Brampton Brewery had to send for extra supplies of Real Ale several times and its cooling equipment was running at full power.

There were two evening concerts. The Swing Commanders went down a storm on the Friday, whilst Some Antics plus Judy Dunlop & Jon Scaife, proved very popular on the Saturday. The view through the marquee’s wall of windows across the basin to the setting sun could not have been more spectacular.

Nadiya Hussain, Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry are the star TV chefs lined up to share their culinary expertise at this year’s Chatsworth Country Fair (31 August-2 September).

Along with an exciting mix of young and established chefs from Derbyshire, Sheffield and Yorkshire showcasing their expertise across the three days, the trio will be a huge draw for the thousands of visitors who flock each year to what is one of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor events.

Nadiya Hussain kicks things off on Friday (31 August) with three demos followed by a book signing. Born in Luton to a Bangladeshi family, Nadiya has been baking for just over 10 years and now lives in Milton Keynes with her husband and their three children. With desserts not a common feature in Bangladeshi cuisine, it was up to a home economics teacher to encourage Nadiya to develop her skills as a baker. Now as an established TV presenter and author and with her latest book and series, Nadiya’s Family Favourites out now it will be a treat to welcome her to Chatsworth Country Fair for the very first time.

One of the country’s best loved cookery writers and television presenters, Mary Berry takes centre stage on Saturday (1 September) for her sixth return visit with two demos and book signings. It will be a full house in the theatre as she shares her cookery secrets during her morning and afternoon slots.  A Chatsworth Country Fair regular, Mary has also kindly agreed to be the President this year following in the footsteps of other notable names including Countryfile’s Adam Henson; Olympian Jessica Ennis-Hill; Gardener Alan Titchmarsh and last year’s ex boyband star turned farmer JB Gill.

Mary Berry said:-

“I am delighted to return to the wonderful Chatsworth Country Fair. It is an amazing day out for all the family in a magnificent setting. There are a miscellany of spectacular events and demonstrations, brilliant trade stands and plenty of activities and experiences for the young. Get there early to enjoy a full day!”

Fair organiser Sarah Green said:-

“We’re so delighted Mary has agreed to be our President this year. She has been a fantastic supporter for many years now and has certainly been taken to the hearts of the visitors who pack out the theatre to see her deliver her pearls of culinary wisdom every time.”

Closing out proceedings on Sunday (2 September) will be Paul Hollywood.  With his cheeky line in patter, Paul will be sure to both inform and entertain on what will be his third return visit to the fair. The son of a baker, Paul Hollywood originally trained as a sculptor before his father persuaded him to join the family business. He has gone on to become​ one of the country’s finest and well-known artisan bakers.

Once again, the pick of the region’s talented chefs have been invited to take part in the line-up which runs from 9.30am to 5.30pm each day in the Stoves Cookery Theatre equipped with TV screens, PA and seating.

The tasty lineup includes local lad and Rowley’s head chef Adam Harper from Baslow; Tim Sidaway, a chef who has spent over a decade promoting, growing and rearing local food, with restaurants Terroir Bistro in Derby and The Fishermans Rest in Belper; Eva Humphries, aka the Wholefood Warrior, a nutritionist and supporter of fad-free food based in Nottingham; Yorkshire’s Bolton Abbey Estate Burlington Restaurant chef Paul Leonard; Lee Mangles from Sheffield ably compered by former Silversmiths restaurant owner Justin Rowntree.

Two of the chefs may well also be familiar to Sheffield residents. Yorkshire born Natasha Farrell has drawn on her Caribbean roots to run street food outfits around the world and is now setting up a new venue in Sheffield that will showcase her contemporary West Indian cuisine.

Chef Chris Hanson has always had a passion to help disadvantaged communities in Sheffield and has now opened Blend Kitchen, a social enterprise in the city centre with a vision to use cuisine and hospitality to enhance people’s lives. At Chatsworth, he will be showcasing vegan dishes reflective of Blend’s cultural diversity.

The Fine Food Village will be bigger and better than ever this year in its new location in front of the fully restored Chatsworth House. Packed with more than 100 stalls bursting with food to enjoy on the day as well as produce to take home, it is once again a foodie’s paradise.

Highlights announced for this year for the fair include JCB’s Dancing Diggers; The Household Cavalry Musical Ride plus aerobatic entertainment; hot air balloon lifts; have-a-go country sports and crafts plus lots more to see and do around the beautiful parkland located on the banks of the river Derwent.

There is plenty to appeal to children of all ages, from joining the Children’s March Past or the family fun dog show, to wearing them out with the zip wire, bungee trampoline, climbing wall, bumper cars, vintage fairground and the chance to get up close to exotic animals.

There are a number of accessible toilets around the showground as well as an attended Mobiloo, and a limited number of blue badge car parking spaces at the front of each car park.

Vanishing Point Records and Urban Flamingo have joined forces, alongside other retailers in The Yards Chesterfield, to organise Yards Fest 2018 which will take place from the 27th – 29th July.

The free festival, which aims to promote this area of the town, will see many of the independent businesses put on special events and activities alongside live music, DJ performances, childrens games, craft stalls and more. There will also be a BBQ courtesy of Soulville Steakhouse and Hot Roast Cobs from Number 10 Café.

Corey Lavender, Owner of Vanishing Point Records and event organiser, said:-

“The main aim is to promote the area so the public use it more, as I frequently get told that they didn’t know ‘The Yards’ existed. It’s a shame because it is full of independent businesses and fully occupied, it should be a part of town to be proud of.

“We’re excited for Yards Fest 2018 with lots of exciting activities planned and more to be announced soon that we hope will drag people down into our corner of Chesterfield.”

Located in the heart of the town centre the Yards is full of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. From clothes to gifts and from cake making to cake eating, there are plenty of reasons to visit this special part of Chesterfield.

The Yards in Chesterfield’s town centre is also home to a falcon and a puppy, installed as part of the Chesterfield Cultural Renaissance project.

Art Out Loud at Chatsworth, the only UK weekend festival of public talks about art, announces its full programme for 2018, with tickets now on sale for the event which takes place from the 21-23 September.

As Chatsworth celebrates the completion of its biggest restoration and conservation project in 200 years, architecture and design feature in many of this year’s talks at the Art out Loud Festival.

Headline speakers include collage artist, punk icon and Chatsworth’s first artist-inresidence, Linder Sterling and 2017 Turner Prize-winner, Lubaina Himid, who are joined by art historian Dan Cruickshank and architect John Pawson.

Focus on Art 

Art Out Loud at Chatsworth is excited to present Lubaina Himid, who made history in 2017 as the first black woman – and the oldest artist – to win the Turner Prize. Her multidisciplinary practice exposes the politics of race and gender through wide-ranging visual mediums using found ceramics, painting and large-scale cutouts. At the festival, she will be in conversation with Dr Zoe Whitley, curator of International Art at the Tate Modern, exploring art as activism, political acts of curating and the sheer joy of art making.

Chatsworth’s first ever artist-in-residence, Linder Sterling will be joined by Lord Burlington to discuss her Chatsworth exhibition, Her Grace Land, and its unparalleled poly-sensory approach to the past, present and future.

Leading British artist Idris Khan will speak about the minimal, yet emotionally charged photographs, videos and sculptures that make up his practice, exploring the influences and creative process behind his work.

David Dawson was Lucian Freud’s model, devoted assistant, adviser and friend – and featured in seven of Freud’s paintings. He will be joined by Martin Gayford (subject of Freud’s portrait Man with a Blue Scarf) for a unique insight and examination into the life and work of Lucian Freud, and the complex relationship between artist, sitter and portrait.

In conversation with New York-based sculptor Ursula von Rydingsvard, Executive Director of Yorkshire Sculpture Park Peter Murray will talk about the evolution of YSP and Ursula’s progress from minimalism to the creation of monumental works for open air.

A lively discussion and some real-life sketching is on the cards as political cartoonist Peter Brookes joins writer Ann Treneman to talk about his fascinating work and cartooning of recent political earthquakes for The Times.

The new Director of the Royal Collection, Tim Knox will shed light on his role as the keeper of The Queen’s private collection. World-renowned collector and founder of the new cultural hub Kanaal, Antwerp, Axel Vervoordt, will explain his philosophy on art and how it has inspired his diverse collection.

Felicity Aylieff and Natasha Daintry will discuss their practices as ceramicists. The very different – but equally extraordinary – results of their efforts are exemplified in pieces now part of the Chatsworth Collection and on display in the house: Chinese Ladders by Felicity Aylieff (Great Stairs Landing) and Sowing Colour by Natasha Daintry (the Dome Room)

Focus on Architecture and Design

In a year that has seen Chatsworth restored to its full glory following a 10-year renovation programme, an appreciation of architecture and design is woven through the 2018 festival.

On Saturday, in their talk Living with the Builders, the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire will be joined by the specialist conservation architect who directed the works, Peter Inskip. This will be a rare opportunity to hear a discussion on their initial ambitions, reflections and what it was like to be ‘living with the builders’ – on a grand scale. They will be in conversation with Anna Farthing, curator of the current exhibition Chatsworth Renewed: the house past, present and future, which celebrates the skill and commitment of those involved in this decade of works. The exhibition continues in Chatsworth House during Art Out Loud.

John Pawson, the British architect famous for his minimalist aesthetic, will reflect on a body of work which spans a broad range of scales and typologies, explaining how, whether he is designing a bench or taking a photograph, ‘it’s all architecture’.

In a talk curated by the Royal Institute of British Architects, Alex de Rijke founding architect of dRMM, whose design for Hastings Pier won the 2017 RIBA Stirling Prize and Herefordshire-based architect Kate Darby will be discussing their practices with Marie Bak Mortensen.

After her 2016 appearance at the festival, Amanda Levete, founder of AL_A and one of the UK’s leading female architects, returns to talk about the dialogue between history and modernity in her work on two very different museums, the V&A in London and the Museum of Art, Architecture & Technology – MAAT – in Lisbon.

Two talks take a more historical view of architecture, as author Kate Hubbard and artist Ed Kluz look back to 16th century Derbyshire with Bess of Hardwick and her houses, and developer Trevor Osborne and James Berresford, Chairman of the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, discuss the history the Buxton Crescent, as well as plans for its future.

Seats can be booked online for the complimentary Buxton Crescent talk. Design critic Alice Rawsthorn will speak about her book Design as an Attitude, exploring how a new generation of designers and architects are using design to pursue their
humanitarian, political and ecological objectives.

Art historian Dan Cruickshank will talk about his recent journey through Syria and the BBC TV documentary he made on its architecture, history, national pride and identity. At Art Out Loud, he looks at IS’s cultural terrorism, examines the monuments damaged, and ponders the challenges – artistic, technical, ethical – of repair, reconstruction and engineering during the 1890s.

Focus on Education and Family Events

Education is always at the core of what Art Out Loud offers. This year, as part of the Devonshire Educational Trust programme, a number of spaces will be reserved for local schools, colleges and universities in five talks on Friday. These include a presentation of short talks about architecture by students from schools across the country who have
participated in the ARTiculation programme.

For families, sisters Jacky Klein and Suzy Klein present an interactive talk, named after their book What is Contemporary Art? A Guide for Children, exploring the wonderful world of contemporary art for younger festival attendees. They invite children and families to respond to, question, and enjoy some of the most exciting art of our time.

Focus on Gardens

With its setting in the enchanting grounds of Chatsworth, thoughts of gardens are never far from Art Out Loud. This year, gardening writer Anna Pavord discusses the art of ‘marshalling nature’ and ‘getting her hands dirty’, while landscape architect Todd Longstaffe-Gowan talks about the challenges and rewards of gardening in the tropics.

Art Out Loud takes place in the magical setting of Chatsworth’s South Lawn. All ticket holders also enjoy access to the Chatsworth Garden. Ticket holders can optionally upgrade their ticket to gain access to Chatsworth House and Chatsworth Renewed: the house past, present and future, a special exhibition revealing the story of the Chatsworth renovation,
which runs until 21 October 2018.

Sculpture from Chatsworth will for the first time be centre-stage for the autumn exhibition in the garden. Visitors to Art Out Loud will have the chance to focus on the presence of sculpture within the wider Chatsworth landscape. By encouraging the discovery of new viewpoints across the landscape, this year Chatsworth will draw attention to the historic eyecatchers and fountains, as well as new developments, recent sculpture and planting in the garden.

All festival tickets and festival day tickets include entry to the garden from 10am – 6pm and free car parking. Tickets can be upgraded to include entry to the house at a reduced price (open from 11am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm).

Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield, has announced that Emmerdale actress Roxanne Pallett and X-Factor singer Rhydian Roberts will star as Cinderella and Prince Charming in the year’s magical family Pantomime, Cinderella, from Saturday 1^st December 2018 to Sunday 6^th January 2019.

Roxanne is best known for her role as Jo Stiles in ITV’s hugely successful Emmerdale. Her sensitive performance during 2010’s emotional domestic abuse storyline garnered great critical acclaim and brought the important, often unspoken of, issue to the forefront of the nation’s attention. Roxanne continues to act as an ambassador for Women’s Refuge and The Samaritans.

Roxanne has displayed her impressive versatility as a performer with appearances on popular TV shows Dancing on Ice, Soapstar Superstar and a winning performance as Gloria Estefan on Celebrity Stars in their Eyes.

Roxanne surprised audiences by playing a troubled schoolgirl in BBC’s Waterloo Road, a character who was ten years younger than the actress herself in real life. Roxanne also moved from the small screen to the big screen with several roles in movies including Devil’s Tower, Habit and Wrong Turn 6 for 20^th Century Fox.

Her extensive work in theatre has taken her all over the UK with hit touring productions of The Wedding Singer and The Vagina Monologues and she is currently the co-host of Minster FM’s Breakfast with Ben & Roxy.

Double Platinum selling recording artist Rhydian was propelled to fame as a contestant on the X-Factor in 2007 and quickly became a fan favourite due to his dynamic performances and show-stopping vocal talent. The runaway success story of the series, Rhydian was promptly signed to Simon Cowell’s record label releasing 7 albums to date and becoming the biggest selling Male Artist of 2008.

Rhydian has starred in numerous UK tours of West End musicals including Jesus Christ Superstar, Little Shop of Horrors and Grease and has duetted with some of the most respected names in the music industry including Michael Buble, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion and Idina Menzel.

Roxanne and Rhydian will be reunited in this year’s production of Cinderella having performed together in the 40^th Anniversary Tour of The Rocky Horror Show in 2014.

Paul Holman, Pantomime Producer, said:-

“Roxanne and Rhydian are fantastic performers. With Roxanne as everyone’s favourite Princess, Cinderella, and Rhydian as her equally charming Prince, they are sure to enchant our audiences and their stunning vocal talents combined will leave them spellbound.”

With the announcement of Roxanne and Rhydian as the headline stars of Cinderella and featuring all of the traditional elements of pantomime combined with dazzling scenery and costumes, bucket loads of laughter and more than a sprinkle of magic, this year’s production promises to be more spectacular than ever.

Cinderella runs at Pomegranate Theatre from Saturday 1^st December 2018 to Sunday 6^th January 2019. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online at http://www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/ or via the Box Office on 01246 345 222.

Traditional rural skills like falconry and dry-stone walling are being taught in hands-on sessions at the Chatsworth Farmyard this spring half term (26 May-3 June) as well as the chance for budding young farmers to muck-in and help care for farmyard animals including horses, pigs and sheep on select days.

Dry stone walling, fly fishing, wool weaving and spinning, falconry and a host of other rural skills (see below for dates) are being taught by seasoned experts to show children and families the centuries old skills still used in rural communities.

Visitors can get ‘hands on’ and build a mini dry stone wall as well as learning about their history from Sally Hodgson who has nearly 30 years experience of dry stone walling and is committed to retaining the heritage of the beautiful Derbyshire landscape.

SMJ Falconry are family-operated bird of prey specialists and will be displaying birds of all sizes as well as giving a flying display. Meanwhile Stuart Crofts will be making fishing flies to imitate the natural food that trout feed on and children will be able to make their own flies in the farmyard.

And any budding young farmers, aged between 6-11, will be able to join the farmyard team for some hands-on involvement in caring for the Chatsworth farmyard animals.

Meanwhile, in its famous 105-acre garden, Chatsworth will be celebrating its fabulous waterworks. Free garden tours will take in water features including the 18th century Cascade, Willow Tree Fountain, Ring Pond and Emperor Fountain, which will be played at its full height of 90 metres.

Spring half-term

Saturday and Sunday 26 & 27 May, Sally Hodgson’s dry stone walling: build your own dry stone wall and hear about the history of these iconic feature of the Derbyshire landscape.

Monday 28 May, SMJ falconry: get up close and personal with more than a dozen magnificent birds of prey.

Tuesday 29 May, Stuart Crofts river creatures: Get close up to the many fascinating creatures found in the river Derwent.

Tuesday 29 May, Margaret Robson, wool spinner: Learn about the process of turning fleece to wool by spinning and weaving.

Wednesday 30 May, Stuart Crofts fly tying workshop: make fishing flies to imitate the natural food that trout feeding on.

Thursday 31 May, Margaret Robson, wool spinner: Learn about the process of turning fleece to wool by spinning and weaving.

Friday 1 June, Bobbie Harvey, Willow & wool workshop: Use simple weaving techniques to make willow and wool “god’s eyes” decorations.

Various dates from 30 May-22 August, join the farmyard team in caring for the farmyard animals.

Chatsworth reopened on 24 March 2018 following the biggest restoration and conservation of the house, garden and park since the 1820s. The 10-year long programme, costing more than £32m, sees Chatsworth restored to its full glory, inside and out.

The Chatsworth Renewed exhibition, running between March and October, highlights the work of those involved in the restoration process. From rebuilding the Belvedere turrets to replacing vast tracts of lead on the roof; carving the tiniest details in stone using dentistry tools to replacing huge blocks in the walls; careful restoration of priceless artworks to the renovation of famous water features in the garden; over the last decade Chatsworth has been fully restored and made ready for the next century.

In 1981, the charitable Chatsworth House Trust was set up by the 11th Duke to ensure the long-term survival of the house and collection. Since 1949 the entrance money paid by more than 25 million visitors has made a vital contribution to the maintenance of the house and garden and it is this income, rather than any public funding, that has enabled the current restoration works to be completed.

Ashgate Hospicecare are pleased to announce that X factor star and winner of Dancing on Ice 2018, Jake Quickenden, will be the celebrity guest at this year’s Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk which will take place on July 7^th.

The singer and reality TV star will be showing his support for the local hospice by performing on stage at the event to get the thousands of walkers warmed up and ready for the 10k walk ahead, which starts and finishes at the Proact Stadium in Chesterfield.

Coming from a semi-professional footballing background, 29 year old Jake was a contestant on The X Factor in 2012, where he made it through to the judge’s houses, and again in 2014 when he got through to the live shows. Later in 2014, Jake entered the jungle on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! where he was a runner up. In 2018, he was the winner of Dancing on Ice where he was partnered with professional German figure skater Vanessa Bauer.

Jake said:-

“It’s such a privilege to support Ashgate Hospicecare. I lost both my dad and brother to cancer and can say that it makes such a difference to the lives of families to know that the people they love most in the world are being well looked after throughout such a horrible illness.

“I can’t wait to be part of Sparkle this year and I hope you all have a fantastic time and raise loads of money for such a worthy cause!”

This is Ashgate Hospicecare’s 4^th Sparkle Night Walk since it was rebranded from the Midnight Walk. Last year, over 2,500 walkers with their pink t-shirts and flashing bunny ears walked together and raised an incredible £202,500 in sponsorships, which all helped towards providing hospice care to patients with a life-limiting illness and their families throughout North Derbyshire. This year, the Hospice are expecting over 3,000 walkers to sign up.

Jack Wood, Events, Lottery and Digital Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said:-

“We’re incredibly excited to have Jake Quickenden on board and supporting the Sparkle Night Walk this year, especially considering Jake’s personal experience of cancer in his family, something that we understand very well here at the Hospice. We can’t wait to have him there, cheering us all on on the night.”