Leisure

Council reveals exciting programme of events for 2026

Chesterfield Borough Council has announced its programme of events for 2026, bringing a mix of returning favourites and new activities to the town.

The programme aims to encourage more people to visit the town centre and enjoy unique experiences as residents, families and visitors.

Building on the success of events held in 2025, the year ahead will see the return of several popular events alongside a number of new additions to the calendar:

  • Chesterfield Glow Up, a new event, will take place on Friday, 27 and Saturday, 28 March. Delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council as part of the Animate Chesterfield programme, the event will feature a light show projected onto the Market Hall by international projection artists Illuminos. There will also be funfair rides, free UV face painting, live entertainment and a night market.

Chesterfield Glow Up

  •  The popular 1940s Market returns on Thursday, 28 May and is expected to draw in large crowds once again. The market will also be taking part in the national Love Your Local Market campaign.

Visitors at Chesterfield 1940s Market in front of a vintage vehicle

  • The Chesterfield International Market is to be held from 19 to 21 June. The market brings a range of international street food and traders to our town centre.
  • Saturday, 15 August, will see a new event celebrating the emergency services.
  • The Christmas Lights Switch On will take place on Sunday, 22 November, marking the start of the festive season in Chesterfield.

Xmas light switch on

The council will host more events in summer 2026, including a new food festival with details to be shared on the website and social media as they are confirmed.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:

“With the improvements across the town centre set to be completed this year, we’re excited to unveil our events programme and make great use of the new spaces to attract visitors and provide free entertainment.

“Whilst this is just a selection of everything that will be happening this year, we wanted to make sure everyone had the opportunity to start planning for the year ahead. We’ll be announcing more events and activities in the spring.

“Events like these are a great way of attracting new visitors to support town centre businesses and market traders – I hope that you can join us for these fantastic events.”

These events are part of a wider range of cultural activity happening across chesterfield discover what’s on in chesterfield: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events

 

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Easter, Half term, Home, Leisure, Stay, Summer, Visiting

Celebrating creativity, community, and local milestones

Junction Arts secures National Lottery Funding

Junction Arts is marking a major milestone with the launch of 50 Stories for 50 Years, a year-long heritage project supported by a £56,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

What began as a small grassroots organisation in South Normanton has grown into a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England, delivering creative projects that tackle inequality, spark imagination and bring people together.

More recently, Junction Arts has gained national recognition for its family festivals and STEAM work, including contributions to projects for Bradford City of Culture and the Science and Media Museum.

This December, Junction Arts will mark five decades at the heart of the UK’s community arts movement. 50 Stories for 50 Years, made possible by National Lottery players, will capture and share the stories of participants, artists, volunteers, partners and staff whose lives have been shaped by the organisation’s work. These stories will form a new digital archive, alongside a documentary film and a touring exhibition created by artists responding to the collected material.

The exhibition will feature at Junction Arts’ flagship festivals, including the Chesterfield Children’s Festival, Tapton Lock Festival and Bright Winter Nights.

Managing Director Emily Bowman said the project will safeguard a unique strand of cultural heritage in post-industrial and rural Derbyshire, celebrating creativity, resilience and connection while evidencing the long-term impact of participatory arts.

Junction Arts invites local people to share their stories as part of the celebration, with events happening across the county in February and March.

For more information on 50 Stories for 50 Years, visit: Junctionarts.org

Creative Revolution pop-ups across Chesterfield

Chesterfield is entering a new chapter as Creative Revolution (formerly Chesterfield Cultural Education Partnership) expands its programme to bring creativity into everyday life across the town.

Since 2015, the partnership has worked with cultural, educational and community organisations to ensure everyone in Chesterfield can live a creative, healthy and culturally rich life. With new Arts Council England funding and a name shaped by local young people, Creative Revolution is growing its impact.

The programme includes a youth voice group, artist-led school workshops, a network for creative adults and artists, and a series of Pop-Up Events showcasing creativity across Chesterfield.

Young people have helped shape the project through YouSpeak! Creatives, including choosing the name Creative Revolution (CCEP). Ten local schools are involved in the Schools Creativity Programme, while 11 local artists have taken on paid roles. Creative adults are supported through a monthly Artists Jam at Open Hus, 81A Saltergate.

The Pop-Up Events will transform familiar spaces into vibrant showcases of work by young people, schools, community groups and artists. Alongside exhibitions, the events will offer hands-on creative activities and interactive experiences for families and residents.

Delivered in partnership with Chesterfield College, Kakou CIC, Barrow Hill Community Trust and Community Growth CIC, and supported by Derbyshire Voluntary Action, the pop-up events will also act as listening spaces, giving residents the opportunity to help shape the future of Creative Revolution.

For more information on Creative Revolution, visit www.ccep.org.uk

 New heritage arts trail will help guide visitors and residents around our town centre.

“A Sense of Chesterfield” is part of Animate Chesterfield, a public art programme that will create new artworks and activities for visitors over the next two years as part of the regeneration projects in Chesterfield and Staveley. The new tactile heritage trail will feature heritage information boards, digital content, and public artworks, bringing the town’s history to life in innovative ways.

There are several organisations which will work together to develop this project, including community groups like the Chesterfield Civic Society, Chesterfield and District Local History Society, Chesterfield Canal Trust and Derbyshire Victoria County History.

Members of the community will also be able to help shape the trail through a series of workshops and visits to schools and community organisations.

The next steps for the project are to appoint experienced freelancers to support the project and an artist to create pieces that will be on display throughout the trail. Almost £80,000 of funding has been awarded to this project by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

The programme is being delivered by Beam, a leading cultural development organisation, in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council. It will also include an artist in residence to engage residents and visitors, town centre trails to explore, outdoor exhibitions, a Christmas window trail, and wall art.

Communities will be at the heart of the programme, helping to shape, influence, and participate in the artworks and activities, ensuring they authentically reflect the town.

To find out more information on ‘A Sense of Chesterfield’ and Animate Chesterfield visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/animate

To find out more and keep up to date with what’s happening in our local communities visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/news

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Heritage, Home, Leisure

East Midlands at centre of major new tourism campaign

Open, welcoming and ‘At the Centre of it All’ – that is the message our town is sharing as part of a new regional campaign showcasing the East Midlands.

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has launched a new marketing campaign, ‘At the Centre of it All’, celebrating the strengths of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and positioning the region at the heart of the country.

For Chesterfield, the campaign reinforces the town’s unique appeal: a place that offers space to breathe, time to connect and the balance many people are now actively seeking. With a strong local economy, easy access to major cities and the Peak District on our doorstep, Chesterfield combines opportunity with quality of life.

The campaign is designed to showcase the very best of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, encouraging visitors, businesses and residents from London, the South East and across the UK to explore the region’s culture, sport, landscapes, and hospitality.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said:

“The visitor economy is one of my key priorities, because every place in the East Midlands has something to share with the world – and because we are at the Centre of it All, we are just a short journey away for most people in the UK.”

“This campaign is about working together to proudly showcase everything that makes the East Midlands special. From vibrant cities to wide-open landscapes, world-class sport to rich culture and warm hospitality, our region has so much to offer.”

Delivered in partnership with tourism organisations Visit Nottinghamshire, Visit Derby and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, the campaign brings their work together under one clear message: the East Midlands is open, welcoming, and full of unforgettable experiences.

Launching this week, the double-headed campaign will promote the region as an easily accessible short-break destination in a bid to drive overnight stays, encourage visitors to explore more deeply and boost the regional visitor economy, supporting the region’s £1 billion tourism growth ambitions.

The ‘At the Centre of it All’ campaign will target London and the South East, positioning the Peak District and Derbyshire as a relaxing getaway, with Derby less than two hours from the capital by train.

‘At the Centre of the Action’ will highlight Nottinghamshire’s colour, culture and world-class sport, encouraging eventgoers and culture seekers living up to two hours away to stay longer, return more often and discover more of the county’s unique offer.

Mayor Claire said:

“We want visitors from London and beyond to discover the experiences, people and places that make Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire such unique destinations.”

The Peak District tourism already contributes £2.9bn to the local economy and supports almost 30,000 jobs, yet significant untapped potential remains.

Jo Dilley, Visit Peak District & Derbyshire managing director, said: “The launch of ‘Centre of it All’ is a major step forward for the Peak District and Derbyshire and the wider East Midlands visitor economy. Tourism is a powerful driver of growth, and this campaign shows the impact of working collaboratively to raise the region’s profile.

“With the support of the EMCCA, and in partnership with Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Derby, we’ve created a campaign that showcases the East Midlands as an accessible and compelling destination for overnight breaks.

“With London just a short journey away, ‘Centre of it All’ encourages visitors to stay longer, explore more and spend locally – supporting tourism businesses and delivering sustainable growth for communities across the region.”

To discover places to visit and stay in Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Heritage, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

New bespoke, handcrafted design business opens at Chesterfield Market Hall

GL Laser Creations is a new independent business now trading from Chesterfield Market Hall, offering handmade and personalised wooden gifts designed and made on site.

Owner, Gemma spent many years working as a manager for a large corporate company, having worked her way up from the bottom. Alongside a busy family life, she always had a creative side, which first came to light when she designed unique items for her own wedding. With support from her husband, a chief engineer working with industrial machinery, including lasers and CNC equipment, those early designs were cut and made with industry professionals and quickly became a hobby.

The business has its roots in a very personal story. Gemma’s mum always encouraged her to follow what she loved and noticed how her passion for creating lit her up. After her mum sadly passed away 16 months ago, shortly after reaching retirement age, that encouragement became the motivation to finally take the leap.

While organising the funeral, Gemma created wooden book-style covers for the order of service, as she wanted people to keep something meaningful rather than something that would be folded away. These later developed into her now best-selling wooden cards.

After leaving her corporate role to support her dad, an opportunity came through a friend who offered workshop space and access to an industrial laser at Arena UK in Grantham. This allowed her to continue creating while also caring for her family, and gave her the confidence to see whether the business could stand on its own.

Speaking on her decision to open at the Market Hall, Gemma said:

“When it came to opening a shop, Chesterfield Market Hall stood out for its support of new and independent businesses. The affordable setup allowed GL Laser Creations to start small, build a customer base, and test the market.”

The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with many customers returning regularly to check in and support the business.

Around 80% of the products sold are original designs, exclusive to the shop. Everything can be personalised at no extra cost, and bespoke items are made to order. Customers only pay once they are happy with the finished piece.

All products are made by hand from start to finish. Gemma designs each item on her own software, runs the laser herself, and completes all building and painting. A laser engraver is also available in the shop, allowing customers to have items personalised while they wait and be involved in choosing fonts and layouts.

Popular products include wooden cards, wine holders, and decorative lanterns, all designed to offer something different from what is usually available on the high street.

New designs are added weekly, and the business continues to grow through word of mouth, leaflets, and support from Market Hall management through social media.

GL Laser Creations is open at Chesterfield Market Hall and can also be found on Facebook: www.facebook.com

For more independent retailers in Chesterfield, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Manufacturing, Stay, Visiting

£2 million funding boost for Staveley Town Deal projects

£2 million of funding will help to enhance key projects in Staveley and deliver more benefits for the local community.

East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is providing additional funding to enhance two of the Staveley Town Deal projects, creating an improved green space at the Moorings at Staveley Basin and delivering more for the local community at Barrow Hill Memorial Hall, especially for children and young people.

Chesterfield Borough Council applied for the funding on behalf of the Staveley Town Deal Board.

Barrow Hill Community Trust is leading the refurbishment of Barrow Hill Memorial Hall. With support from the Town Deal, the Trust is developing a new community pantry, community bar and café, and a health hub. Town Deal funding has also enabled essential building upgrades, including new electrical and ventilation systems.

Funding from EMCCA will support the creation of a nursery and a physical activity space with youth provision in the evenings, as well as provide match funding to help kick-start works on the second storey. This phase will deliver a new events venue alongside additional community facilities.

Staveley Town Deal projects

Derbyshire County Council have built and operate the Moorings at Staveley Basin – the mixed-use development sits next to the historic town basin and aims to attract new businesses to the area. Additional funding from EMCCA will enhance the landscape around the building and create new pontoons for boats to moor in the basin.

Both Staveley projects align with EMCCA’s ‘Vision for Growth Spatial Strategy’ and will support the ambitions of the East Midlands Investment Zone to regenerate the area.

The funding also ensures these projects are delivered as originally envisioned in the Staveley Town Investment Plan.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This investment is about more than buildings and infrastructure – it’s about people. By working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council and communities in Staveley, we’re creating inclusive places where everyone feels welcome and has the opportunity to thrive.

“I am committed to making the East Midlands a place that everyone is proud to call home, and that begins with investing in projects that regenerate our towns, villages, and cities.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice-chair of the Staveley Town Deal, said: “This is fantastic news for Staveley that will see an important green space improved and a much-used community asset reach its full potential. We’ll work closely with the project sponsors to ensure they have the support they need to deliver these projects for the benefit of Staveley residents.”

Simon Redding, Chair of Barrow Hill Community Trust said: “This funding will make a major difference to the lives, wellbeing and economic inclusion of the people of Barrow Hill and the surrounding communities to the east of Chesterfield. Finally local people will have the community-led facilities for families, young people and physical activity that they deserve and need.”

Ivan Fomin, chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “This funding demonstrates how investment from the Town Deal has helped secure further funding for Staveley that will deliver even more benefits for the local community.”

For more information on the Staveley Town Deal project, and other local development’s, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Stay

Why homebuyers are choosing Chesterfield for value, connectivity, and community

A new study highlights that people are deciding to settle within Chesterfield, taking advantage of the convenience of commuting to Sheffield while benefiting from the area’s strengths as a place to live.

The study by sellhousefast.uk assessed commuter towns for England’s five biggest cities (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Sheffield), and ranked them on livability and commuting factors.

Chesterfield came in at the top for commuting to Sheffield, and fourth overall, with an approximate commute time of 40.5 minutes by car and 12 minutes by train, and an average house price of £212,576, as well as, 64% of schools rated good/outstanding within five miles. The study also calculated the crime risk score of 626/1,000 giving Chesterfield an overall score of 6.29.

Neighbouring town Dronfield came in fifth with a commute to Sheffield of 29 minutes by car and 10 minutes by train, with  average house prices of £273,863

Bolsover, just 15 minutes away from our town centre, placed seventh in Up-and-coming areas with the most significant house price increases, helping buyers identify up-and-coming areas before prices peak, with an 86.1% increase in house prices since 2015.

Destination Chesterfield Board Member, Ryan Wilkes said:

“What really sets Chesterfield apart is the quality of life it offers. Residents benefit from excellent connectivity to major cities while enjoying lower housing costs, good schools, and a strong sense of community. It’s no surprise that more people are recognising Chesterfield as a place to build a long-term future.”

Chesterfield continues to be recognised as a great place to live, once again ranked the happiest place to live in the East Midlands by Rightmove’s 2025 Happy at Home survey.

Also in 2025, Chesterfield was named one of the happiest places to live by The Guardian, as well as being recognised as one of the greenest towns in the UK, with over 95% of homes having access to private or nearby outdoor space, including Queens Park, Holmebrook Valley Park, and the Chesterfield Canal.  Thanks to its excellent schools, strong community spirit, and access to nature, it also consistently ranks among the best places to raise a family.

The town is seeing new housing developments and regeneration projects, including the Staveley Corridor, Chesterfield Waterside, and Spire Neighbourhood, which will bring more new homes.

Find out more about living in Chesterfield at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/living

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Locals celebrate Queen’s Park Sports Centre tenth birthday

Over 900 of our local residents and visitors attended Queen’s Park Sports Centre’s open day on January 11th to celebrate the facility’s tenth birthday.

Over the last ten years, the sports centre has grown to be a community hub for many different groups, organisations and individuals to use, learn and enjoy.

As part of the open day, the centre encouraged local people to come along and join them to take part in a range of free or low-cost activities that were suitable for everyone.

The open day included a range of activities, from fitness classes and swimming lessons to opportunities to explore the gym facilities, participate in racket sports, try netball, experience pre-school gymnastics, and participate in an on-site treasure hunt where participants could find prizes hidden around the centre.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said:

“Marking 10 years of Queen’s Park Sports Centre is fantastic. The centre is an inclusive space that provides activities that bring communities together, from activities for children to specific sessions such as Outswimming Cancer. There is something on offer there for everyone.

“Getting active has so many benefits both physically and mentally, so I encourage anyone who hasn’t visited the centre to find out how they could join what has become a community.”

Queens park dancing class

People can find out more about Queen’s Park Sports Centre here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk  and learn about New Year membership offers by following this link: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure

Chesterfield to benefit from £121m regional road maintenance plan

Chesterfield is set to benefit from part of a £121m investment proposed by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) for road maintenance and repairs across the region. The funding will cover the region’s four highway authorities in the 2026/27 financial year.

The funding, to be considered by the authority’s transport committee this week, aims to make roads safer, reduce congestion and tackle years of wear and tear caused by previous underinvestment in the region. 

The proposed investment would be used for a range of work, from repairing worn surfaces and potholes, to maintenance preventing damage before it happens. Some projects will combine road repairs with improvements to pavements, drainage, and public spaces, delivering better results for local communities.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This proposed investment shows our commitment to keeping roads safe and reliable for everyone in the East Midlands. By acting now, we can tackle years of wear and tear, support local communities, and make journeys smoother for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. This decisive action shows we are ready to deliver in 2026.”

Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability at Derby City Council, said: “This proposed additional investment is excellent news for our region.”

Members of the authority’s Transport and Digital Committee will also consider an alternative option this week. This would invest a total of £79.4m in road maintenance for the 2026/27 financial year.

Additionally, more than £13.5m is proposed for local neighbourhood projects. These smaller-scale schemes improve road safety, access, and local travel, directly benefiting people’s daily lives in towns and villages across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

The proposed funding is subject to agreement at the Transport Committee meeting, before going before the EMCCA board for final approval in March.

The upcoming Transport Committee will also discuss the progress of the existing £184m transport investment programme. It has already brought safer roads, better bus services, new cycle routes, and improved travel connections across the region.

Mayor Claire said: “This investment is a significant step forward for our region. By focusing on road maintenance, safer streets, and better transport connections, we are delivering tangible benefits for our communities now, while laying the foundation for long-term improvements across the next seven years.”

Key projects which are underway:

The programme is on track to spend £151m this year, a significant increase compared with 2024/25, showing that EMCCA and the constituent authorities are making real progress on projects that matter to communities and delivering on a larger scale than previously.

This year’s programme is the first of a seven-year investment plan, giving the region certainty to deliver bigger and longer-lasting improvements.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure

New art venture Scarlet Sky Studio moves into town centre

Scarlet Sky Studio, a new art venture, has recently moved into the Market Hall within our town centre. Sarah cook, has been passionate about design since the age of six. With over 25 years’ experience in the design industry, working in the UK, Ireland, the USA, and worldwide, Sarah has created fabrics and carpets for domestic and commercial spaces including hotels, car showrooms, airports, and historical restorations of stately homes and castles. She has collaborated with renowned companies such as Laura Ashley, Art House, and Wilton Carpets.

The idea for Scarlet Sky Studio emerged with encouragement from her partner, Chris, who runs Rock of Ages, a business specialising in vinyl and music memorabilia. While out for lunch, Chris suggested creating large canvases, inspired by the shortage of accessible, affordable art on the market. The name Scarlet Sky is a personal reflection: “Scarlet is my daughter’s name, and Sky represents freedom and the limitless possibilities of starting my own business,” explains Sarah.

Having studied fine art at university, specialising in textiles, print, and surface pattern design, Sarah has always loved experimenting with colour and media. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when canvas and paint were scarce, she and Chris developed a solution: rescuing pre-loved canvases and upcycling them, giving them new life while creating beautiful, affordable art. Acrylic and watercolour are her main media, though she embraces all materials to achieve the desired effect, often celebrating happy accidents in her work.

Since starting, Sarah has primarily sold her work online through platforms such as Etsy, Vinterior, social media, as well as her own website. A growing following led to enquiries about viewing the art in person. After hosting a few successful open days in her garden studio, she realised a more permanent space was needed.

Having moved to Chesterfield 18 months ago, Sarah says the town felt like the perfect place to open a shop.

Sarah said:

“Chesterfield is one of the friendliest towns I’ve lived in, full of like-minded people and supportive independent businesses. Its location near the Peak District and its vibrant town centre make it a great spot for independent shops to thrive.”

Scarlet Sky Studio now offers handmade, original art at affordable prices, providing locals and visitors alike the opportunity to buy unique pieces while supporting a small, creative business. The studio represents a combination of professional experience, personal passion, and sustainable practice, making it a standout addition to Chesterfield’s creative community.

For more information, visit: Scarlet Sky Interiors

Posted in Business, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Local community invited to celebrate 10 years of Queen’s Park Sports Centre

Ten years ago, Queen’s Park Sports Centre opened its doors to our residents for the first time and has since grown to be a community hub for many different groups, organisations and individuals to use and enjoy.

This Sunday, Queen’s Park Sports Centre will be hosting an open day and is encouraging local people to come along and join them in celebrating ten years of the sports centre so far.

The open day will include a range of activities for all of the family from fitness classes to swimming lessons and vouchers will be hidden for customers to find, there’s loads to get involved in.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It’s a genuine pleasure to be part of celebrating this ten-year milestone of Queens Park Sports Centre serving our communities. The vision we had for an inclusive space, providing activities to get people moving and bringing them together has been more than realised.

Queens pae

“I encourage anyone, especially those who may not previously have taken part in exercise to come along to the open day and take advantage of the activities on offer on the 11 January.

“Getting active has so many benefits both physically and mentally and it’s never too late or early!”

Visitors can enjoy a mix of free fitness classes, family-friendly activities, and sports tasters throughout the day. Highlights include:

  • Fitness classes such as indoor cycling, yoga, Body Pump, and fun sessions like Clubbercise

  • Racket sports with drop-in badminton and pickleball games, plus a family netball taster

  • Children’s activities, including pre-school tumblers and gymnastics-style play

  • Swimming tasters for adults and children, ending with a family splash session with floats and toys

There’s something for all ages and abilities, making it a great day to try new activities and get active together.

All of the individual sessions will be bookable in advance via reception in person, or by calling 01246 345 555. Fitness classes, racket sports and netball are available to book online

It is advised that sessions are booked ahead of your visit to the open day to avoid disappointment. Many of the sessions will be free of charge or low cost to mark the open day.

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

Aurora train serves Chesterfield as part of landmark East Midlands launch

A new chapter in rail travel has begun in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, as the first train from Transport UK and East Midlands Railway’s (EMR) £400 million Aurora fleet carried its inaugural passengers. The service, which stops at Chesterfield, gave local travellers a first glimpse of the step-change in comfort, reliability, and performance that the new Hitachi Rail trains bring to the network.

The maiden Aurora service departed Sheffield at 7am, bound for London, serving Chesterfield along the way and offering passengers their first experience of the upgraded fleet.

The 33 bi-mode trains will make full use of the £1.5 billion Midland Main Line upgrade, running on electric overhead lines to cut carbon emissions by 66 per cent – meaning quieter and greener journeys for passengers travelling through Chesterfield and beyond.

The Aurora fleet offers 24 per cent more seats and over 19 per cent more legroom in a typical five-carriage formation compared to the Meridian trains it replaced. Once the full fleet of 33 trains is in service, it will deliver a 46 per cent increase in total seating available on the Midland Main Line, benefitting commuters and travellers.

East Midlands railway Chesterfield

Transport UK’s EMR business worked closely with Derby-based design firm DG DESIGN to adapt a brand-new seat for the Aurora trains. The result combines comfort and support with practical features such as power and USB points, generous legroom, coat hooks, well-sized seat-back tables, and storage space for cabin bags under each seat.

Passengers on the new Aurora trains also experienced improved connectivity thanks to an enhanced Wi-Fi system using multiple SIM cards, along with specially engineered glass to allow mobile signals to pass through more effectively.

Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, said on the day the train departed:
“Today is truly a landmark moment for rail travel across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. At 7am, the very first train in Transport UK and EMR’s brand-new £400 million Aurora fleet departed Sheffield for London St Pancras – marking the start of a new era for Intercity travel on our network. With more seats, legroom and luggage space, as well as enhanced Wi-Fi, passenger information and the ability to run on electric, these new trains will transform the service we can provide.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting