Leisure

Visit Peak District website in Top 10 for UK Destinations

New data released by official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire reveals for the past six months, the tourist board’s website www.visitpeakdistrict.com has consistently ranked in the top ten most visited sites for around 150 UK destinations, alongside such places as Manchester, Liverpool, Brighton, Bristol, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

More than a million user sessions were logged between 20 February and 19 August, a rise of more than 37 per cent on the same period in 2017.

The site now also outranks Trip Advisor when people enter the keywords Accommodation in the Peak District and Things to Do in the Peak District on Google.

In addition, the tourist board’s social media following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram has increased by 22 per cent in the past year from just under 75,000 in July 2017 to more than 92,000.

It was recently revealed that tourism’s value to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy rose to £2.15 billion in 2017 and annual visitor numbers rose to 40.45 million.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire said: “When we relaunched our consumer website our main aim was to put visitors right at the heart of our planning and offer them a much better, more streamlined experience”

“We’re delighted that, for the first time, we’re ranked in the top ten most visited UK sites out of about 150 UK destinations – previously the best position we’ve achieved has been 13th.

“It’s also great to see that our social media following has grown substantially over the past year, thanks to our emphasis on posting engaging, image-led content – particularly on Instagram, where our following has increased by 46 per cent.

“I’d like to thank everyone in the team for their hard work and commitment to putting the Peak District and Derbyshire where it belongs – as the UK and overseas visitors’ destination of choice, regionally, nationally and globally.”

tourism

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Approval for sports pitch on former sports centre site

Councillors have approved plans for an artificial turf sports pitch on the site of the former Queen’s Park Sports Centre in Chesterfield.

Members of Chesterfield Borough Council’s planning committee approved the plans for the site of the former sports centre on Boythorpe Road at their meeting yesterday, Tuesday 28 August.

This will see a 61m x 43m sports pitch built on the site suitable for seven-a-side football games built to Football Association requirements. The pitch could also be split to be used for two five-a-side games.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Queen’s Park is a key park in Chesterfield and the new sports pitch will meet a need identified by Sport England to increase the number of pitches available in the borough.

“Chesterfield has some of the worst health inequalities and providing extra opportunities for people to exercise, get fit and enjoy themselves is a priority for us.”

The pitch would be sited to minimise the visual impact from within Queen’s Park and nearby properties. The floodlights will be designed to reduce light emissions, with the fencing and lighting columns in dark colours to blend in with the park environment.

The remaining area would be landscaped with trees, shrubs, bedding plants and grass so it is closer to the original park design by William Barron that was in place before the old Queen’s Park Sports Centre was built in 1968.

Councillor Ludlow added: “With the heritage nature of the grade II* listed park, it is important that any development fits in with its surroundings, which is why time and effort has been put into making sure that the plans are sympathetic to the nature of the park and the original landscaping restored.”

Sports Centre site

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Leisure

Value of Peak tourism hits new heights

The value of tourism to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy exceeded all expectations in 2017 – rising by six per cent to £2.15 billion.

New research released by official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire reveals that the increase on 2016 was double the average annual rise of three per cent since 2011.

Annual visitor numbers rose to 40.45 million, an increase of more than 1.3 per cent, while the number of full time equivalent jobs supported by the visitor economy is up by almost 2.5 per cent at 28,630.

The latest figures also reveal a trend for more visitors to stay in non-serviced accommodation such as self-catering and at camping and caravanning sites.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire said “This is excellent news for the Peak District and Derbyshire economy, and for everyone who lives, works and comes to stay here”

“The significant rise in tourism’s overall value over the past year signals that our long-term policy to run innovative and targeted marketing, PR and social media campaigns to encourage more people to come and stay for longer and to spend more money here is really paying off.”

“The latest figures also show that our efforts to attract more visitors at quieter times of the year to extend the season from February to November are also effective, with more people staying for three or four nights rather than two.”

Vote for the Peak District and Derbyshire in the ‘Best Holiday Region or County’ category as part of the British Travel Awards 2018. Click here to find out more and cast your vote!

 

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

Ashgate Hospicecare raises over £26,500

Ashgate Hospicecare has announced that over £26,500 was raised at Ashgate Hospicecare’s Open Air Cinema and Summer Fair events thanks to the generosity of the North Derbyshire people.

The Open Air Cinemas, which showed Bridget Jones’s Baby and The Greatest Showman, saw over a thousand supporters turn out over the weekend, rain and shine. The Summer Fair, which offered everything from handmade gifts made by Ashgate’s Day Hospice patients to go-karting and trampolining, also saw hundreds of families attend and raise vital funds for the Hospice.

Anna Drake, from Chesterfield said: “At the weekend at Ashgate Hospicecare’s Summer Fair, my little boy brought two strawberry rocks painted by someone who uses the Day Hospice facilities at the Hospice. Ashgate cared for my Gran before she passed last year. It’s a home from home and a place where people have the dignity they deserve. The staff work tremendously hard and nothing is too much trouble for both the patient and their family. We will always support Ashgate Hospicecare as a family as my Gran did for most of her life, never knowing she would need their help and support in her last few months.”

Laura Winson, from Chesterfield said: “What a great night at Ashgate Hospicecare’s Open Air Cinema. Popcorn, fizz and Bridget with good friends, all whilst raising money for the Hospice!”

Local businesses all rallied together to make all the weekend’s events run so smoothly and ensure that every penny raised from the fundraising can go directly to patient care. A huge thank you to the University of Derby for being the main sponsors of the Open Air Cinemas, Barclays UK, Andrews Of Tideswell for providing the park and ride service, DXC and Brookfield Community School, G. W. Price Ltd, Total Hire and Sales and M-VIS.

Jack Wood, Events Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “A huge thank you to all of our wonderful supporters for coming along to both our Open Air Cinemas and our Summer Fair this weekend!”

“You all turned up undefeated by the rain and helped us celebrate 30 years of caring for our community! Events like these help us to support our patients and their families in North Derbyshire when they need it most.”

There are lots of photos from the events on the Hospice’s Facebook page.

Ashgate Hospicecare

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Chesterfield hosts new festival for motor lovers

Chesterfield town centre will host more than 200 vintage vehicles this Sunday at the first Chesterfield Motor Fest.

There will be something for every car enthusiast – with displays ranging from supercars to American classics, and a ride through of bikes and scooters will take place after 11am.

At the event there will also be more than 70 stalls in the market place selling a range of autojumble goods including: engines, machinery, parts, tools and accessories.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re committed to hosting a variety of events in Chesterfield town centre and with more than 200 vehicles visiting, the first Motor Fest looks set to be a fantastic event.

“I hope families will come along, enjoy the fun and boost the local economy by visiting the many shops, pubs and restaurants in the town centre.”

Chesterfield residents can also park for free on the day by using their residents’ parking pass in the following car parks:

  • Albion Road
  • Derbyshire Times
  • Devonshire Street
  • Durrant Road
  • Hollis Lane (excluding on-street bays)
  • Holywell Cross (the ‘Donut’)
  • Queens Park (North and South)
  • Spa Lane
  • Station Road
  • St Mary’s Gate
  • Theatre Lane.

For more information view the event listing here

Motor Fest

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Ringwood Hall’s new spa awarded 5 Bubbles

The Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa has been awarded the prestigious 5 Bubble rating for its newly opened Garden Secret Spa – the first to be awarded within Derbyshire in 2018.

The Bubble rating is awarded by the Good Spa Guide which is the expert guide to the best UK spas and treatments.  Just 21 spas within the UK have achieved 5 Bubbles during 2018.

This latest accolade for Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa comes just four months after the hotel achieved its 4 Star AA Status.

Meeting a strict inspection covering all aspects of the spa journey, the spa scored top marks in all areas, in particular highlighting the food quality, spa facilities and customer service.

The inspector noted that they loved the impressive gardens, the garden theme and the Lola’s Apothecary treatments, stating: “This hidden gem of a spa embraces nature at every turn, making it a supremely soothing place to escape to.  Treatments are unique and professionally delivered, the facilities are top-notch, customer service is great and the gardens are simply stunning.”

Spa Manager, Jemma Whitney said: “I am delighted that the Garden Secret Spa has been awarded the 5 Bubble status.

I think I speak for everyone at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa when I say we are so proud to receive such recognition.  To be the first Derbyshire Spa with 5 Bubbles just makes the hard work the whole team have put in even more rewarding.

I am thrilled that the spa spy loved their Lola’s Apothecary treatment, we are the only spa in the UK to have treatments incorporating this brand and we feel honoured to be associated with such a beautiful product”.

The Garden Secret Spa features a Vitality Pool, Herbal Sauna, Foot Spas, Himalayan Salt Sauna, Blossom Steam Room, Ice Fountain, Experience Showers, Relaxation Lounges, 7 treatment rooms and its own Brassiere.

Ring Wood Hall Garden Secret Spa

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

Chesterfield Theatres new season announced

Chesterfield Theatres is pleased to announce its Autumn 2018 season.

At the Pomegranate Theatre, highlights include a new adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion from Monday 24 – Saturday 29 September and Salad Days; an absolute romp of polite naughtiness and saucy encounters starring Wendi Peters (Coronation Street) from Monday 24 – Saturday 29 September.

At the Winding Wheel, highlights include G4 Live in concert, Jason Donovan’s Amazing Midlife Crisis tour, the Shaolin Warriors and Dave Spikey’s Juggling on a Motorbike tour.

From Tuesday 13 to Saturday 17 November, Chesterfield Theatres is delighted to welcome the return of the hit musical Blood Brothers. The legendary play tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

There are also additional cinema screenings at the Pomegranate Theatre, with newly – released films, and satellite broadcasts of performances and events, including from the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera, NT Live, RSC Live, and many others.

100 years since WWI

To commemorate 100 years since the end of World War One, there is an extensive programme of events scheduled for September to November and including The Fulstow Boys, Pack up your Troubles and a stage adaptation of Michael Morpugo’s Private Peaceful.

On Wednesday 31 October, celebrated military historian, Peter Hart will present his fascinating talk The Last Battle: Endgame on the Western Front, 1918. On Sunday 4 and Monday 5 November, a two day film festival at the Pomegranate Theatre showcases some of the best films about the war; including Lawrence of Arabia, War Horse, Regeneration, All Quiet on the Western Front and Oh! What a Lovely War. The series concludes with new play The Eleventh Hour, showing from Tuesday 6 – Saturday 10 November.

For the family

Highlights for families include The Snail and the Whale, Little Baby Bum and Peppa Pig’s Adventure. With a more festive feel, Father Christmas Needs A Wee returns on Sunday 18 November.

This year’s spectacular pantomime is Cinderella, starring Roxanne Pallett (Emmerdale & Dancing on Ice) and Rhydian Roberts (X Factor). Running from Saturday 1 December to Sunday 6 January 2019.

70 years of the Pomegranate

During spring 2019, the Pomegranate Theatre will be celebrating it’s 70th anniversary with a season of seven plays over seven weeks, and there will be a special season ticket offer – seven plays for the price of four!

The series of plays include Arsenic and Old Lace, Billy Liar, The Killing of Sister George, How the Other Half Loves, An Evening with Gary Lineker, Anybody for Murder and Don’t Dress for Dinner.

For more Chesterfield events visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events.

Chesterfield Theatres new season

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Accreditation for Chesterfield Museum

Chesterfield Museum, which is owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council has had its accreditation renewed by Arts Council England.

This means that the popular attraction on St Mary’s Gate has high standards both for visitors and caring for objects in its collection.

These include:

  • Collections are cared for to a high standard to ensure that they are around for people today and in the future and are well documented
  • Making the museum accessible and widening its range of visitors through exhibitions, events and outreach and educational activities
  • Using different methods to suit visitors such as hands-on activities and talks as well as written information
  • Providing a variety of learning and discovery experiences
  • Working with different partners.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy said: “Each year thousands of people visit the many and varied exhibitions and activities at Chesterfield Museum and feedback we receive is positive.

“I’m proud that the museum has had its accreditation renewed and would like to thank our staff for the hard work they have put into this over the last two years.”

Receiving the accreditation means the museum can continue to apply for funding from organisations such as Heritage Lottery Fund and Museums Development East Midlands.

Over the last year, the museum has held a variety of exhibitions including Chesterfield on tap looking at the history of Chesterfield’s breweries and mineral water manufacturers, Other Stories in partnership with LGBT+ Derbyshire celebrating stories from LGBT+ communities, and the Vikings.

The current exhibition, Park Life, exploring the borough’s parks and open spaces runs until 15 September.

The museum also holds regular events including the Lego Play Day, Meet George Stephenson and behind the scenes tours. To look at the current programme, visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/museum.

Chesterfield Museum is open each Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm – admission is free.

Chesterfield Museum

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield Festival of Cricket hailed as a success

Derbyshire Chief Executive Simon Storey has hailed another successful Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

Over 8,000 people attended the week-long festival across five days of cricket, as Derbyshire claimed a four-day win over Northamptonshire before securing a dramatic Vitality Blast victory against Yorkshire Vikings on Saturday.

The Twenty20 fixture was played in front of a 4,500 sold out crowd at Queen’s Park, the second year in a row the match has been an advance sell out as the popularity of the festival continues to grow.

Storey said: “It was a terrific week of cricket and wrapping it up with victory in the last over against Yorkshire on Saturday capped off a memorable week in the north of the county.

“Queen’s Park is a special venue and Members, supporters and players always enjoy the annual trip to Chesterfield.

“The festival brings many benefits to the local community, with thousands of people visiting the town, while it also provides local school kids and cricket club juniors the opportunity to enjoy county cricket right on their doorstep.

“Taking county cricket to Chesterfield is always a huge operational challenge for our off-field team, Chesterfield Cricket Club and Chesterfield Borough Council. Running a matchday safely at an out-ground is hugely challenging and in particular the operations team led by Jamie Guthrie, ground care team led by Neil Godrich and commercial team led by Ryan Duckett work hard for many weeks in preparation.

“A successful festival also relies on partnerships and the support of the local community. We are fortunate to work with local partners such as Custom Solar and Brampton Brewery, and we also get the full support of Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Cricket Club and Friends of Queen’s Park Cricket. We are hugely grateful for the support we receive.

“The highlight of the week was undoubtedly another sell-out crowd for the traditional Vitality Blast fixture against Yorkshire, and they were treated to one of the best Twenty20 matches the venue has ever seen.

“Every year we look to improve and grow the festival. One thing we will need to review for future years is our policy around Member tickets for any all-ticket match.

“Our post-match analysis suggests that a large number of Members who claimed tickets in advance did not turn up on the day, which meant we were unable the sell those tickets to other fans who wanted to watch the match. As a result, we missed out on significant income, all of which could have been invested back into the Club. I’m sure Members will appreciate that we will need to look at this as part of our Membership package for next year.

“On the whole, it was a terrific week at Queen’s Park with good crowds, excellent cricket and, most importantly, two wins for Derbyshire.

“What made it more satisfying was to see our young Derbyshire home-grown players play a key role in all the matches. As a Club, we remain committed to the development of our young players and we must continue to build for the future and produce cricketers who can consistently win games for the county.”

Rainbow at Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

The Lounges to open Sorbo Lounge in former Chesterfield Post Office

The Lounges, the West Country based restaurant/café/bar group is opening a brand-new site in Chesterfield on Wednesday 8th August 2018. Sorbo Lounge will open on Market Place, creating 25 jobs for local people.

The Lounges have spent £500k transforming the site into a family-friendly retro-inspired cosy retreat, where eclectic artwork and quirky curios sit next to oversized vintage sofas and old school benches, strikingly painted table tops and statement lighting, in the eclectic style much loved by Lounge aficionados.

Particular attention has been paid to families – there is a fine selection of games and books, colouring pencils and pads, a full menu just for Little Loungers and high chairs and baby-change facilities are available for the tiny ones.

Phil Kinsella, Operations Manager, The Lounges, said “We’re really looking forward to throwing open the doors at Sorbo Lounge and showing the locals how to lounge in style. The team are looking forward to becoming part of the community and will support local groups and initiatives wherever possible.”

A community notice board is available for those wanting to publicise events and a book swap area is kept well stocked. The team will also be holding regular fund-raising events as part of their commitment to making a difference in the community. With this in mind the team have chosen to support Fairplay, a local organisation that supports children and young people with disabilities and additional needs, and their families, across North Derbyshire. Sorbo Lounge will donate 50p from every burger and 10p from every coffee sold from their first month of trading to the charity.

Sorbo Lounge will cater for all tastes throughout the day. Whether you’re looking for the best coffee in town, a business lunch with colleagues or a lazy all-day brunch, Sorbo Lounge is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The all-day menu features everything from their famous authentic tapas and Hero Burger to Tin Pan Louie’s beef chilli, packed paninis and the best mac and cheese you’ve ever tasted… or there’s the ever-changing specials menu. Little loungers, vegans and those favouring a gluten-free diet are well catered for with their very own menus.

SORBO LOUNGE IN CHESTERFIELD

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Spire Radio to broadcast Chesterfield FC match updates

Two Chesterfield Champions are joining forces to bring fans of Chesterfield FC live updates from matches in the Vanarma National League. Spire Radio are delighted to announce that they are an official media partner of Chesterfield FC for the 2018/19 National League campaign.

When Chesterfield begin their new season on August 4th away at Ebsfleet there will be a new team bringing live updates to Spireites during the match. Alan Wilkinson, known to many fans simply as Big Al, will be leading the live updates from the stadium while Adam Marsden leads the team back in the studio.

Spire Sports presenter, Adam Marsden said “It’s a great opportunity for the station and the club to build on our already strong partnership. I look forward to being able to bring live action from the Spireites this season as well as reaction after 5pm alongside a team of very talented presenters who are excited to get the ball rolling for next season.”

Spire Sports is every Saturday from 2pm with pre-match build up from around the grounds, including Matlock and Dronfield Town. From 3pm you can expect live goal flashes and updates from the match during each half plus player and manager reactions at full time. The Fan Reaction starts at 5pm and fans can get in touch via social media, both during and after the match, email and on the phone via 01246 200 454 when Adam opens the lines. Listen in via www.spire-radio.com

Programme Director at Spire Radio, Simon Barnett commented; “We can’t wait to kick off the new season with Chesterfield FC – providing this level of coverage is a big challenge for us, but one I know that Alan, Adam and all of our sports team will rise to every Saturday from 2pm. As an online only station we are limited by the fact that we aren’t on a traditional radio, but we are available all around the world via our website on mobile, tablet and desktop. I’m looking forward to the launch of the Fans Reaction Show from 5pm we’ll be getting a fans eye view of the match straight after the final whistle – giving Spireites the chance to pass their verdict on the match.”

Tommy Lee testimonial

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure