Leisure

New format for the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards

The 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards has stepped up a gear.

For the first time, the popular awards will be hosted as a glittering black-tie ceremony at the Winding Wheel.  In previous years the awards have been presented at an afternoon tea.

Up to 200 store owners, retail workers and key figures from the business community are expected to attend the ceremony which is now in its fifth year.

Businesses can also take part in the prestigious event by sponsoring one of the 15 categories. New to this year’s ceremony will be the chance to commend the work of apprentice retail workers and employers of apprentices in the Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year categories.

Commenting on the change of format, Dom Stevens Manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “Becoming a sponsor is an excellent opportunity to get involved with the town’s developing retail scene.

“The awards have grown more popular year on year and the clear message is that local businesses are keen for Destination Chesterfield to further promote the quality and diversity of retailers across the town to attract further inward investment.

“With so many developments underway and so many new retailers arriving in Chesterfield, now is an excellent time to raise the profile of the Chesterfield Retail Awards further and we are pleased to be able to host the fifth event as a black tie ceremony.”

Supporters of the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards so far include: Apprentice Town, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College Group, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Jumble Creative Design, Peak FM, Temple Safety and The Pavements Shopping Centre.

Information about the various sponsorship packages are available at www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards or contact Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator, by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207207.

Northern Tea - Winner of Chesterfield Retail Awards 2017

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Visiting

Well dressing tradition celebrated at RHS Chatsworth Flower Show 2018

From 6-10 June, the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) newest Show, RHS Chatsworth Flower Show partnered by Wedgwood will return to the magnificent 1,000 acre Chatsworth Estate with exciting new content including a river of 12,000 Cosmos and over 100 varieties of orchid, to satisfy inquisitive minds and fulfil the senses. Moving on from last year’s success, Well Dressing will once again be a main feature in the Community area at the show.

Last year’s entrant Elaine Chapman of Tideswell Welldressers said: ‘The Show was a splendid showcase for the tradition of Welldressing in Derbyshire allowing its artistry to be brought to a wider audience.’

The RHS are calling out to all Well Dressing groups to apply to be part of this exciting new show and asking  groups to theme their entries around their own town/village or group they’re representing. This can be in the form of an iconic building, a famous person of note, a slice of social history, folklore or tradition, the choice is yours. Well dressings will be on display for the whole of show week.  During which time visitors to the show will be able to vote for their favourite. The winning well dressing will receive an RHS engraved trophy.

Deadline for submissions is Monday 26th February.  Please follow the link: https://rhsforms.formstack.com/forms/cha18_well_dressing_application to apply.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Football and Education Programme launched by Chesterfield FC

Are you looking to continue your studies when you leave school while training and playing football, representing Chesterfield FC? If so, there is an opportunity to study with Chesterfield FC Community Trust in 2018!

Chesterfield FC Community Trust’s Football and Education programme is designed for individuals wanting to gain post-16 sports qualifications and play competitive football, alongside studying.

The course has been designed as a partnership between Chesterfield FC Community Trust and Outwood Academy Newbold to give students with a passion for football, sport and education the opportunity learn and play football at the same time.

Students will develop the necessary skills, qualities and characteristics that are required to work within a professional football club or national governing body and gain transferable skills relevant across the sports industry and beyond.

Delivered in partnership with Outwood Academy Newbold, students will study full-time within the sixth form, where a top-class education programme will be assured, with the school’s motto ‘Students First’ at the heart of everything they do.

Alongside their education, students will represent Chesterfield FC, competing in a league against other professional clubs and training on a daily basis with the Trust’s FA/UEFA-qualified coaches. There will be an opportunity to play against other clubs, including Birmingham City, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Derby County and Sunderland!

Students will undertake 14 units of work including coursework and exam assessments over a two-year period. The course is full-time with students required to attend all lessons and complete work on time in order to play in the fixtures and represent Chesterfield FC. Upon completion, the course is equivalent to three A-levels, enabling the students to progress on to university, higher education or a foundation degree with Chesterfield FC Community Trust.

All studies will be based at Outwood Academy Newbold, using the state-of-the-art classrooms that the school has on site. Training sessions will take place at Outwood Academy Newbold, using the grass and astroturf pitches available on site. Home games will be played at Glapwell Stadium, allowing the students to experience playing within a stadium environment and students will have free access to the gym and hydrotherapy pool at the HUB at the Proact Stadium seven days a week, as well as access to a physio.

Upon completion of the course, students will be faced with a range of options, supporting them to have a future within the sports industry. Dependant on final grades, students will be able to go into higher education at university where ideal courses may include a degree in Sports Development, Sports Coaching or PE and School Sport.

Should students wish to stay involved in the professional football club environment, Chesterfield FC Community Trust offer a foundation degree, where students can study for a further two years whilst completing a full-time work placement within the football club.
All students will also be offered the opportunity to undertake their Level 1 coaching qualification which will enable them to apply for paid coaching work with Chesterfield FC Community Trust when they finish the course.

Steve Roberts, principal at Outwood Academy Newbold, expressed his delight at the partnership, saying: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s an opportunity for us to partner with Chesterfield Football Club Community Trust and provide students with an opportunity to do BTEC Level 3 Sports.

“That will actually help students who might want to progress to university and it gives people an opportunity to go out and be involved with football as an industry, behind the scenes roles or maybe progress onto something like sports and exercise science.

“It gives them that opportunity and more importantly it gives them the level of qualification to get on to the next step.

“We sit on top of the hill and we can see the stadium from the school. We are on a journey ourselves at the moment, which we’re delighted with and it is an opportunity to involve ourselves in a partnership which can provide something really valuable for students.”

Trust chief John Croot added: “The Football and Education Programme is something that we have been discussing with Steve and his team for a couple of months now.

“It’s taken us some time to get to this stage but we wanted to make sure that the course we were offering was of top quality, in order to fulfil our duties to the students.

“It will be fantastic to have a squad of players representing the club on a weekly basis as well as studying full-time, which I’m sure will stand them in good stead to go on and have a career in sport if that is what they wish to do.”

To apply, students should download the F&E Application Form, available via www.spireitestrust.org.uk

Football and Education Programme

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Leisure

Bookings open for Chesterfield Observation Wheel

Online bookings are now being taken for rides on the Chesterfield Observation Wheel ahead of its opening at the weekend.

The 60 metre high observation wheel has 40 gondolas which will give visitors stunning views of Chesterfield and the countryside of surrounding areas.  Each ride lasts for 13 minutes and involves two cycles of the wheel.

The wheel has been brought to the town centre by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with operator Mellors Group Events and will operate daily from Saturday 10 February until Sunday 11 March.

For ticket prices including online discounts and booking information please click here.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Since the construction of the wheel began this week it has created a real stir in the town. It is already a landmark you can see for miles around.

“It is a real coup to get this ride in Chesterfield because it normally operates from big city sites.

“We are already getting really positive comments from the businesses and traders in the area who say that even during the construction they have had more customers who have been drawn in by the sight of it being built. Once the ride opens we are sure it will prove a real boost to the economy and a welcome attraction for visitors.”

James Mellors Junior, director of the Mellors Group, said: “This is our first time in Chesterfield and we are really excited to bring this wheel here.  We are sure that residents and visitors will come out in large numbers to enjoy the experience.

“The 360 degree views that you can see from the top of the wheel are something special that have to be seen to be believed.

“We are even planning a special treat on Valentine’s Day when the wheel will be lit up with a red heart and lights.”

The company has installed the wheel to meet all safety standards.

James added: “This is a £5 million ride that we have been operating in some of the biggest tourist attractions in the UK and abroad since 2009, including Hyde Park for the royal wedding celebrations and the annual winter wonderland. It has been in Liverpool for the Liverpool One shopping centre opening, in London for the Olympic Games celebrations, in Leeds and in Zurich. In addition to rides like this we operate Fantasy Island at Skegness and in Dubai.

“At every site we go to our safety record is impeccable and the same team has been involved in installing the wheel in Chesterfield as has done it at all those sites.

“The wheel sits on heavy duty sleepers because that is the most suitable material to support the weight of the wheel for a cobbled area like in Chesterfield.

“Before the ride opens it has to undergo stringent safety checks and we also carry out a full range of safety checks every day before any passengers get on.”

Councillor Steve Brunt added: “Mellors Group is the biggest name in the UK outdoor attractions industry and as you would expect for a company of their stature they have carried out all the required health and safety checks, completed all the paperwork and put everything in place to ensure public safety so that everyone can just enjoy the experience.”

Chesterfield Observation Wheel

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Visiting

Lionel Richie Announces Chesterfield Show

International superstar Lionel Richie will return to the UK in 2018, with a show at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium on Thursday, June 21. The date is part of a summer tour which will be visiting iconic venues across the country. Tickets go on sale on February 2, from 10am.

Performing hits from his extensive and much loved repertoire spanning decades, all the way from the Commodores to the present day, Richie’s shows are world renowned for their party atmosphere. Fans will be able to enjoy timeless mega-hits and sing along to classics such as ‘Lady’, ‘Truly, ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’, ‘Say You Say Me’, ‘Hello’ and ‘All Night Long’.

Lionel says of his return:-

“I’ve been missing the UK and can’t wait to make my long awaited return and to see parts of the country I’ve never made it out to before. The fans are always incredible and they make the atmosphere at every show electric, so I look forward to singing along with them soon.”

Michael Dunford, Chief Executive of Chesterfield FC, added:-

“We are absolutely thrilled and excited that a superstar like Lionel has incorporated the Proact Stadium within his European tour dates.

“Lionel is assured of the warmest welcome possible from the Chesterfield public. This shows once again that the Proact is recognised as being one of the leading event venues in the country.”

These will be Lionel’s first UK shows since receiving glittering reviews for the‘All The Hits’  tour which included three nights at London’s O2. The dates followed a phenomenal Glastonbury performance which drew the biggest crowd of the weekend as over 200,000 people flocked to the Pyramid Stage. Lionel’s incredible success continued as his album ‘The Definitive Collection’ topped the charts and provided his first UK Number 1 in 23 years.

Lionel went on to receive British GQ’s Icon Award adding to a celebrated career which includes the O2 Silver Clef Award, four GRAMMYs, a Golden Globe and even an Oscar as well as the prestigious Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef Award. In 2016, Lionel launched his on-going Las Vegas headline residency show, ‘Lionel Richie—All the Hits’, at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, where he takes his fans on a spectacular musical journey, performing a variety of his seminal hits. Having sold over 100 million albums worldwide he recently joined the judging panel on ABC’s American Idol.

Lional Richie Chesterfield

 

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

Schools ticket initiative launched for European Under-17s Championship in May

England will host the UEFA European Under-17 Championship for the first time this summer with Chesterfield being one of the host towns.

UEFA tournament ambassador Nathaniel Chalobah visited Outwoods Primary School in Burton-upon-Trent on Wednesday.

The event was held to launch the ticketing campaign aimed at attracting local school children to the matches and mark 100 days to go before the competition begins.

The tournament will be played between Friday 4 May and Sunday 20 May, across 10 match days at six venues: Rotherham United, Chesterfield, Burton Albion, Walsall, St. George’s Park and Loughborough University.  Chesterfield will host the opening game, 2 groups games, a quarter final and a semi final match.

School friendly early kick-off times at 1pm will be played at each stadium to give children a unique opportunity to watch the stars of the future on their doorstep.

Tickets for children are only £2 and accompanying teachers/adults go for free.

Watford star Chalobah, who made 97 youth appearances for England and won the U17s European Championship in 2010 said: “It’s great for England to host a European Championship on home soil.

“There are lots of opportunities for schools to get involved and as we saw today, there’s a real enthusiasm for football among young people.

“Throughout my youth career, I always enjoyed competing in these tournaments and the 2010 win is a real career highlight to date.

“It’s an honour to be named as a tournament ambassador and I’m really looking forward to the big kick-off in May.”

Wayne Rooney, Eden Hazard, Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo are some of the famous names to have appeared at this level in the past, with the competition acting as the perfect platform for young players to showcase their talents.

England who won the European Under-17 title in 2010 and 2014, and also finished runners-up to Spain in 2017, have qualified automatically for the tournament as hosts.

After the unprecedented success of England’s development teams in 2017 and interest in youth football at an all time high, the 16 nation tournament will showcase Europe’s leading young talent.

Purchase School Tickets

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Go Outdoors confirms March opening for Chesterfield store

Outdoor company Go Outdoors have confirmed that their new Chesterfield store will officially open in March.

Go Outdoors follows a number of retailers to invest in the town recently including Deichmann Shoes , Trespass and Patisserie Valarie as well as a number of new independent stores.

The new store will be on Spire Walk Business Park in Chesterfield.
Spire Walk Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Planning events to mark First World War anniversary

Chesterfield businesses and voluntary groups are invited to work with Chesterfield Borough Council to help plan commemorations in the borough to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Armistice Day on 11 November this year will mark 100 years since the signing of the Armistice which brought an end to more than four years of fighting in which an estimated 37 million people were killed.

It is anticipated that a range of organisations in Chesterfield may be planning events during the year and in particular for the period 11 October to 11 November.

The council has put together a 2018 World War One commemorations working group with a remit to collate events. Anyone planning events during the year is asked to contact the group with details so that the events can be publicised.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:-

“The end of the First World War was a significant moment in modern history and we anticipate a range of organisations – schools, colleges, the University of Derby and local businesses – may be planning events during the year.

“As a council we will be staging events at the Pomegranate Theatre and the Winding Wheel, including a new play commissioned by the council, a series of First World War films, together with a special exhibition at the Museum and the annual October CAMRA Beer Festival on a First World War theme will also be included.

“We are planning a ‘poppy fall’ either side of the entrance to the Town Hall and would like to see our town centre bathed in commemorative displays during that month.

“We asking that anyone planning events or activities – be it window displays in local shops or specific activities relating to the commemorations – should be in touch. Our aim is to collate all the information, publish it on our website and through our communication channels.”

Anyone planning events should contact Rachel Appleyard, senior democratic and scrutiny officer, by emailing rachel.appleyard@chesterfield.gov.uk or calling (01246) 345277.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

New street food and live music festival set for Chesterfield

The Street Food and Grooves Festival, which will be held in New Square, will have a range of stalls selling world street food, ales, bespoke gin and vodka, prosecco and a selection of wines.

Organised by Chesterfield based Edge Events the festival takes place from the 11th – 13th May.

There is expected to be an eclectic delight of street food traders showcasing their cuisines from around the world including vegan and vegetarian dishes.  There will also be cold foods which will include cheeses, pickles & preserves, baked goods and sweets washed down with a variety of bespoke alcoholic and non-alcoholic based drinks.

Alongside the food, performers will be playing live music from 11am – 11pm in a festival style marquee.  A full programme of performers will be announced in early 2018, but guests can expect music to suit every musical pallet from acoustic artists, original songwriters and full cover bands from across the region.

For a seasoned dancer or someone wanting to try their hands at something new Eat, Move and Groove will be taking place in the Assembly Rooms. Guests can enjoy free entry to dance demonstrations. yoga, fitness classes, workshops and social dancing.

Laura Ashby, Co-organiser and Creator of Edge Events, states:-

“We love to visit markets around Europe and we hope to bring a bit of what we have seen back to Chesterfield.”

“Times are changing and we wanted to create something that was modern and will bring people into the town. We feel that in today’s climate events like this are becoming more and more important to sustain the local economy”

The Street Food and Grooves Festival joins Edge Events growing programme of events in the town as the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival returns to town for a second year between the 4th-5th August.

 

 

Posted in Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Leisure, Uncategorised

Chatsworth Renewed marks completion of monumental 10-year restoration project

2018 will see Chatsworth House and Garden presented in its full glory following the culmination of the 10-year long restoration project. The £32.7 million programme of restoration and conservation began in 2005 and is one of the largest projects undertaken at Chatsworth since 1828. A special exhibition will reveal how the work has taken place and celebrate the skills of the craftspeople who have played their part to ensure Chatsworth is preserved for many more hundreds of years.

Key dates for the diary for the 2018 season include:

Chatsworth Renewed: The house past, present and future: 24 March–21 October
Chatsworth Renewed will celebrate the house through the ages, and mark the completion of the largest restoration and conservation project ever undertaken at Chatsworth. From rebuilding the Belvedere turrets to replacing vast tracts of lead on the roof, and from carving the tiniest details in stone to replacing huge blocks in the walls; over the last decade Chatsworth has seen a monumental effort by teams of skilled men and women. Discover hidden stories and forgotten features as revealed through the insights of the skilled people involved, past and present. Explore conservation in action and understand how much care and effort goes into even the smallest piece of work. Finally, look forward to the future to explore what’s in store for the next 100 years.

Linder Sterling Exhibition: 24 March–21 October
Award-winning artist Linder Sterling has spent several months over winter 2017 immersing herself in the life of the Chatsworth Estate as the inaugural artist-in-residence. As well as creating a new image bank for future photo montages to take Chatsworth ‘out into the world’, some of the pieces created during her residency will go on display at Chatsworth.

Easter Eggstravaganza: 24 March-8 April
Spread throughout the house, garden and farmyard, there’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy throughout the Easter holidays at Chatsworth. Along with the hugely popular Easter egg hunts taking place in the farmyard throughout Easter weekend, Eggspress Trailer rides and hands-on craft activities, the garden will be bursting with new life.

Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials: 11–13 May
World-class competition, from elegant dressage and exciting show jumping to gripping cross country combine with entertainment for all the family in the beautiful surroundings of Chatsworth for three days of thrilling world-class equestrian action.

RHS Chatsworth Flower Show: 6–10 June
The newest show from the RHS returns to Chatsworth for the second year and blends tradition with unexpected, innovative design all set in an unforgettable location. Wednesday 6 June is exclusive for RHS members. Advance day tickets starting from £33.50 are now on sale for 2018. Accompanied children under 16 get in free.

Chatsworth Country Fair: 31 August–2 September
The Chatsworth Country Fair is one of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor events. Held in the park, it attracts large crowds from all over the country. With a packed programme of grand ring entertainment, a cookery theatre and fine food village, there’s lots to see and do. Visitors will be spoilt for choice with military bands, stunt teams and aerobatics displays galore as well as the chance to have a go at a myriad of heritage country sports. There is also a packed offer for the younger members of the family, and not forgetting four-legged friends too!

Art Out Loud: 21–23 September
The Chatsworth Festival – Art Out Loud returns in 2018 for its fourth edition with talks by speakers from across the world of art.

Halloween: 27 October–4 November
Lurking around every corner at Chatsworth are spooktacular surprises for all ages this Halloween from Fright Flights to an abandoned coal tunnel.

Bonfire and fireworks: 2–3 November
One of the Midlands’ biggest and best firework displays for adults and children alike returns to Chatsworth for two nights, along with lighting of the bonfire, a children’s firework display and a grand finale firework display.

Christmas in the House: 10 November–6 January 2019
The house will be transformed for Christmas once again with beautiful festive decorations; show-stopping fir trees and twinkly lights. The theme for 2018 will be announced in September 2018.

Christmas Markets: 16 November-4 December
Set on Lodge Hill, the Chatsworth Christmas Market offers one of the best festive shopping experiences, with lots of artisan gifts and premium food and drink on offer.

For more information, please visit www.chatsworth.org

Chatsworth Renewed

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

New soft play comes to North Derbyshire

Matlock Farm Park has recently opened its brand new Rainforest soft play.

The new all year round facilities are an indoor place of adventure in a Rainforest, with a new cafe lounge in the ruins of an Inca temple. It has an underwater themed soft play area for the toddlers with an interactive eye spy panel.

The Rainforest also has two new rooms for use with birthday parties and as classrooms.

Admission to the facilities are included with the entry fee to the Farm Park.

A Matlock Farm Park spokesperson said ” We needed to make Matlock Farm Park more of a 12 month facility, this new barn provides a warm dry area for those cold rainy days. Also we have the new Ark, where we will winter some of our animals are housed and there for a visit.”

“The Farm Park Vision, was to create an indoor play/learning centre, incorporating an overflow café with two classrooms.”

The new facilities were part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Rainforest Matlock Farm Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

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