Leisure

New business opens at Penmore House

Penmore House, Hasland is now the new home to Midlands Hair Clinic specialising in Scalp Micropigmentation, Teeth Whitening & Aesthetics Treatments.

With over 11 years experience in the barbering industry owner Casey Foster-Miles wanted to provide a service to men and women experiencing hairloss.

Based in heart of Derbyshire at the beautiful Georgian listed building, Penmore House, the team have worked within the barbering industry for over 10 years and have Harley street trained skilled technicians that know how to create the perfect style and hair transformation.

The treatment can be used during varying hair loss stages and can treat baldness, alopecia or thinning hair. The clinic is also stockists of the fantastic Naturawhite products helping to achieve a perfectly white smile within a one hour treatment.

On why he decided to invest his business in Chesterfield, owner Casey Foster-Miles said:-

“I moved to the area after meeting my partner Charlotte who is from the town. I have found the area to be a very busy and vibrant town and the ideal location to set up my new business.

“The setting of Penmore House also went very well with the idea of the business and is close enough to the M1 for clients commuting to the clinic.”

 

Micropigmentation

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Chesterfield lights up for Christmas

Chesterfield is set to be bathed in Christmas glow yet again with the annual Christmas lights switch-on event.

The event takes place on Sunday 19 November with a special market taking place from noon offering entertainment, stalls, games and rides in the market place and New Square.

Youngsters can also meet one of their favourite characters as Chase from Paw Patrol makes appearances outside the Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square, outside the Crooked Spire church at noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

The stage show gets underway in New Square at 3.30pm with Peak FM presenters Cat and Ricky taking to the stage offering opportunities for the audience to join in the fun.

Stars from the Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan, this year’s pantomime at the Pomegranate Theatre, will perform on stage and will perform the switch on at 4.45pm with Chesterfield’s mayor and Chase from Paw Patrol.

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

“Each year thousands of people come along to take part in Chesterfield’s Christmas lights event. It is a great opportunity for families to come together and get into the Christmas spirit.

“We organise the event as part of our commitment to make Chesterfield a thriving borough and to improve the quality of life for local people.”

Chesterfield residents can use their free parking disc to park for free in the following Chesterfield Borough Council off-street pay and display 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.

Free coach parking is available by arrangement with Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre.  For more information telephone 01246 345777/8.

There’s a full programme of entertainment for Christmas in Chesterfield from traditional markets to stand up comedy. Find out more about Christmas in Chesterfield here.

Christmas lights switch-on

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

Peak tourist board to lead £1.2 million international walking trails campaign

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is to spearhead a new national campaign worth more than £1.2 million to promote the challenging, yet comfortable experience offered by England’s great walking trails to key overseas markets.

The official tourist board has secured £1 million from VisitEngland’s £40 million Discover England Fund – matched by £200,000 from the private sector – to sell the magic of seven long-distance walking trails, cosy pubs, locally-brewed beers, fine local food and welcoming accommodation providers.

Discover England’s Great Walking Trails will develop the international appeal of the Pennine Way, South West Coast Path, North Downs Way, Hadrian’s Wall, Norfolk Coast Path, Cleveland Way and Cotswold Way for potential visitors from Germany, The Netherlands, France and the USA by:

  • Creating walking tour itineraries for each trail, with a selection of three- to 14-day options
  • Putting together a programme of trade and travel show visits, PR and media familiarisation visits
  • Developing relationships with the travel trade and tour operators to stimulate group bookings in target markets
  • Increasing the number of visits from the target markets by two per cent each year to 2024
  • Raising the profile and improving England’s image in the target markets, including the variety and quality of the country’s food and drink

It will build on the success of a pilot project led by the South West Coast Path Association during year one of the Discover England Fund initiative, which created bookable walking breaks along the 630 miles long coastal trail through Dorset, Devon and Cornwall for the German and Dutch markets.

“We are delighted to have won this bid from the Discover England Fund to lead a campaign to develop world class walking holidays in England for a wider audience,” said Jo Dilley, the tourist board’s Managing Director.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity to bring in overseas visitors who enjoy challenging walking and want to experience the real English countryside, but like to eat well, sample quality local beers and stay in comfort at the end of the day.

“It’s also sure to appeal to keen walkers from across the UK who want to visit, stay in and explore some of England’s loveliest destinations.

“We’re now looking forward to working with all our public and private sector partners to raise the profile of all seven routes, both internationally and nationally.”

Sally Balcombe, Chief Executive, VisitEngland, said:-

“The quality of submissions to our Discover England Fund reflects the innovation in product development thriving across the country’s tourism landscape.

“The successful projects will boost international and domestic growth, creating a step-change in the industry and spreading the economic benefits of tourism across England.

“This project will package walking trails up with cosy pubs and accommodation, creating itineraries that will show off England’s hospitality along with its outstanding rural and coastal beauty.”

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire will work in close partnership with other tourist boards, the South West Coast Path Association, Local Enterprise Partnerships, councils, transport providers, the National Trust, National Parks, the British Beer and Pub Association, Stay in a Pub/Cask Marque, The Camping and Caravanning Club and other businesses to deliver the project from now until March 2019.

walking trails

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Proact hosts campaign for sensible drinking launch

Local pubs are being urged to support a campaign to promote sensible drinking, which was launched at the Proact Stadium.

Yvonne Henchliffe, whose son Christopher passed away after a drink-related incident in Chesterfield town centre last year, came up with the initiative called ‘Stay Cute & Dilute – One Punch Kill’.

Yvonne is encouraging all pubs in Chesterfield to support her campaign by serving soft drinks at half price on November 11.

“We’re asking all pubs in Chesterfield to sign up and on that date, serve half-price soft drinks and make their own mocktail,” said Yvonne.

“I’m determined to make a change. There was nothing out there when Chris first died so I decided to start my own campaign.”

The initiative also has the support of Derbyshire Constabulary and Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins, who said:-

“A year ago, Christopher Henchliffe was tragically killed by a single punch after a late-night incident in Chesterfield. His mum Yvonne has run a really positive campaign, trying to encourage more people to take soft drinks, which I think is a great idea.”

Representatives from Neurocare, the Royal British Legion and Ability all attended the launch event at the Proact. Also supporting the campaign are The Blue Bell Inn in North Wingfield, The Britannia at Brampton and The Olde House in Newbold.

Sarah Spencer from The Britannia said:-

“We do a lot in the pub to make sure people stay within reasonable limits.

“I think our customers would embrace the mocktail and they’ve already started thinking of ideas and names that they can come up with.”

Julie Wood of The Olde House commented:-

“It’s about trying to discourage people from throwing alcohol down their necks and actually just taking their time to drink sensibly.

“We always have facilities where they can help themselves to water so they don’t have to go to the bar. I don’t want them to have to think they’ve got to go and queue.”

sensible drinking

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Spire Radio refreshes its schedule for Winter 2017

Chesterfield Champion, online radio station Spire Radio, has updated its schedule for Winter 2017 as it welcomes presenters old and new as part of a revamped schedule.

Chris Walters, Programme Director at Spire Radio, says:-

“I’m excited about the new shows we are able to bring our listeners, our schedule is stronger than ever and we are still offering a wide range of music for all tastes.”

Making sure that Chesterfield wakes up with a smile on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday is their new Breakfast presenter, Maisie Saikia. The LOL Laughter Girls Debs and Denise will continue to wake up North Derbyshire the only way they can on Wednesday from 7am.

On Monday & Tuesdays, from 3pm-6pm Chesterfield College Media Students will also take to the air, extending the partnership between Spire Radio and the College as the students learn in a practical environment.

Wednesdays from 3pm its Afternoon Tea with Ken and Dee. Reunited after spending time together at a community station in Clowne, Ken and Dee bring their unique look at life to Spire Radio, with great music and chat, highlighting some great local causes.

On Thursdays from 3pm, George and Mel O’Neil take to the air entertaining Chesterfield with interviews and guests from all around Derbyshire.

Ellie Marie Scott, fresh from a summer of concerts overseas, is returning to Spire Radio to take over the 2-3pm slot. Ellie will be bringing flair to Friday afternoons in only the way she can.

Saturday’s are full of fun on Spire Radio, after the Weekend Wake Up, join Evie our 5 -year-old superstar as she presents Spire Radio’s Kid’s Club for an hour of music just for the kids from 11am. At 12 noon, Ali M returns to Spire after some time away with R and R Time. Great music to fit a weekly theme along with some health and well-being tips just for you.

And finally Sunday evenings are becoming more relaxed. From 7pm, Martin Green goes back in time during the Chart Archives, while Chris Heathcote rounds out your weekend with an hour of the best Big Band and Swing in Chesterfield from 9pm.

Winter 2017

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Chesterfield remembers the fallen

Chesterfield residents can remember those who have lost their lives in war at a series of events organised by Chesterfield Borough Council.

On Armistice Day, Saturday 11 November, the national two-minute silence will be marked with an event at the war memorial, Rose Hill opposite Chesterfield Town Hall at 11am.

Everyone is welcome to attend the event where the service will be marked by the sounding of the Last Post and Reveille. People wishing to take part should be in place by 10.45am.

The silence will be marked in other Chesterfield Borough Council buildings including the Customer Service Centre in New Square, Chesterfield Market Hall, Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square, Queen’s Park Sports Centre and the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley.

Other shops and businesses will also mark the silence.

The annual Remembrance Sunday service takes place at St Mary and All Saints’ Church, the ‘Crooked Spire’ on Sunday 12 November at 2.30pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend but people are asked to be seated by 2pm as the church becomes full quickly.

Following the service, a civic parade with the mayor and other civic representatives, the Royal British Legion, members of armed forces’ organisations and uniformed and voluntary organisations will head to the war memorial at Rose Hill for the wreath laying ceremony.

Councillor Sharon Blank, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for governance, said:-

“Events to mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday are the most solemn in our calendar.

“Everyone is welcome to come and join our events to remember those who have died in the First World War and subsequent conflicts.”

A service organised by Staveley Town Council will take place at 11am on Remembrance Sunday, 12 November, at the Memorial Gardens, Staveley.

Other remembrance events will also be held in the borough.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Chesterfield announced as a host venue for UEFA European Under-17 Championships 2017

UEFA and The Football Association have named the venues which will host the UEFA European Under-17 Championship final tournament in May next year.
Chesterfield, Burton Albion,Loughborough University, Rotherham United, St. George’s Park and Walsall have all been selected to host the annual UEFA tournament.

The competition for Europe’s 16 elite nations will be played at venues across the Midlands and South Yorkshire with St. George’s Park at its heart.

Chesterfield will host the opening game and Rotherham United will stage the final, with fixtures taking place between 4-20 May.

Tickets will go on sale in January with the final draw taking place at St. George’s Park in April.

Wayne Rooney, Eden Hazard, Paul Pogba and Mario Götze 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, qualified automatically for the tournament as hosts.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said:
“The European Under-17 Championship gives football fans an early opportunity to watch talented young footballers as they start out on what they hope will be successful careers in the game.

The competition also provides the youngsters with an ideal chance to perform on an international football stage.
I am very happy that the finals are being staged in England. The Football Association are experienced hosts of major football events, and we are all looking forward to an exciting and entertaining tournament.”

England U17s head coach Steve Cooper added:

“We are very proud to be hosting the men’s European Under-17 finals next summer.”
“St. George’s Park will be at the heart of training and matches and all six venues will give the players an opportunity to perform at different stadiums.”
“Rotherham and Walsall have hosted a number of England development and women’s team fixtures in the past while Burton Albion and Chesterfield are fantastic venues.”

“Loughborough University is a world-renowned sports and educational establishment.”

“The tournament gives the towns and regions an opportunity to see the best young talent from across the continent and we are very much looking forward to the challenge.”


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

Local runner wins Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon

A local runner has become the first person to cross the finish line at the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon – and was one of a number from the region to triumph in the race.

Charlie Baker, a member of Hallamshire Harriers running club, crossed the line with an impressive time of 1:18:52. Runner-up, John Sanderson from North Derbyshire RC clocked a time of 1:21:08, followed by Marcus Nicholson in third with a time of 1:22:33.

When accepting his trophy, Charlie said: “I’m feeling very pleased with myself, the most difficult part was one of the hills towards the end, and constantly running into the wind, but I’m very happy to have completed it and to cross the finish line in first place.”

Ashleigh Barron from the Steel City Striders was the first female to cross the line with a remarkable time of 1:30:15, followed by, Sheffield based TeamGB Duathlon and Triathlon athlete, Fiona Kesteven, who ran in 1:31:22. Deborah Lock rounded off the top three females running in a time of 1:31:33.

Ashleigh explained how she got through the miles: “I just kept having a word with myself, saying to keep going, that I have put all this hard work in and not to give up, I’m out in the storm, just go for it.”

Just under 1,000 people took to the streets of Chesterfield last weekend to take part in the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon and the Peak FM Fun Run to raise money for their chosen charity.

The half marathon course started in Queen’s Park, went through the town centre visiting Hasland, then returned to Chesterfield via Brampton and Ashgate before returning to Queen’s Park.

The race was held in aid of local and regional worthy causes, primarily supporting event charity partners – Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospicecare and North Aston-based Bluebell Wood Children’s hospice.

Local estate agency, Redbrik, was the headline sponsor for the 2017 event as part of the new five-year partnership deal.

John Timms, Events Director at MLS Contract Ltd, organiser of the event, said: “We were thrilled with the turnout of the event despite the traditional British weather.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our entrants for taking part and completing the race in such difficult circumstances.

“I would also like to thank all those who were affected by any road disruptions across Chesterfield for their good will and co-operation throughout the day. We must thank the 200 volunteers who helped marshal the course and gave up their valuable time to ensure a successful event”.

“This event will have enabled our hospices to do more work for those most in need in our local communities and all our partners wanted to support this.”

Mark Ross, Director at Redbrik Estate Agency, who also took part in the event himself, said: “We are delighted to have been involved with such a successful event – The turnout was tremendous considering the wind.

“It’s been great to really get behind such a brilliant occasion and to be the main sponsors of the event – it made us so proud to see the participants and the huge crowds that turned up to cheer on the runners, it felt like the whole town came together.”

The event also held a successful family-friendly 2.5km Peak FM Fun Run which ran tandem to the main event.

Main charity partner Ashgate Hospicecare provides care to patients across North Derbyshire at the hospice, in the community and at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice looks after children and young adults with life-threatening and life-shortening conditions across North Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and parts of North Lincolnshire.

Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon Ladies and mens winners

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Blu Bistro named as Chesterfield’s top restaurant

Chatsworth Road’s Blu Bistro & Coffee House has been named as Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year at the town’s 2017 Food and Drink Awards.

Blu has been shortlisted for the prestigious award four years running, however 2017 has seen the family-owned restaurant finally take the top title in the annual competition which is organised by Destination Chesterfield.

Blu was one of 12 bars, restaurants, food producers, cafes and individuals to scoop an accolade across 13 categories in this year’s Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2017.

Judges described Blu as a ‘hidden gem’ which far exceeded their expectations. They added: “From the minute we were greeted to the end of the evening the whole experience was a sheer delight. A truly exciting, gastronomic journey. The cooking techniques were outstanding, as were the combinations of flavours.”

One of Chesterfield’s newest bars, Bottle & Thyme, which opened its doors in December last year, celebrated its first year in business with a double award win on the night, scooping the titles of Best Newcomer and Best Customer Service.

Delhi 41, based on Sheffield Road on Whittington Moor, also celebrated multiple success on the night when it retained the International Restaurant of the Year title for a record four consecutive years. Since the category was introduced to the awards line up in 2014, Delhi 41 has won every single year. Matlock-based restaurant Stones, also retained its title of Best Out of Town for the second consecutive year.

Celebrity baker and couture cake maker to royalty and the A List, Mich Turner MBE hosted the awards ceremony, which was held on Wednesday 25 October at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building.

More than 250 people attended what has become the biggest night of the year for Chesterfield’s food and drink community. Held in association with The Chesterfield College Group, the awards are designed to also be a hands-on learning experience for the College’s hospitality students who both prepare the two course menu and serve at the sell-out event each year.

Julie Richards, Principal of Chesterfield College said: “Congratulations to everyone who was nominated as a finalist for the Food and Drink Awards this year and well done to all the winners. It is an honour for the college to play such a big part in this celebration of the local food and drink industry. It is a highlight in our calendar, providing a fantastic opportunity to showcase the college’s catering and hospitality department and to develop the skills of the students who take part in the preparation of the food and the hospitality for the evening.”

Organiser of the awards Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, said: “Once again the Food and Drink Awards were a runaway success with more new names appearing in the winners roll alongside established names. This is a reflection of how the town’s food and drink scene is both growing and evolving, catering for everyone’s tastes, and mirroring the development of Chesterfield as a whole.”

The winners of the 2017 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Blu Bistro & Coffee House

Adam Warwick, Head Chef at Blu Bistro & Coffee House: “We’ve been nominated four years running so to finally win is incredible. Teamwork is the key. Everything we do, all 15 of us, we do together. We work as a team and it’s paid off… finally.”

 

Café and Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Custom Solar

The Lilypad Café and Restaurant

Emily Chapman, owner of The Lilypad Café and Restaurant, said; “It’s amazing to win. It feels incredible – especially after winning Best Newcomer of the Year in 2016. Never being boring and keeping ahead is the key to success.”

 

Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by arvato

The Market Pub

Demi McLuskey, Manager of The Market Pub, said: “There are seven chefs at the Market Pub who are led by head chef Tracey. We all work closely together which is important in such a small kitchen. We love what we do and we’re all massive foodies; which all helps!”

 

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

Junction Bar

Michael Walker, Owner of Junction Bar, said: “It’s an amazing achievement ahead of our first birthday in November. Chatsworth Road is on the up and we wanted to introduce a premium bar alongside the real ale offering in the area and it is working very well.”

 

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants

Bottle & Thyme

Gavin Grainger, joint owner of Bottle & Thyme, said: “It’s a small, family run business; even our parents are involved. Our main focus is on creating a positive, happy environment for people to come and have a good time – that’s why we have focused on customer service in our first year of opening. We hope we’ve brought something different to Chesterfield’s nightlife. We want to appeal to to a range of ages with our cocktails and live music.”

 

Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber

Bottle & Thyme

Best Out of Town – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

Stones Restaurant, Matlock

Kevin Stone, Owner of Stones Restaurant said: “We’re striving to do even better and give our guests the best experience. We’re a family run business that is small, approachable and we have amazing food that keeps people coming through the door.”

Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year – presented by The Chesterfield College Group

Teresa Lambarelli’s

Teresa Lambarelli, owner of Teresa Lambarelli’s said: “It’s fantastic to have a hat trick of wins. Started by my father more than 40 years ago, we were the first pizzeria in Chesterfield. Now we make and supply pasta sauces throughout the UK and have just opened a pasta and prosecco bar on Chatsworth Road. I enjoy what I do and I have loyal customers that return to me time and time again. I have a great team who are helping me succeed and I wouldn’t be achieving such a level of success without them all.”

Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by The Parish Church of St. Mary and All Saints

Hannah Turner

“The cook off was really intense! Although it went much better than I thought it would and I think that’s the best I have ever done with the dish. I love getting to know different recipes and learning different methods. That’s how I decided on my menu for the judges. I knew it would be fun to make and I would get to try out new techniques.”

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Delhi 41

Azmular Rahman, Manager of Delhi 41 said: “Every year we look forward to the competition to make sure we’re doing the right thing. The Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are the benchmark of our success to ensure we’re continuing to do things well.“

 

Family Friendly – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design

Chesters Restaurant and Takeaway

 

Chris Ioannides, owner of Chesters Restaurant and Takeaway, said: “We’re a family based restaurant and are very proud to win the award. We concentrate on making families and kids feel welcome and try to make it a place where adults can enjoy a drink and children can enjoy playing.”

 

Conference and Banqueting – sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants and

Casa Hotel                                                                                          Business Advisers

Adam Yeomans, Casa Conferencing and Banqueting Supervisor, said: “I am delighted to win the award. Most of the success comes from behind the scenes and being attentive to the guests.”

Food Hero – sponsored by Casa Hotel

Paul Maude, Career Pathway Leader Hospitality and Catering at Chesterfield College Chesterfield College.

On winning his award Paul Maude, whose career has spanned nearly 40 years, said: “It’s a great honour to train the next generation of chefs and see them succeed and qualify. I am emotional and honoured to win the award.”

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, City Taxis, Owen Taylor & Sons, ra Information Systems, Franklin and Sons Ltd, Addooco, Steve Faulkner and Reflections.

Blu Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Vintage match-day programmes on sale as part of traineeship project

A range of vintage match-day programmes are going on sale at the Proact Stadium, as old as the 1970s and as recent as last season.

This project has been put together by an aspiring group of trainees working at the Chesterfield FC Community Trust.

The traineeship programme gives outstanding opportunities and experience to 16-18 year-olds not in education, employment or training.

Darren Parkinson, Chesterfield FC Community Trust Education Officer, commented:-

“The traineeship program that we offer is designed to help young people gain relevant skills and work experience.

“The vintage programme shop project has been developed by the trainees with assistance from their tutors, in order to give them experience of setting up and running a small business.”

The vintage programmes  will be on sale at every home game starting from the Carlisle match on Saturday 28th October in the Ernie Moss Room at the HUB in the East Stand.

The project provides fans with the opportunity to purchase a priceless piece of Spirerites history; a perfect gift opportunity for a true town fan.

vintage match-day programmes

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Annual value of Peak tourism tops £2 billion

Tourism’s annual economic value to the Peak District and Derbyshire has broken the £2 billion barrier.

New research reveals that its financial contribution continued on an upward curve in 2016, bringing in 39.9 million visitors. Tourism also now supports almost 28,000 full-time equivalent jobs – an average annual increase of 1.5 per cent since 2006.

The good news was revealed by Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader, Derbyshire County Council, at official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Annual Tourism Conference & Exhibition at the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton today (Thursday October 19).

From 2006 to 2016, tourism’s economic value to the area increased by more than a third, or by an average of three per cent year on year.

Over the same period, the number of visitors staying in hotels and B&Bs rose by more than 18 per cent, while overall spending by both staying and day visitors rose by 34 per cent.

“This solid, steady progress is great news for the local and regional economy, and for everyone who lives and works in the Peak District and Derbyshire,” said Councillor Lewis.

“It’s vital that both public and private sectors continue to work together to maximise the number of visitors, investment and high quality jobs that tourism can generate.

“We now need to maintain that strong forward momentum, and will be channelling more resources into helping tourism businesses develop, as well as supporting the food and drink and cultural and arts sectors.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, added:-

“We’re delighted that the area is performing so well and showing sustained growth over a ten-year period in an increasingly competitive global tourism market.

“This augurs well for the future and our long-term plans to develop both the domestic and overseas strands of our marketing activity.”

Keynote speaker was Ben Foster, Managing Director of Sheffield-based The SEO Works, who delivered a masterclass in digital strategies aimed at maximising businesses’ online performance.

Other speakers included Sarah Fowler, Chief Executive of the Peak District National Park Authority, who outlined the Peak District National Park Management Plan and Esther Pearson, Director of the South West Coast Path Association, who shared the successes and learning experiences of the South West Coastal Path Pilot Project, part of VisitEngland’s Discover England Fund Year 1 bid.

Andrew Keeling, Director, Hotel Solutions – who completed a major study of hotel and visitor accommodation development potential for the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership in 2016 – highlighted its key findings for the Peak District and Derbyshire.

His analysis flagged up scope for action to develop glamping, pub and cyclist-friendly accommodation, as well as a longer-term strategy in Derby and the need for ongoing upgrading, expansion and innovation to improve the area’s appeal to staying visitors.

Peak tourism

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting