Summer

Derbyshire versus Yorkshire is a sell out for the second year

Derbyshire Falcons’ home Vitality Blast fixture versus Yorkshire Vikings on Saturday 28 July at Chesterfield has sold out for a second year in a row.

The local derby continues to grow in popularity, with more people than ever purchasing tickets in advance to secure their place at the showpiece fixture of the Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

It’s the third time in four years the Twenty20 fixture at Chesterfield has sold out in advance.

Only matchday ticket holders will be able to gain entry into the ground on Saturday. Tickets will not be available to buy on the day.

Chief Executive, Simon Storey said: “The local derby is always the highlight of our week in Chesterfield. The demand for tickets continues to grow year-on-year and we’re delighted to announce an advance sell out for a second year in a row.

“Queen’s Park is a beautiful venue and the atmosphere is always electric when we have a full house and Yorkshire are in town. It promises to be a great occasion to close this year’s festival.”

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “One of the reasons we help bring the cricket festival to Chesterfield each year is that the crowds who attend will stay at hotels in the area, use local restaurants, bars and other leisure facilities.

“It is also an opportunity for local residents to see first class county players in the town and for local schoolchildren to meet the cricketers and be inspired to take part in sport and leisure activities.

“The match against Yorkshire is always the one that local cricket fans look out for so it is no surprise to see it sell out well ahead of the game taking place.”

Supporters with matchday tickets are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and give plenty of time to arrive at the ground. Gates will open earlier than advertised at 12noon.

Please do not arrive at the ground if you do not have a matchday ticket.

Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

Chesterfield Festival of Cricket Image David Griffin

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield’s parks retain their Green Flags

Five of Chesterfield’s parks and open spaces, maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council, have, once again, been given a prestigious Green Flag award.

Queen’s Park near the town centre, Eastwood Park in Hasland, Holmebrook Valley Park, Poolsbrook Country Park and the grounds of Chesterfield and District Crematorium are among a record-breaking 1,883 UK parks and green spaces that will today receive a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader, said: “We are very proud of our parks and open spaces in Chesterfield.

“Our staff work hard out carrying out maintenance to our parks supported by volunteers and friends groups and these awards are testament to all of their hard work and dedication.”

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

The Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket returns to Queen’s Park this weekend.

Chesterfield’s parks retain their Green Flags

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Don’t miss a day of Medieval Fun in Chesterfield

Don’t miss a day of Medieval Fun in Chesterfield this July.  Visitors to Chesterfield can expect battle re-enactments, dragons, jesters and more at the Chesterfield medieval fun day organised by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The fun-filled family event takes place in various locations across Chesterfield town centre on Tuesday 24 July from 10am to 4pm.

There is a host of activities taking place including:

  • A medieval encampment in the Crooked Spire churchyard with skirmishes at 12.30pm and 2.30pm and troop marches to the market place at 11am and 1.30pm
  • Court jester performing in Rykneld Square, opposite the church at 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm
  • The Legend of Theobald Puppet Theatre at Burlington Street at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm
  • A fun fair at Chesterfield market all day
  • Medieval Monks Comedy Animation Theatre in the market place with shows at 11am, 12.45pm and 2pm
  • Dragon and knight in the market place at 11.30am, 1pm and 2pm
  • Medieval beggars at the market place and Burlington Street at various times during the day.

Chesterfield Museum is also open during the day.  Visitors can meet Sir Cuss the potion maker who will train them to identify dragons and make potions to protect them from the dragon, the museum is open from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

St Mary and All Saints’, the Crooked Spire church is also holding an open day with tours of the church tower hourly from 10.15am to 3.15pm. Tours cost £6 for adults and £4 for children.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The medieval fun day is one of the most popular events in our calendar each year.

“There are so many fun activities taking place, it’s a great opportunity for families to have a day out, enjoy themselves and learn a little bit about our medieval past at the same time.”

Find out more about the Medieval Fun Day and the Vintage Summer Fair which takes place on the same day.

Medieval Fun Day - Living History

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield business works with local artist to raise awareness about plastic pollution

Chesterfield company Kakou CIC has teamed up with local Chesterfield artist Lucie Maycock to create a sculpture of a whale made entirely from plastic bottles, as part of the Ocean Life exhibit at Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery.

36 million plastic bottles are used by households in the UK every day. They work themselves into just about every aspect of our daily lives. The popularity of plastics is part of a huge problem and our dependence on them makes recycling and reusing plastic bottles essential for the health of the planet.

Beginning in March, the local public joined Lucie to help produce the sculpture during three workshops held at Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery and the Pavements Shopping Centre.

The “Ocean Life” exhibition will run alongside the current Park Life exhibition at the Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery. Ocean Life aims to raise awareness about plastics pollution, describes the impact of micro-plastics on the ocean environment, and provides examples of simple actions individuals can take at home to prevent plastic from ending up in the sea.

Rachel Fannen, Collections Officer at Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery said:-

“Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery naturally jumped at the opportunity to support Kakou’s 2018 campaign to raise awareness about the dangerous impact of plastic on our world but most especially on marine environments.

“Kakou’s 2018 British Science Week project raised awareness by creating a plastics sculpture through local art workshops facilitated by artist Lucie Maycock.

“Chesterfield Museum is very proud to display the finished sculpture which will be accompanied by a display explaining the devastating effect of waste plastics on our planet.”

The exhibition runs from the 7th July and more information can be found here.

Chesterfield ocean life exhibit

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Foodie families wanted to help find Chesterfield’s best family-friendly restaurant

Destination Chesterfield, organiser of the town’s Food and Drink Awards, wants to know which eateries get the taste buds tingling of families in the area. And who better to judge the winner of the prestigious award than foodie families?

Two young families with children aged under 12, are wanted to judge the shortlisted family-friendly establishments. They will help decide who takes the Family-Friendly title in the 2018 Awards which are held in association with the Chesterfield College Group

Each family will win an all-expenses-paid meal for four. The lucky winners will also each receive two tickets to attend the glittering awards ceremony on Wednesday 31 October at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building.

Now in its sixth year, the Family-Friendly Award aims to find the town’s ultimate eatery that offers great food, excellent facilities for young children, special menus and goes the extra mile to make sure families enjoy their dining experience. As well as enjoying a meal, the winning families will be required to mark the establishments on food, ease of access, cleanliness and the quality and variety of children’s food. Last year the popular award, which is sponsored by Jumble Design, was won by Chester’s in 2017.

Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, commented:-

“Who better to decide the winner of the Family Friendly Award 2018 than families themselves? This competition is a great chance for families in the area to voice their opinion and get to enjoy a meal out too.”

Entries to the competition close on midnight on Friday 29 June and can be made online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/family-judge-competition/

or by post to

Food and Drink Awards Competition,
Destination Chesterfield
Commerce House
Millennium Way
Dunston Road
Chesterfield
S41 8ND

The awards ceremony, which will be held in autumn, promises to be a glittering affair hosted by celebrity chef Lesley Waters.  In addition to the Family Friendly award, Lesley will also announce the winners of a further 14 awards at the ceremony.

Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are sponsored by Apprentice Town, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Chesterfield College Group, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast), East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire), Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Kier Group, MSE Hiller, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM and Reflections, Shorts Chartered Accountants.

To keep up-to-date on developments with the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards .

chesterfields best family friendly restaurant

Posted in About Chesterfield, Summer

Local shopping centre reveals moving WW1 tribute

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre recently unveiled a “poetry walk” on part of its site, in a touching tribute which marked 100 years since the end of World War I.

The town’s Mayor cut the ribbon of the Vicar Lane WW1 tribute exhibition on 14th May, with press and members of the public in attendance.

In situ until January 2019, the piece is made up of 11 different poems engraved onto the wall in the link walkway to the car park, installed as part of the WWI commemorations across the town lead by Chesterfield Borough Council. The poems on display include timeless works from Rudyard Kipling, John McCrae and other famed war poets.

During the opening of the exhibition, the Royal British Legion collected donations on site, with all funds raised being donated to the Poppy Appeal – a charity which offers welfare support for those in the Armed Forces community who are facing difficulties – supported by the Royal British Legion Riders and the Chesterfield RBL.

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager for Vicar Lane, said:-

“We are honoured to be able to partake in these important celebrations, and to pay respect to those who fought for us. We hope that the exhibition will inspire Chesterfield and make our community proud.”

Chesterfield businesses and voluntary groups are also invited to work with Chesterfield Borough Council to help plan commemorations in the borough to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Chesterfield Combined Ex Services is also planning a poppy cascade from the balcony of Chesterfield Town Hall in the week of Armistice Day this November, which will require thousands of knitted, crocheted or felt poppies.

A number of organisations in Chesterfield are planning events during the year and in particular for the period 11 October to 11 November.

vicar lane ww1 tribute

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Nominate now in the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Nominations are now open for the sixth annual Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

The town’s thriving food and drink sector will once again be celebrated by awards organiser, Destination Chesterfield. It is now urging people to nominate their favourite restaurants, bars, cafes, pubs and tearooms across 10 categories.

And it’s not just businesses you can nominate in the 2018 awards. Apprentices and apprenticeships are also being recognised this year with the introduction of two brand new categories – Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year.

Nominations across 10 categories can be made online until midnight on Monday 11th June 2018 at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield is now urging people to get nominating. He said: “Each year we get more and more nominations proving that we’re a town that appreciates good food and customer service. There are so many fantastic businesses and  people working within them in the town. For them to have a chance of taking home one of the prestigious awards, they have to be nominated – their future is in your hands.”

“I hope the people of Chesterfield get behind us once again and nominate to help make the 2018 Food and Drink Awards 2018 the best yet.”

Once again, The Chesterfield College Group is the headline sponsor of the prestigious awards and will also be hosting the glittering awards ceremony in its Heart Space building later this year.

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group said: “It is fantastic to be able to support this annual celebration of the best of our local food and drink industry once again this year. The event highlights local talent in the industry at the same time as giving our catering and hospitality students some amazing opportunities to showcase their talent. I look forward to welcoming the shortlisted nominees to Chesterfield College in October.”

Nominations can be made across 10 categories in the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include:

Other supporters of the awards include the Apprentice Town initiative led by Chesterfield Borough Council, Casa Hotel, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast), Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM and Reflections.

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

Cheer on England in the UEFA U17’s Euro Semi Final for just £1

England are through to the semi-finals of the U17 Euros and all tickets for the match at the home of the Spireites on Thursday evening are just £1.

England beat Norway 2-0 in the quarter-finals at Burton to reach the last four of the competition, where they will play either Republic of Ireland or the Netherlands at Chesterfield this Thursday evening (7pm).

Goals from Bobby Duncan and Xavier Amaechi secured the win for the Young Lions, with over 5,000 England fans coming out to support the youngsters.

UEFA and The Football Association have made all tickets for the semi-final just £1 for all and have encouraged fans to come out and support the Young Lions as they aim to reach the final at Rotherham on Sunday.

With the tournament already being a major success, with combined attendances reaching over 40,000 so far, The FA has been working alongside local schools to engage children in the area.

England head coach Steve Cooper said: “I know the people who have been managing the tournament have wanted it to be affordable for families and children. That has definitely been reflected in the crowds we’ve got for England matches.

“We had a fantastic turnout at our opening group game at Chesterfield. It was a brilliant atmosphere and we’re really grateful for the support.

“Chesterfield is a great venue and we’re really looking forward to playing there again on Thursday. Hopefully we can get another strong attendance for the semi-final.”

See England play either Republic of Ireland or the Netherlands at Chesterfield this Thursday (7pm) in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-final.

Tickets are on sale now for £1 via www.thefa.com or at the Chesterfield FC Club Superstore, including on the day of the game.

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

Get in the groove for new festival in Chesterfield

Residents and visitors are encouraged to head to Chesterfield’s market for a brand new food and music festival this month.

The Street Food and Grooves festival, organised by Edge Events and supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, begins with a launch party on Friday 11 May from 6pm and continues over the weekend.

Edge Events organises the popular Chesterfield Food Festival held in Queen’s Park which returns on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 August this year.

Taking place in New Square, the Street Food and Grooves Festival will feature some of the finest local produce including world street food including vegetarian and vegan dishes, sweet treats, ales, bespoke gin and vodka, prosecco and a selection of wines.

On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 May from 11am, some of the region’s talented musicians will give live performances to suit every musical taste playing live from the Sound Bites Stage’

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This festival is a really exciting opportunity for people to visit our historic market and try some of the world’s most popular street foods and hear talented local musicians.

“One of our top priorities is to make Chesterfield a thriving borough.As with the recent successful Chesterfield Wheel ride, this new festival is an example of how we are working in partnership with the private sector to add exciting new events to the calendar.

“We are sure it will prove a real draw and encourage more people to come into the town centre to support our fantastic local shops, market traders, bars and restaurants.”

Chesterfield residents can use their residents’ parking pass to park free all day on Sunday 13 May.

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

Organisations invited to support blooming glorious Chesterfield

Chesterfield is set to experience a blooming riot of colour this summer as residents get set to enter the annual best kept garden competition as part of the Chesterfield in Bloom campaign.

The launch of this year’s Chesterfield and East Midlands in Bloom campaign is fast approaching and the organisers are looking for local organisations to support the event.

Chesterfield in Bloom is led by a committee of local residents supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, who have been working hard on new initiatives for the forth coming campaign including new categories for specifically for council house tenants and a wheel barrow competition for secondary school children. They are also looking to expand the amount of floral displays we have in the town centre through their work with other town centre partners.

A record breaking number of more than 100 people took part in the competition last year, which is open to all Chesterfield borough residents.

Current partners include Ringwood Hall Hotel, Spencer’s Solicitors, Killingley Landscapes, Tawney Wood Developments, Dunston Hall and New Leaf Garden Centres. Local businesses and companies are invited to join the current partners to support the Chesterfield in Bloom competition with a number of sponsorship opportunities available.

The sponsorship packages include company name engraved on the awards and certificates, listed on entry forms and award brochures, invitation to the awards and judging competition alongside extensive PR coverage in local media from April – September 2018.

If you are interested in supporting Chesterfield in Bloom contact John Ramsey at john.ramsey@chesterfield.gov.uk

Chesterfield in Bloom

Posted in About Chesterfield, Summer

Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon Wellbeing Challenge up and running

An inaugural challenge which will give businesses and families the chance to get involved with the 2018 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon has been officially launched.

Details for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon’s ‘Wellbeing Challenge’ were revealed at a special Champions Breakfast held by new event partner, Destination Chesterfield – a leading regional place marketing partnership which has pledged its support for the Half Marathon.

Entry into the challenge, which is the best-value way of entering the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon Events at £80 in total, includes two entries into each of the event’s three individual elements – the 13.1-mile Half Marathon, the 5-Mile Run and the one-kilometre Fun Run. It is aimed at encouraging local businesses and families to get involved with what is set to become the region’s biggest mass participation event.

Destination Chesterfield kicked off its partnership with the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon by launching a competition to win free entry into one of the 2018 Half Marathon events – with more prizes and competitions in the pipeline.

John Timms, events director at MLS Contracts Ltd, organisers of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “We are delighted to have Destination Chesterfield on board as sponsor for this year’s Chesterfield Half Marathon.

“As a Chesterfield business, they share countless values with ourselves, headline sponsor Redbrik Estate Agency and of course our charity partners Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

“After the success of last year’s event, we cannot wait for this year’s Half Marathon, and we’re excited about what this new partnership will bring to the 2018 event.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield manager, said: “We’re delighted to support the 2018 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon. It has become an important event in the town’s calendar, helping raise the profile of Chesterfield, bringing people into the town to discover our offering and, crucially, spend money with our retailers and food and drink businesses here.

“It’s also a great example of Chesterfield Champions – Redbrik, Chesterfield Borough Council, Peak FM, Crush Design & Creative and Ashgate Hospicecare – working together for the benefit of not only the town’s profile but for the people who will benefit from the charitable proceeds raised from the event.

“The addition of the Fun Run and Wellbeing Challenge is an excellent opportunity to get even more people involved in this fantastic event. I speak from experience, having competed every year since the event was launched, and this year will be no different. I am very much looking forward to it.”

This year’s Half Marathon, which is backed by Chesterfield Borough Council, will take place on Sunday 21 October 2018, starting at 9:30am in Queen’s Park, Chesterfield. Leading estate agency Redbrik will return as headline sponsor for the second year of its five-year sponsorship deal.

New for 2018 is a 5-Mile Run and a Wellbeing Challenge for businesses, community groups and family groups to get involved in. The event schedule will also be bolstered by the return of the one-kilometre Fun Run, which is open to all ages and abilities and takes place within Queen’s Park. Entry is £5.

Entries for the marathon is open, it is simple and easy to sign up. For more information visit www.redbrikchesterfieldhalf.com.

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