Summer

Details of Chesterfield Festival of Cricket 2020 announced

Derbyshire County Cricket Club’s fixtures for the 2020 season have been released, including details of the popular Chesterfield Festival of Cricket.

The club, which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2020, will play 17 days of home weekend and Bank Holiday cricket in 2020, with all but one home County Championship match spanning a weekend.

Twenty20 action returns to the picturesque Queen’s Park on Saturday 20 June as part of the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, with the Falcons aiming for a seventh-straight win over Yorkshire in the format. The fixture was a complete sell out in both 2018 and 2019, with similar demand expected for 2020.

Prior to the visit of the Vikings, Derbyshire face Worcestershire in a County Championship match at the picturesque Queen’s Park to begin the week-long Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

Derbyshire will face the Yorkshire Vikings in the newly-structured Royal London Cup at Queen’s Park in Chesterfield on Sunday 26th July. The List A visit by Yorkshire will be the sixth day of cricket in Chesterfield next summer.

For full fixture list, visit the Derbyshire County Cricket Club website.

Chief Executive, Ryan Duckett, said: “We are very pleased to be playing more weekend cricket in 2020, allowing more people to support Derbyshire across all formats.”

“Next year promises to be a special occasion for Members, supporters and everyone associated with Derbyshire as we celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary.”

“As part of the celebrations, we are proud to offer a Membership which gives supporters better value for their money at Derbyshire. As well as just under 40 days of regular-season home cricket at The Pattonair County Ground and Chesterfield, we have included a host of exclusive added benefits.”

“As well as our core Membership, we also saw record numbers of supporters backing Derbyshire during the Vitality Blast last summer and with seven home games all handed prime evening and weekend slots, we expect to see demand for tickets surpass that of previous seasons.”

Chesterfield fixtures:

  • County Championship – Worcestershire – Sun 14 – Wed 17 June
  • Vitality Blast – Yorkshire Vikings – Sat 20 June
  • Royal London Cup – Yorkshire Vikings – Sun 26 July

Click here to find out more about the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket.

Click here to find out more about the 150th anniversary of Derbyshire County Cricket Club.

Chesterfield Festival of Cricket Image David Griffin

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

A summer spectacular attracts thousands to Chatsworth Country Fair

Star chefs, the UK’s leading motorcycle display team, and fierce Cossack warriors made up an action-packed programme at this year’s Chatsworth Country Fair, drawing in more than 70,000 thousand visitors.  

Joined by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire in the Grand Ring, the daredevil motorbike riders Bolddog Lings FMX Display Team made their Chatsworth Country Fair debut with gravity-defying stunts alongside the Ukranian Cossack Stunt Team to open the annual event. Show-stopping entertainment also came from favourites including a Spitfire flyover, the Poppy Parachute Team, Global Stars Aerobatics Display and Pony Mounted Games, plus much more. 

One of the nation’s favourite cookery writers and television presenters, Mary Berry CBE drew in the crowds over in Stoves Cookery Demonstration Theatre on Friday with her culinary delights. Over the weekend, the star-studded line up of top food celebrities continued with live demos and book signings from James Martin on Saturday and The Hairy Bikers on Sunday. Top local chefs also joined the bill including Chris Mapp, owner of the award-winning The Tickled Trout in Derbyshire, nutritionist Eva Humphries, and James Payne, head chef at Derbyshire’s Baslow Hall.

As honorary Country Fair President, TV presenter Julia Bradbury went about her duties greeting visitors, performers and exhibitors (including a book signing on her own Outdoor guide stand) throughout the weekend: “I was brought up in Sheffield so Chatsworth has been and is still very close to my heart. it’s a real honour to have attended the Show as President and see the best of the British countryside in the flesh!”

The Duke of Devonshire said: “The Country Fair is a highlight for everyone at Chatsworth and a much-loved event for so many people in Derbyshire and beyond. The Bolddog Lings motorcycle stunt team were both thrilling and terrifying at the same time, and we were delighted to welcome The Hairy Bikers here to make their debut in the Cookery Theatre.”

Dates for next year’s Chatsworth Country Fair have been confirmed as 4th, 5th and 6th September 2020.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield hosts annual well dressing festival

Residents and visitors to Chesterfield can enjoy a Derbyshire tradition as the annual well dressing takes place.

The wells will be in place from Saturday 7 to Saturday 14 September.

The well dressing at the town pump in the market place, designed by Chesterfield Borough Council, will feature Beauty and the Beast and the one in the porch at St Mary and All Saints’ Church, designed by church members, will feature All Things Bright and Beautiful – the famous hymn written by Cecil Frances Alexander.

This year will also see a third well dressing designed by the Friends of Spital Cemetery and on display at the cemetery chapel which celebrates the work carried out in the cemetery to dedicate an area as a garden of remembrance for those left behind after the First World War.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Well dressing is an old Derbyshire tradition and each year, we receive hundreds of visitors to see the wells in place.

“It is a great opportunity to see the well dressings and support the shops and businesses in Chesterfield town centre.”

People can see the wells being dressed until Friday 6 September at the Pavements Shopping Centre in the mall from 9.30am to 4.30pm and at the ‘Crooked Spire’ church porch from 10am to 4pm.

There will be a blessing service at the church on Saturday 7 September at 10am followed by garland and Morris dancers in Rykneld Square from 10.30am.

Hallmark of Harmony and Sheffield Harmony will be performing a selection of songs from their repertoire on Saturday 7 September in the following locations:

  • 12.30pm to 12.50pm at Chesterfield Market Hall
  • 1.05pm to 1.25pm at the ‘Crooked Spire’ church
  • 1.50pm to 2.10pm at the Pavements Shopping Centre
  • 2.30pm to 2.50pm at Chesterfield Market Hall.

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

‘Eat, Drink, Explore’ Campaign celebrates food and drink in the Peak District

Fantastic food and drink is placed right at the heart of the local tourism offer in Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s exciting new campaign, launched  by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire at Chatsworth Country Fair.

Celebrating the area’s diverse food and drink scene and the passionate people behind the products, the video features 20 local businesses and includes well-known faces from the food and drink industry, together with ambassadors for the area.

Additionally, Marketing Peak District & District has launched a fabulous food and drink guide providing visitors with inspiration and information on eating and drinking in the area.

Championing everything from exceptional eateries to unique delicacies such as Bakewell Pudding, the guide seeks to inspire visitors to sample local produce, explore more and uncover fascinating stories about the Peak District and Derbyshire’s passionate producers.

Click here to access the digital version of the Eat, Drink, Explore guide. which includes Richard Alsop from Chesterfield Champion’s Edge Events talking about his favorite food places in Chesterfield.

The brochure will be available free of charge at food and drink businesses, boutique accommodation providers and cultural hotspots across the area and in surrounding cities.

The ‘Eat, Drink, Explore Peak District & Derbyshire’ campaign will target food-lovers both locally, nationally and internationally, showcasing the area’s year-round culinary offering in a bid to drive overnight stays and extend the tourist season.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire, said: “We’re delighted to launch this exciting new campaign promoting the Peak District and Derbyshire as a one-of-a-kind culinary destination.

“From fine dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant to unique local delicacies, brilliant behind-the-scenes tours and fascinating foraging experiences, the Peak District and Derbyshire can cater for all tastes.

The Duke of Devonshire said: “As the most enthusiastic advocates of Derbyshire, we are delighted that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire are championing the exceptional wealth of culinary talent that the region has on offer.

“We are incredibly lucky to have wonderful pubs, talented chefs, lots of loyal local farmers,  suppliers and producers for our restaurants and award-winning Farm Shop on the Chatsworth Estate – we are thrilled to be able to share these with an even wider audience.”

In October, Destination Chesterfield will announce the latest winners of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards showcasing more of the wonderful businesses in the Peak District.

Find out more about the best places to eat and drink and the amazing food producers in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

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

European Funding set to boost tourism industry in Peak District & Derbyshire

The tourism industry in the Peak District and Derbyshire is set for a significant boost after the area’s official tourist board secured a further £1.2million in funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) extending their current business support programme until 2022.

Following the success of the ‘Growing and Developing the Visitor Economy Within Derbyshire’ project (Phase 1), which ran from 2016 to 2019 and delivered £1.3million of business support to over 700 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the area, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire has obtained an extension of ERDF funding.

200 visitor economy businesses are expected to benefit from this phase of the project, which will be launched in the coming months and will run until March 2022.

Called ‘Delivering a World Class Visitor Economy Within Derbyshire’, the project aims to improve the quality and increase the profitability of visitor economy businesses in the area through a programme of business support workshops, networking opportunities and a series of small grants ranging from £1,000 to £10,000.

In delivering this project, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire will continue to be supported by Derbyshire County Council, the Peak District National Park Authority, Derbyshire Dales District Council, High Peak Borough Council and University of Derby.

Key themes will include workforce development, extending the tourist season, international tourism, accessible tourism and green tourism – with the overall aim of supporting businesses in the visitor economy to grow in regional, national and international markets.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Following the success of Phase 1 of our ‘Growing and Developing the Visitor Economy Within Derbyshire’ project, we are looking forward to working closely with our partners over the next three years to achieve more great benefits for the local economy in Phase 2.”

“The Peak District and Derbyshire’s valuable tourism industry is worth over £2.15 billion, attracting 40.45 million visitors each year and supporting over 28,000 jobs.”

“The aims of the project are to drive up the quality and profitability of visitor economy businesses in the area, make the most of emerging international opportunities, and support small to medium-sized businesses though initiatives specifically geared to create more prosperity in this valuable industry.”

Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “Supporting local businesses to start, thrive and survive is one of our key priorities.”

“This funding is enormously valuable and will help provide much needed, tailor-made business support to the tourism sector in Derbyshire. It will also support our wider efforts to create more jobs, encourage visitors to stay longer and maintain our county’s reputation as a national and international tourist destination.”

Brendan Moffett, Director of the University of Derby’s Centre for Contemporary Hospitality and Tourism, said: “Tourism is an essential part of the local economy and this valuable ERDF funding will ensure that tourism businesses in the Peak District and Derbyshire can continue to grow and thrive.”

“Together with the announcement of the Tourism Sector Deal in June, which identified tourism as a leading industry for the Government’s future economic planning, it signals a bright future ahead for the tourism industry.”

Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire

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

Planning application submitted for Activity Centre

A planning application has been submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council to build an Activity Centre at Peak Resort.

The indoor activity centre will be built at PEAK in Chesterfield and represents the beginning of the phase one delivery of the resort.

The application which has been submitted for consideration by the council is for an indoor activity centre including zip lines, climbing walls, caving, ninja course, trampolining, rope courses, fun walls, adventure golf and e-karts, based at PEAK, Sheffield Road, Unstone, Chesterfield.

PEAK plans to be an integrated leisure, health, sport and education destination on the edge of the Peak District National Park; set on the 300-acre Birchall Estate in Chesterfield.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The council has worked closely with the developer of PEAK for a number of years and is pleased to receive the planning application for the activity centre which if approved will enable the first element of the PEAK resort to be delivered on the site.

“If successful it is anticipated that the centre will create 100 jobs in Chesterfield with more employment expected as the remainder of the PEAK resort development comes forward.”

Developers of the PEAK site are planning a phased development, with phase one costing in the region of £100m and representing approximately one third of the total outline planning permission.

Attractions in phase one are hoped to include:  – an indoor adventure activity centre; a lake and amphitheatre; gateway building and travel hub; hotels, covered events space, multi discipline cycling trails and car and coach parking.

Works previously completed on site, thanks to a £2.8 million Sheffield City Region Infrastructure Fund grant, saw a new roundabout created with access directly connecting the site with the A61 Dronfield bypass.

New multi-user greenways have been formed to link the resort with cycling, horse riding and walking routes in the Peak District National Park, Chesterfield, Sheffield and the countryside in between.

Peter Swallow, Chair of the town’s marketing campaign, Destination Chesterfield said: “It’s fantastic to see the PEAK development continue to move forward with plans for a new indoor venture.  As well as creating new jobs for local people and supporting the town’s economy, the site will be an exciting addition to Chesterfield and will be popular with residents and visitors alike.

“Destination Chesterfield has promoted the progress of the PEAK development since its announcement and looks forward to welcoming the development to the town.”

The application is likely to be heard by the planning committee in forthcoming months.

Find out more here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Manufacturing, Summer, Visiting

Vicar Lane to host charity draw to win £1,000 Chair

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is working in partnership with The Pilgrim Bandits, to offer customers the chance to win a stunning chair worth over £1,000, upholstered in a replica of the uniform of Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson MBE, in their charity draw.

Tickets for the draw are priced at just £5 each and available to be purchased online, right up until the day of the draw itself. All proceeds of the ticket sales will go to the registered charity, The Pilgrim Bandits. To purchase a ticket/tickets, visit the Vicar Lane Facebook page or website for more information.

The draw is a fantastic way for members of the public to show their support for a cause that does so much to help those who make such great sacrifices to serve and protect our country. It is also a fabulous opportunity for one lucky individual to walk away with a unique, statement piece of furniture for their home that is sure to be a talking point for years to come.

The winner will be drawn at 4.30pm on Sunday 18th August – also the day of Chesterfield Motor Fest – and the chair will be presented to the winner, in person, by Ben.

The Pilgrim Bandits were established by a small group of Special Forces veterans in 2007 and registered as a charity in 2010, with the sole aim of using their unique training and experience to help and inspire injured personnel to live life to the full.

Pilgrim Bandits’ primary aim is to help those in need directly, with no compromise. Soon, those who needed help, become those that give it. By pushing injured men and women into physically and mentally demanding situations that they would not have dreamed possible; kayaking extraordinary distances, climbing mountains, jumping from aircraft, running races, trekking across inhospitable terrain, self-confidence is restored and self-belief instilled – Always a Little Further. Pilgrim Bandits pushes those that have already endured so much, to go beyond endurance – to embrace life again and in doing so, inspire others.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “As the date of our draw grows ever near, we’re incredibly excited to provide our customers with the opportunity to obtain such a unique piece of furniture, while showing their support for a charity that helps so many people. ”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Summer Play Season opens at the Pomegranate Theatre

Chesterfield’s Summer Play Season opened at the Pomegranate Theatre last night, running until Saturday 7th September.

Theatre goers in Chesterfield can enjoy a series of popular plays as the annual Summer Play Season is underway. The plays are staged at the Pomegranate Theatre, which is owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council and are presented by Paul Taylor-Mills, Olivier Award-Winning Producer and he is also Advisory Producer to Andrew Lloyd Webber, and his repertory company.

The plays include:

Present Laughter (Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 August)

Present Laughter follows successful and self-obsessed light comedy actor Garry Essendine as he prepares to travel for a touring commitment in Africa. Amid a series of events bordering on farce, Garry has to deal with women who want to seduce him, placate both his long-suffering secretary and his estranged wife, cope with a crazed young playwright, and overcome his impending mid-life crisis.

The Kings Speech (Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 August)

David Seidler’s original play brings the audience face to face with Bertie, Duke of York, as he is thrust onto the world stage as King George VI following his brother’s abdication. With the Nazi threat looming and civil unrest at home, royal secrets explode around Bertie as he struggles to find his voice as King.

Wife Begins at Forty (Tuesday 27 – Saturday 31 August)

George, believing he has a happy marriage, is shattered to be told by Linda, his wife of 18 years, that she is going to leave him. With advice from their son, his father, and Roger from next door, George takes drastic steps to rejuvenate his marriage with hilarious consequences.

Dangerous Corner (Tuesday 3 – Saturday 7 September)

At their stylish country retreat, Freda and Robert Caplan host a dinner party for their colleagues and friends. Young, beautiful and successful they have the world at their feet. Then a cigarette box and an ill-considered remark spark off a relentless series of revelations and other, more dangerous, secrets are painfully exposed. As the truth spills out about the suicide of Robert’s clever, reckless brother the group’s perfect lives begin to crumble.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “I am proud that the council is able to invest in drama by offering the Summer Play Season at the Pomegranate Theatre, which we own and maintain.”

“The plays on offer will appeal to seasoned theatre-goers as well as someone just looking for an enjoyable evening out.”

Paul Taylor Mills, who presents the Summer Play Season with his repertory company, added: “I am delighted that my summer play festival company are returning to present another season at the lovely Pomegranate Theatre.”

“For our third year we are presenting four great plays including a classic comedy from the master Noel Coward, a fascinating story of a monarch suddenly thrust into the spotlight, a hilarious comedy of suburban manners and an edge of your seat drama from JB Priestley.”

“We are all looking forward to meeting our wonderfully supportive audience again in August and September and hope everyone will enjoy another brilliant season of plays”.

Find out more and book your tickets here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chatsworth Country Fair’s biggest ever hot air balloon lift and introducing Julia Bradbury as President

The spectacular sight of the biggest ever meeting of hot air balloons gliding majestically across the parkland will greet visitors to this year’s Chatsworth Country Fair (30 August-1 September 2019).

Billed as one of the best meets in Britain, the organisers of the lift have more than 65 pilots registered to take part with dawn and dusk flights scheduled for all three days, weather permitting.

Eye-catching special animal shapes will be among the colourful balloons taking to the skies with pilots coming from all over the UK for the rare opportunity to fly over Chatsworth, a no go zone for the rest of the year.

The skills of the pilots are put to the test with trophies for those who can manage to throw bread buns into a picnic basket on the ground during their flight; plus the chance for a quick ‘splash and dash’ in the river Derwent.

Organiser Rachel Percival, one half of the father and daughter team from the East Midlands Balloon Group, said: “It’s such a beautiful setting that so many pilots are keen to come and experience flying at Chatsworth. We throw in the competitions for a bit of extra fun but it is a real test of skill. If they touch the ground, they’re disqualified and they need to take into account wind speed and direction.”

“For visitors, it really is a fantastic sight to see from miles around when they are arriving and again at dusk. Generally the pilots like to have pootle around for a couple of hours and then will come down and land all over the fair site, from the main arena to the car parks, so get here early to catch the action.”

Chatsworth Country Fair is also delighted to welcome Julia Bradbury as this year’s President. Outside her life on television and following her dedication to environmental causes and caring for the great outdoors, Julia Bradbury co-founded The Outdoor Guide (TOG) with her sister Gina. TOG is an online resource that brings all outdoor-related information into one, easy to use, digital space. From where to walk and visit in the nearby area, to the best pubs for a locally brewed pint, to the best places to stay in the countryside as a wheelchair user, TOG is aiming to make the outdoors accessible to all. Chatsworth is featured on TOG, along with several stunning walks to take nearby. Julia is also the ambassador for Keep Britain Tidy and The Camping and Caravanning Club to name but a few.

Julia said: “I’m honoured to be the guest of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire for this special weekend and to have been given the prestigious title of President of Chatsworth Country Fair, where the best of the British countryside will be showcased.”

“I’m really looking forward to heading back to this part of the UK – Derbyshire is so close to my heart; having spent my childhood here walking with my Dad in the beautiful Peak District, this is where my infatuation with our countryside all began. This part of the country is so full of surprises – from the quaint market towns brimming with history and culture, to underground limestone caves where you feel like you’re in another world. Although I could spend forever rambling the peaks, I could also spend days on end walking around the stunning garden at Chatsworth, which is most certainly a beating heart of the county.”

“I have been waiting all summer with great anticipation for some quintessentially British attractions including the scurry and trial driving which will see ponies and their drivers tackling a huge obstacle course, falconry demonstrations and vehicle parades. I’m hoping to catch a ride in a hot air balloon if I’m lucky and if not, you’re most likely to find me in the food village… probably at any stall selling chocolate!”

Other highlights announced for this year’s Country fair include The Ukrainian Cossacks, the UK’s leading motorcycle display team, the Bolddog Lings and the Poppy Parachute Team.

The Stoves Cookery Theatre has a fantastic line up of top chefs across all three days led by Queen of Baking and Fair favourite Mary Berry on Friday, James Martin on Saturday and wrapped up by The Hairy Bikers on Sunday.

There is plenty to appeal to children of all ages all day long, with pony rides and exotic animals, the climbing wall and zorb balls for the daring, as well as face painting and the vintage fairground for some old-fashioned fun.

On the gate prices for adults are £25 each day and includes parking, while children under 14 get in free. Book in advance to take advantage of 10 percent off all day tickets until midnight 26 August 2019.

Gates open at 9am each day, with a closing ceremony at 6.30pm. For more information on the event and to book tickets, please visit click here.

Image by Geraldine Curtis

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

Summer Blooms at Vicar Lane with the chance to win a £50 voucher

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has given itself a little floral makeover this summer in celebration of ‘Chesterfield in Bloom’.

A number of stunning floral installations have been instated at the centre and will remain in place right across the summer. Visitors are invited to take a look at the flower cart, or pose for a selfie with the Centre’s fabulous floral phone box – perfect for adding that floral touch to anyone’s Instagram feed!

Plus, they are running a competition to name their newly moo-ved in grass cows, for the chance to win a whole lot of moolay – or in this case, a £50 gift voucher. Customers should head to Vicar Lane’s Facebook page to find out more. Terms and conditions apply.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said, “Chesterfield in Bloom is such a fabulous initiative – a real community effort to make the town more attractive to locals and visitors alike. We’re thrilled to support this with our summer floral theme and hope that everyone enjoys admiring our installations and the photo opportunities that they offer, with the added bonus of the chance to win a £50 voucher!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Vicar Lane installs stunning backdrop of the Derbyshire Dales

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has transformed St. James Square with a breathtaking backdrop image, which depicts an iconic vista in the Derbyshire Dales.

Vicar Lane is inviting shoppers to identify the beauty spot pictured for the chance to win a £50 shopping voucher in their social media competition. Customers wishing to participate should head to the Vicar Lane Facebook page to find out more.

Visitors to Chesterfield are encouraged to visit the Centre this summer to enjoy a variety of floral installations and the grass cows that have moo-ved in for the summer period.  All of which offer perfect Instagram-worthy photo opportunities for visitors to enjoy.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said, “We’re thrilled to celebrate our close proximity to the Peak District with this stunning installation and the chance for our customers to win a little treat on us!”

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