Visiting

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

Luxury accommodation opens in Chesterfield town centre

The owners of award-winning Stephensons Tea and Coffee House have expanded their portfolio to include three brand-new, luxury bed and breakfast suites.

Stephenson’s Bed and Breakfast celebrated its official opening on Tuesday 3rd July with the cutting of a ribbon by the Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Stuart Brittain and a networking event with Chesterfield Champions.

Luxury Accommodation opens in Chesterfield

Situated in the centre of Chesterfield, the accommodation offers high quality, large rooms, with one boasting amazing views of the Crooked Spire.

Breakfast is served at the newly-refurbished Stephensons Tea and Coffee House, which is on the first floor of the same building (as well as offering room service as required).

Owners, Claire and Sam Wood (a Mum and son team) are excited for their new business venture. Claire said:-

“We are delighted to have opened our luxury, town-centre accommodation and are looking forward to welcoming guests.

“It’s great to be able to build on the success of Stephensons Tea and Coffee House, which has won Café of the Year twice in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards and now enjoys brand new premises just a floor below the original café.

“Whether visiting Chesterfield for business or pleasure, exploring the Peak District or visiting one of our many local attractions, Stephenson’s Bed and Breakfast is perfect for your stay.”

Stephenson’s Bed and Breakfast is located at 11 Stephenson’s Place with bookings available both online or by telephone.

Stephenson Bed and Breakfast

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

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

Join in the spring fun at Stand Road Park

Chesterfield residents are being invited to a free community fun day being held at Stand Road Park.

The Spring Community Fun Day will take place between noon and 4pm on Wednesday (4 April).

It has been organised by the Racecourse Rubbish Rangers, a local community litter pick group, with support from local residents, the Friends of Stand Road Park and Chesterfield Borough Council.

Attractions on the day will include:

  • Games and activities, including rounders, badminton, football, egg and spoon races, sack races and giant skittles
  • An arts and crafts area
  • The chance to play bowls on the bowling green
  • An appearance by Chester the Field Mouse, the mascot of Chesterfield Football Club.

The Friends of Stand Road Park group will also open the café and pavilion to serve sandwiches and other refreshments, costing 50p.

Organisers are looking for volunteers to help run activities on the day. Anyone who is interested should turn up at the park at 11am, where they will be allocated an activity to assist with.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said:-

“This is a great community event and I hope local residents and others from across the borough will come to join in the fun.

“There are lots of free activities for the whole family so it is the perfect way for children to spend a day of their school holidays.

“To help the event run smoothly the organisers are keen for some more volunteers to help out on the day so if you have a spare few hours here is an opportunity to do something for the benefit of your local area.”

The fun day follows the success of a similar event in August last year.

Stand Road Park

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Overseas tourism boost for Peak District and Derbyshire

Around 50 travel industry buyers and journalists from the UK’s largest and most valuable overseas markets – including high spenders such as China and the Gulf countries – have been discovering the delights of the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Representatives from key tourism targets such as The Netherlands, Belgium and the USA have been touring highlights of the area as diverse as Buxton Opera House, Bolsover Castle, Chatsworth, The Heights of Abraham and Thornbridge Hall and Brewery as part of VisitBritain’s annual flagship travel trade event ExploreGB.

VisitBritain joined forces with official area tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire to defy severe winter weather and bring four overseas parties to enjoy a taste of what the Peak District and Derbyshire has to offer both groups and individual visitors, comprising:

  • Dutch and Belgian travel industry buyers (March 4 and 5)
  • USA travel trade buyers (March 4)
  • Gulf countries travel trade buyers (March 5)
  • Chinese journalists, social media specialists and influencers (March 7)

All the visits were tailored to complement face-to-face business done by more than 280 international travel buyers from 29 countries with more than 330 tourism suppliers from across the UK, including Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, at ExploreGB, held in NewcastleGateshead on March 1 and 2.

As well as visiting key attractions, some of the groups stayed overnight to sample the area’s varied accommodation offer, including The Old Hall Hotel in Buxton and The New Bath Hotel & Spa in Matlock Bath.

The programme offered the tourist board a welcome opportunity to build on work it is already doing in close partnership with Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council to attract more Chinese visitors to the Peak District and Derbyshire, including:

  • Training and support as part of VisitBritain’s GREAT China Welcome campaign
  • Building links with Hino Travel, a Chinese inbound travel agent, to create itineraries for everyone from businesspeople and VIPs to students and first-time group travellers
  • Working with Marketing Manchester and other partners to bring more staying Chinese visitors to northern England using Manchester Airport as a gateway for direct flights to and from Beijing
  • Hosting a fact-finding visit from the Anhui Tourism Bureau, scheduled for June 2018

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

“All these initiatives reflect our commitment to working closely with VisitBritain, local councils and a range of other partners to sell the Peak District and Derbyshire as a world-class destination on a global stage.

“By targeting high-spending markets such as China, we can bring in more staying visitors from overseas, bringing more money into the local and regional economy and helping a wide range of visitor-focused businesses to flourish.”

China is the world’s most valuable outbound tourism market, and council leaders in Derbyshire have been strengthening international links with Anhui Province.

They hosted a delegation from the region to explore how the two areas could work together in the future on trade, education, culture, tourism and skills.

In November last year tourism and business representatives from Derbyshire County Council visited China to showcase the county at the Huangshan International Tourism Festival and the China International Industry Fair.

Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said:-

“Culture and tourism is an essential part of the local economy, employing almost 28,000 people and worth more than £2 billion in visitor spend.

“We share Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s ambitions to promote Derbyshire and tourism to overseas markets to generate new growth, investment and trade opportunities for our businesses. This latest work as part of ExploreGB builds on the links we’ve been forging with China.

“China’s interest in the UK is clearly growing, and we want Derbyshire to be at the forefront of its thinking when it comes to overseas travel and investment in business and industry.”

Overseas tourism boost

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Tickets now on sale for Under-17 European Championship matches in Chesterfield

UEFA tournament ambassador Jack Butland is urging the nation to get behind the Young Lions as England prepares to host the Under-17 European Championship for the first time.

Tickets for the eagerly-awaited tournament, which will be staged across ten match days at six venues in the Midlands and South Yorkshire from Friday 4 May to Sunday 20 May, are now on public sale.

England’s group fixtures will be held at Chesterfield FC on Friday 4 May (KO 1900), Walsall FC on Monday 7 May (KO 1500) and Rotherham United on Thursday 10 May (KO 1900)*. Burton Albion, Loughborough University and St. George’s Park will also stage matches.

Stoke City goalkeeper Butland, a key member of the England side which won the tournament in 2010, believes home support could be key to propelling Steve Cooper’s current crop all the way to the final in Rotherham on Sunday 20 May.

Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Eden Hazard, Paul Pogba and Mario Gotze are just some of the famous names to have appeared at previous editions of the Under-17 European Championship.

And with tickets starting from just £2 for children and £4 for adults, fans of all ages can watch Europe’s future stars on their doorstep at affordable prices.

Butland, who was named in the 22-man team of the tournament in 2010, said: “The UEFA Under-17 European Championship is a great chance to go and see the stars of tomorrow.

“I have not been lucky enough to play in a home tournament for England so for these young England players to do that, it will be a massive experience and they can really show what they are about.

“With England playing at Walsall, Chesterfield and Rotherham, it is a great chance for fans to go out and support the Young Lions. We have a bright future in this country and these players are at the heart of that.

“There is also going to be plenty of European talent on show in the matches at Loughborough University, St. George’s Park and Burton.”

After the unprecedented success of England’s development teams in 2017 and interest in youth football at an all-time high, these are exciting times for the Young Lions.

England, who also won the title in 2014 and finished runners-up to Spain last year, have qualified automatically as hosts.

The Young Lions will discover their group opponents when the draw for the 16-nation tournament takes place at St. George’s Park on 5 April.

Butland, who was confirmed in Gareth Southgate’s senior squad yesterday for the forthcoming friendlies against Holland and Italy, added: “Winning the Under-17 European Championship eight years ago has been a massive part of my career. It is one of my favourite moments in football.

“We had a great set of talent that year – and we do this year too. For anyone to get to play in this major tournament will be very special.

“From a senior point of view, we want to follow that and show that we are leading the way. It is a great time for English football and it is great to see the young sides doing so well.”

See the stars of tomorrow in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship, 4-20 May 2018. Visit www.TheFA.com/U17Euro for tickets and further information.

*NOTE – kick-off times are subject to change

Under 17 Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Poppy Cascade Planned for Chesterfield

Knitters and crocheters in Chesterfield are being asked to help mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Chesterfield Combined Ex Services is 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.

Patterns to create the poppies are available here: Poppy patterns

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Town Hall is an iconic building in Chesterfield and a focal point of the remembrance services held each November so it is only appropriate that we use the building as a backdrop for the poppy cascade to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

“All handmade poppies are welcome whether they’re from schools, community groups, arts and crafts groups or individuals. Every poppy will be individual and will join together to create an amazing visual effect which will show our full respect for those who died in the war.”

Poppies can be dropped off at the Town Hall, Rose Hill, or at various points in the town centre.

For more information or collections, contact Rob Nash (01246) 550516 or email mayors.office@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Be part of the Chesterfield community poppy cascade

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Visiting

More events coming to town after success of Chesterfield Wheel

Further high-profile events are being planned by Chesterfield Borough Council following the success of the Chesterfield Wheel.

The popular 60-metre ride, which will be open until Mother’s Day on Sunday March 11, has attracted thousands of people to the town and a number of businesses have reported a welcomed increase in footfall and trade.

Chesterfield Observation WheelCouncillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of the council said:

“The Chesterfield Wheel is a recent example of where we have been able to deliver something special for the town at no cost to taxpayers while providing a real boost to the town’s shops and market traders. This is in addition to the successful artisan market and big town centre events, such as the Medieval Fun Day, which attract large crowds throughout the year. We are always looking to add to the town centre events calendar and would welcome any business or company with ideas to come and talk to us.”

“One big new event will see us work with an external company to deliver the first Street Food and Grooves Festival in the town centre, between May 11 and 13. This will see a wide mix of hot and cold food stalls from around the world, alongside live stage music. This will be another significant draw for both residents and visitors alike.”

“Another example is the series of events being held in November to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, where we are working with a range of community and voluntary groups. The wide-ranging events will include a ‘poppy fall’ being created down both sides of the town hall entrance.”

Dom Stevens, manager of the town’s marketing campaign, Destination Chesterfield, added:

“The big wheel has proved a great draw for the town centre, bringing in both new visitors and encouraging people to return to the town who may not have been in recent months.  We know that events bring people into the town and the wheel is no exception.”

“There are further events planned for the town throughout the year which, I hope, people will embrace in the same way they have the wheel and show their support through increased footfall into the town which will benefit the many great businesses based there.

The Chesterfield Observation Wheel has been brought to the town centre by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with operator Mellors Group Events and will operate daily until Sunday 11 March.  For ticket prices including online discounts and booking information please click here.

The Street Food and Grooves Festival is organised by Chesterfield-based Edge Events and takes place in New Square from Friday May 11 until Sunday May 13.

A range of events are planned between October 11 and November 11 to mark the anniversary of the First World War.

The Chesterfield Artisan Market takes place on the last Sunday of each month.

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