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Festive season launched in Chesterfield

24th November 2025

The Chesterfield Christmas Lights Switch On event took place yesterday, 23 November, entertaining thousands of residents and visitors and launching an exciting festive period in Chesterfield.

Visitor’s enjoyed street entertainment, Tipi Christmas, a market, funfair, the opportunity to meet Bluey, Merry Baubles Trail, and the stage show that entertained the crowd before the festive lights were switched on.

The stage show took place outside the Town Hall this year due to the exciting renovation works taking place in the town centre. Following the stage show, people were led back into the Market Place by a musical procession hosted by the LED drummers.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Christmas Lights Switch On event was a huge success with visitors enjoying lots of free entertainment throughout the day. There aren’t many places you can go to enjoy no-cost activities, so I’m delighted that the variety of street entertainers and stage shows was able to attract so many

people into the town centre to enjoy their Sunday.”

Chesterfield is encouraging the whole family to discover something new this festive season, including a unique range of activities that are taking place for the first time in the heart of the town (including many that are free).

The planned entertainment is once again expected to attract thousands of visitors to Chesterfield. Highlights this year include an impressive light experience at the Church of All and Mary All Saints (the Crooked Spire), storytelling with Santa, a cosy tipi to share a drink with friends at Chesterfield Market, and the Festival of Christmas Trees.

You can keep up to date with these and other activities happening in Chesterfield across the festive period here: www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Stay, Visiting

Enjoy Tipi Christmas at Chesterfield Market

21st October 2025

A new festive experience has been announced for the town centre this year. Chesterfield Market will host ‘Tipi Christmas.’

Visitors will be able to enter the cosy Tipi complete with twinkling lights, seasonal hot drinks and festive cheer – throughout the day and into the evening, making it a great place to meet friends and family. This could enhance people’s shopping trips or provide a great start to an evening at the theatre or one of the many fantastic local restaurants.

Tipi Christmas will be in the heart of Chesterfield Market from Friday 7 November to 9pm on Wednesday 31 December.

The Tipi will be serving refreshments like hot chocolate, mulled wine and other seasonal treats and there will be an open fire greeting visitors as they step inside from the cold.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This is set to be a fantastic attraction for people to visit in Chesterfield. The recent market regeneration works have created a great space where we can host events such as this, which can attract more people into the town centre.

“I’m sure the whole family will enjoy a trip to the Tipi. We hope that as many people as possible will come along and experience the festive spirit inside Tipi Christmas.”

Brett Jackson, owner and founder of Tipi Christmas, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing Tipi Christmas to Chesterfield this winter. The newly developed market square is the perfect setting to create a warm and magical festive hub where families, friends, and the whole community can come together.

“We can’t wait to welcome residents and visitors alike to enjoy mulled wine, indulgent hot chocolates, and plenty of festive cheer. We’re looking forward to making Tipi Christmas a special part of Chesterfield’s celebrations and helping everyone get into the Christmas spirit.”

More information about visiting the Tipi will be available on the council’s social media channels.

Chesterfield also has a packed event programme planned for Christmas, with entertainment happening across the festive period. Find out what’s on in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Stay, Visiting

Travelodge invests in Chesterfield as part of national expansion strategy

9th September 2025

Travelodge has announced the acquisition of a Chesterfield hotel, reinforcing its commitment to growth and rebranding across the UK.

The hotel, formerly operated under the Ibis brand, is one of four newly acquired sites by Travelodge, alongside locations in Preston, Bradford Shipley and Cardiff. The move is part of the company’s wider UK strategy to convert existing hotels into Travelodge-branded properties, bringing the total number of rebranded acquisitions this year to 16.

Located within walking distance of Chesterfield town centre and railway station, the 86-room hotel offers convenient access to local attractions including the Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield Museum, and the nearby Peak District. It is also just a short drive from Chatsworth House, making it an ideal base for both leisure and business travellers.

The hotel will undergo a full refurbishment later this year as part of Travelodge’s multi-million pound upgrade programme. The refit will introduce the brand’s latest design standards, including a contemporary reception area, next-generation rooms, and enhanced interiors focused on comfort and functionality.

“These acquisitions are another strong addition to our UK portfolio and demonstrate the continued momentum behind our rebrand-led growth strategy,” said Steve Bennett, Chief Property and Development Officer at Travelodge. “We’re seeing increasing opportunities to convert well-located, existing hotels into Travelodges.

Travelodge’s investment reflects confidence in Chesterfield’s visitor economy and its strategic location as a base to visit the Peak District. The company has identified over 300 further locations across the UK for future expansion, with Chesterfield’s inclusion underscoring its appeal to national operators.

The rebrand is expected to enhance the town’s accommodation offering, supporting the town’s wider ambitions to grow tourism and business travel.

This investment showcases confidence in Chesterfield town centre, alongside other recent investments for residential, commercial and retail activity, including:

Discover more about investing in Chesterfield

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

Little Castle reopens as Woodie’s following magical makeover

13th August 2025

A Chesterfield pub has revealed its new look following refurbishment. The Little Castle, located in Markham Vale, is now known as Woodie’s, a new family-friendly concept from Marston’s.

The transformation features a woodland-themed den with games, crafts, discos, karaoke and quizzes. Meanwhile, outside, kids can enjoy a brand-new play area while parents relax nearby with a drink or meal.

The Little Castle reopened its doors last week as Woodie’s. During opening weekend, locals shared their favourite memories of The Little Castle in exchange for a free pint. The team now displays these stories on a memory wall, keen for the community to play a part in the pub’s next chapter.

Sarah Barker, a Community Relationship Fundraiser for Ashgate Hospice, joined General Manager, Sara Hargreaves to pour the first pint. Woodie’s chose Sarah as The Little Castle’s community hero for all the work she does in fundraising for the local area. This includes the charity’s 10km Sparkle Night Walk held each July.

Sara Hargreaves, General Manager at The Little Castle, said: “We’re so excited to be able to welcome all of our locals back to The Little Castle. It was an honour to be joined by [Ashgate Hospice’s] Sarah to pull the first pint; she does so much for our community.”

The team plans a series of events to encourage local people to visit. Kids can enjoy a two-hour disco every Friday night from 4:00pm. Two-hour craft sessions take place on Saturdays from noon.

Alongside a menu of pub classics, kids can also visit the Woodie’s Sweet Factory. This self-serve treat bar invites you to swap magic tokens for toppings to create your own sundae.

Furthermore, families can enjoy great value dining throughout the summer. Kids eat for just £1 every day, and free every Wednesday.

Discover more ideas for eating out in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Stay, Summer

New campaign promotes Derbyshire as a top value destination

1st August 2025

‘Summer is a Big Deal’, is a new campaign celebrating everything that makes summer in Derbyshire unforgettable. Running from July to September, it champions the county as a great value summer destination, promoting it as accessible, affordable, and full of enriching experiences for all ages.

Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby have developed the campaign which highlights family fun and local festivals to unbeatable deals on days out, dining, and overnight stays, the campaign invites visitors and residents alike to make the most of the season closer to home.

At the heart of the campaign is a call to discover Derbyshire’s standout attractions – from dramatic castles and spectacular show caverns to grand stately homes, vibrant cultural venues, and world-class heritage sites.

By showcasing the wide range of affordable attractions and activities available across the county, the campaign demonstrates how Derbyshire delivers exceptional value without compromising on quality or enjoyment, encouraging visitors to make smart use of their time and money while supporting local businesses.

The campaign includes:

Exclusive Offers – Special summer deals from local businesses on food, accommodation, attractions, and events.
Events & Experiences – Promotion of family-friendly events, festivals and experiences that highlight Derbyshire’s rich cultural offer.
Car-Free Itineraries – Easy-to-follow itineraries and green discount schemes to encourage visitors to travel by train or bus and discover more of the region without a car.
Digital Promotion – Targeted digital and social media adverts, featuring high-impact advertising at major railway stations such as Manchester Piccadilly, Birmingham New Street, and Sheffield.

The ‘Summer is a Big Deal’ campaign supports Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby LVEP’s core aims of increasing visitor spend, encouraging overnight stays, and promoting sustainable and accessible visits across the region.

To explore what’s on and take advantage of summer deals, visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com/bigdeal.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “We know people are looking for quality experiences that offer great value and Derbyshire delivers exactly that. From family-friendly attractions to vibrant festivals and hands-on experiences, ‘Summer is a Big Deal’ captures the spirit of the season and reinforces the message that unforgettable summer adventures can be found right here on our doorstep.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “It’s the perfect time to explore the Peak District and wider Derbyshire to experience everything it has to offer: city breaks, heritage experiences, and the stunning natural environment. This is why I am so focused on strengthening the visitor economy in the region, investing in assets and infrastructure to create jobs which power these experiences, and partners like Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby are critical to achieving this.”

The campaign is funded by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. Supporting the visitor economy is a key strategic aim of the authority, which recognises the sector as an important driver of local economic growth and job creation.

The visitor economy is worth £2.89 billion to the Peak District and Derbyshire, supporting approximately 30,000 jobs and driving prosperity across local communities.

By investing in campaigns like this through the Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby LVEP, EMCCA is delivering on its visitor economy strategy to raise the profile of the region’s tourism sector while bolstering the East Midlands’ long-term appeal as a must-visit destination.

In Chesterfield there is an exciting programme of events and activities this summer.

Local blogger Mollie Scott has shared her favourite things to do and personal recommendations for a family-friendly weekend in Chesterfield. Check it out at https://lovelylocalindie.com/2025/06/17/family-friendly-chesterfield/

Feel inspired by exploring adventures, experiences and days out. Make the most of a packed line-up of festivals, family-friendly events, and heritage experiences.

Head to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer for more inspiration.

Posted in Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Chesterfield Celebrates 200 Years of Railway History at Barrow Hill Roundhouse

31st July 2025

Barrow Hill Roundhouse near Chesterfield will host a spectacular three-day gala this October to mark 200 years since the birth of the modern railway.

From Friday 10 to Sunday 12 October 2025, visitors will experience a once-in-a-generation celebration at the UK’s only surviving operational railway roundhouse. The event will feature iconic locomotives, including the legendary A3 60103 “Flying Scotsman”, which will be on display and hauling trains across the weekend.

This milestone year commemorates the world’s first passenger railway journey between Stockton and Darlington in 1825 and Chesterfield is proudly joining the national celebrations with an event that honours its deep-rooted rail heritage.

Alongside the Flying Scotsman, the gala will showcase a Class 55 “Deltic”, LMS 3F “Jinty” 16440, and other historic engines to be announced. Visitors can enjoy train rides, heritage exhibits, trade stands, local food and drink, and free parking.

A highlight of the weekend will be the world premiere of “I Am George Stephenson”, a new play created by Graves Youth Theatre and Paul Whitfield. Performed at 2pm and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday, the show offers a humorous and imaginative look at the life of the railway pioneer who made Chesterfield his home. Performances are included in the ticket price, but seats must be reserved when booking.

Mervyn Allcock, General Manager of Barrow Hill Roundhouse, said: “We are delighted to be putting on such a great show to celebrate this significant anniversary for the railways, particularly as George Stephenson, who played such an important part in the events of 200 years ago, made Chesterfield his home in later life.”

Craig Bentley, Director of the National Railway Museum, added: “Barrow Hill Roundhouse has a remarkable story and demonstrates the determination needed to keep the UK’s railway heritage alive. In this milestone year for the railways, we are delighted to be able to offer our support by bringing the world’s most famous locomotive to the nation’s last surviving operational roundhouse.”

Tickets are available now via SeeTickets.

If you are looking for some rail fun before the celebration, why not join a special train running day at Barrow Hill Roundhouse on the 16th and 17th August? Journey up the Springwell branch line on brake vans, top and tailed by two Roundhouse locomotives.

Entry includes access to the Roundhouse Museum and exhibitions, and turntable and signal box demonstrations.

Barrow Hill Roundhouse is part of an exciting programme of events and activities this summer.

Feel inspired by exploring adventures, experiences and days out. Make the most of a packed line-up of festivals, family-friendly events, and heritage experiences.

Head to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer for more inspiration.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Stay, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield’s first Pottery Festival announced

27th June 2025

Chesterfield will get hands-on this August as Creative Community Pottery launches the first-ever Chesterfield Pottery Festival.

Running through the month, the festival invites people to experience hands-on pottery experiences, from vase-making workshops to a pottery-themed pub quiz. It’s a chance to try something new, get creative and connect with others.

Led by Creative Community Pottery, a local group working to open a permanent pottery space in the town, the festival is designed to be inclusive and welcoming regardless of experience. All proceeds will support the group’s long-term goal of creating a dedicated community pottery studio.

Clare Gage, local potter, said: “This festival brings together Chesterfield’s creative past and present, and looks to the future. You’ll explore our town’s history of working with clay while learning the skills yourself in fun, inclusive activities. Come along and be part of it!”

Festival highlights include:

Vase Making Workshops – Monday 4 August
Learn to shape and decorate your ceramic vase at The Assembly Rooms, Chesterfield Market Hall.
Clay Decoration Drop-In – Tuesday 5 August
A relaxed, family-friendly session to make personalised hanging decorations at The Assembly Rooms, Chesterfield Market Hall.
Pottery in the Pub – Wednesday 6 August
A pottery-themed quiz night at Holme Hall Inn, one of Chesterfield’s historic potters’ pubs.
Community Pottery Exhibition & Makers Market – Saturday 30 August
A showcase of local creativity at The Assembly Rooms, with work from community groups, archive material from Chesterfield Museum, and a market of handmade ceramics.

Full details and tickets for the festival are available at creative-community-pottery.sumupstore.com.

A Creative Summer in Chesterfield

The Pottery Festival joins an exciting programme of events and activities this summer.

Feel inspired by exploring adventures, experiences and days out. Make the most of a packed line-up of festivals, family-friendly events, and heritage experiences.

Our town offers the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories. Look forward to the return of the Chesterfield Children’s Festival or enjoy a night of stargazing at Chesterfield Observatory. Step back in time at a medieval exhibition, discover ghostly tales on a haunted pub tour, or soak up our vibrant food and music scenes.

Head to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer for more inspiration.

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

Jack and the Beanstalk is coming to Chesterfield!

25th June 2025

Kick your Christmas celebrations off by coming along to Chesterfield’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Winding Wheel later this year.

The cast of this year’s pantomime have been in town to promote the annual Winding Wheel production, including Jamie Christian, Saturday night’s larger than life character from everyone’s favourite BBC family entertainment show, who will be taking to the stage alongside comedian Patrick Monahan as Simon Trott, magician Nicholas Lee as Fleshcreep, Rachel O’Hare as the Spirit of Cloudland, John Lyons (who stared in A Touch of Frost) as King Crumble, Simon Howe as Dame Trott and Lewis Burrage as Jack.

Jamie Christian, who is one of the lead characters in Jack and the Beanstalk, said: “I’m pleased to be in Chesterfield this Christmas. I’m very familiar with the area as I previously worked for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, so starring alongside the other cast members in Jack and the Beanstalk will be great fun. I’ve been to the Winding Wheel lots of times to watch shows, so being on stage there myself will be different, but something I’m really looking forward to.”

The story will be familiar to many, with Jack needing to find the courage to climb to cloud land to slay a giant to free his village of fear and win the hand of the princess.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The pantomime is a highlight in my Christmas calendar each year as I know it is for many families. I encourage people to plan ahead if they can and book tickets for what I’m sure will be a fantastic trip out that everyone will enjoy.”

Jack and the Beanstalk will be at The Winding Wheel from Friday, 5 December 2025 to Sunday, 4 January 2026.

Find out more and get your tickets here: https://chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/shows/jack-and-the-beanstalk-pantomime/

Check out other events happening in Chesterfield.

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

Chesterfield’s Crooked Spire named one of the East Midlands’ most visited free attractions

24th June 2025

Chesterfield’s iconic landmark, the Crooked Spire Church, has been named the third most visited free attraction in the East Midlands, according to the latest V isitEngland Annual Survey of Visits to Visitor Attractions.

The Chesterfield Parish Church welcomed 89,367 visitors in 2024, drawn by its distinctive twisted spire and centuries of history. The recognition places the church alongside some of the region’s most celebrated heritage destinations and highlights Chesterfield’s growing appeal as a short break destination.

Ryan Wilkes, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, said, “Chesterfield’s heritage is one of our greatest assets. From the Crooked Spire to our historic market, canal, and nearby stately homes, we offer visitors a rich and authentic experience. People are drawn to places with stories, character, and a strong sense of identity. Chesterfield delivers all of that and more.”

The VisitEngland survey gathered information from 1,373 English attractions and also revealed that overall visits to English attractions rose by 1.4% in 2024, with international visitors fuelling much of the growth.

Across Derbyshire, heritage continues to be a major draw. Chatsworth was named the most visited paid-for attraction in the East Midlands with 632,000 visitors, while Hardwick Hall ranked fifth with 305,000. Other nearby attractions featured in the top 20 include Bolsover Castle, Peak Rail, and Crich Tramway Village.

Chesterfield’s wider heritage offer includes Barrow Hill Roundhouse, the UK’s only operational railway roundhouse and the Chesterfield Canal. The town’s 800-year-old open-air market, medieval roots, and vibrant events calendar make it an ideal base for exploring the region.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “England’s first-class attractions, from our world-renowned museums, art galleries and historic houses to our places of worship, our parks and gardens, remain vitally important to our tourism offer to both international and domestic visitors.

“With summer on the doorstep and the school holidays fast approaching, make this the year you discover England’s fine attractions. Not only will you be giving our great attractions a much-needed boost, but I know you will enjoy a fantastic day out with family and friends, creating memories of a lifetime.”

This summer, Chesterfield invites visitors to explore more than just its famous spire. From stargazing at Chesterfield Observatory to medieval exhibitions, haunted pub tours, and the return of the Chesterfield Children’s Festival, the town offers a packed line-up of experiences.

For more inspiration and to plan your visit, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer.

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

Dinosaurs, street entertainment and festive fun

23rd June 2025

There are some great things to look forward to for the rest of 2025 as Chesterfield Borough Council unveils their upcoming event programme for Chesterfield.

With new and exciting events planned and an expanded Christmas offering, there are lots of great things for the whole family to enjoy when visiting the town centre.

Over the summer months, Chesterfield Borough Council’s little and often programme will be returning, bringing street entertainers, musicians and performers to roam the town centre and entertain visitors.

On Saturday 27 September, Chesterfield will be taking a trip back to the Jurassic period as dinosaurs take over the market. Including interactive shows in the market square and giant roaming dinosaurs, it’s a fantastic event for the whole family to enjoy.

Christmas this year will include the popular Switch-on event on Sunday 23 November, there will be street entertainment throughout the town centre, but due to the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield works in New Square, the stage show will be outside the Town Hall on Rose Hill this year.

Santa’s Grotto will be returning to the Assembly Rooms and there will be street entertainment on weekends, building up to Christmas. The popular Winter Window Trail, which debuted last year, will also be returning.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’ve put together a fantastic programme of events that offer something for everyone to enjoy and we hope that this will help encourage more people to visit the town centre and support local businesses.

“There are some new events for this year and the return of some popular events from previous years. We’ll be sharing more details about these fantastic events over the coming months, and I’d encourage everyone to support them.”

More details about these events will be shared on the council’s website and social media pages over the next few months.

Summer in Chesterfield

The little and often street entertainment programme joins an exciting programme of events and activities this summer.

Feel inspired by exploring adventures, experiences and days out. Make the most of a packed line-up of festivals, family-friendly events, and heritage experiences.

Head to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer for more inspiration.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Featured, Half term, Home, Leisure, Stay, Summer, Visiting

Meet a dragon, train as a knight, and laugh with a jester this summer

19th June 2025

Get ready for a summer of medieval magic as dragons roar, jesters tumble, and knights take to the field! This new free, family-friendly exhibition and event series has hands-on activities, live performances, and fascinating displays that bring the Middle Ages to life. From taming a mighty dragon to learning the art of being a fool,

The new exhibition and series of events showcase medieval times and are part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Museum on the Move project.

The free Medieval Times exhibition will include lots of hands-on family family-friendly activities, and there will be a series of special events to help make it even more exciting.

Will Sir Aurelious tame the dragon?

The events start with a special visit from Epico the Dragon, the magnificent creature, which will be coming on Tuesday 29 July to perform three live shows where visitors will have the chance to join Sir Aurelious on a quest to find and tame the beast.

Train to be a knight

On Saturday 2 August, popular re-enactors Lord Thomas Stanley Retinue will be hosting an encampment with displays, talks and demonstrations as well as fun interactive drill exercises for kids to take part in. Medieval musicians will also be attending to perform and demonstrate traditional instruments.

Learn ‘how to be a fool’ with a Jester

A Medieval Jester will be visiting on Wednesday 6 August, and there will be lots of family fun with juggling, circus skills, storytelling and interactive ‘how to be a fool’ workshops.

Meet a medieval surgeon

The following weekend, on Saturday 9 August, a medieval surgeon will be coming to talk about his craft, he’ll share all the gory details, the bizarre cures and let you see some of the scary surgical equipment he uses.

Medieval Times Exhibition

The exhibition is a fantastic way to start the school holidays, it’s open from 29 July to 9 August, Tuesday to Friday from 11am to 3pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. It will be hosted along with all events at Mary Swanwick Primary School in Old Whittington.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re really excited to be working with the school to host this incredible exhibition and series of events. There have been some fantastic exhibitions around the borough over the last year and this one is another example of how we can create fun activities that will help people of all ages connect with our history. This will be a great way to start the summer holidays and have a fun, free day out.”

Activities at the exhibition include a Medieval Market Stall with handling objects, an Apothecary medieval cures game, weapons and chain mail to handle and try on as well as the chance to make a leather purse, and an illuminated letter.

The Medieval Times exhibition is part of Museum on the Move, which is a programme of events and exhibitions that are being funded by Arts Council England.

It aims to ensure that whilst Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre are closed for refurbishment, residents and visitors can still connect with our borough’s history and culture.

To find out more about the exhibition and events, please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/museum-events

Discover heritage, history and more this Summer in Chesterfield

Medieval Times joins an exciting programme of events and activities this summer.

Feel inspired by exploring adventures, experiences and days out. Make the most of a packed line-up of festivals, family-friendly events, and heritage experiences.

Head to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer for more inspiration.

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