Local people and visitors to Chesterfield can get out their walking boots as the Chesterfield Area Walking Festival returns for another successful year.

This year’s festival runs from Saturday 6 to Sunday 14 May with walks taking place each day.

There is a variety of walks to suit all ages and levels of fitness ranging from a family ramble of two to three miles to a trek of 34 miles, all in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside.

Highlights include the George Stephenson walk taking in places of interest connected with the ‘Father of Railways’ who made Chesterfield his home and a Bumblebee Safari to find out more about these endangered insects – and see how many they can find.

Most walks are free and all are led by an experienced walk leader who knows the history, wildlife and the best places to walk.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy said:-

“As a council two of our key priorities are to offer activities to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents and to make Chesterfield a thriving borough.

“The Chesterfield Area Walking Festival does both by giving people of all ages and abilities the chance to take part in the various walks on offer and also attracts people to come and visit the borough and the surrounding areas to admire the wonderful scenery and find out more about the places from the experienced walk leaders.”

For more information on the festival click here.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has recently announced the five local groups who will showcase their well dressing skills at the first RHS Chatsworth Flower Show (7 – 11 June 2017). Ashford Women’s Institute, Buxton Well Dressing, Burton Closes Hall & Bakewell AJ Welldressing, Chesterfield Town Pump Group and Tideswell Well Dressers will be working to create beautiful designs in natural materials such as flower petals, leaves and seeds for display at the show.

More than 62,000 tickets have already been sold for the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show, for which the overarching theme is ‘Design Revolutionaries’. The winning well dressing designs draw inspiration from the Derbyshire landscape and great innovators in design such as Sir Joseph Paxton and Lancelot ‘Capability Brown’, both of whom had a significant impact on the magnificent 1000-acre Chatsworth Estate.

Well dressing is an age-old custom unique to the Peak District and Derbyshire, which is thought to date back to Roman and Celtic times, when communities would dress wells to give thanks for fresh water supplies. The tradition continues in scores of towns and villages between May and September each year, when everyone from schoolchildren to grandparents pitches in to create living arts installations made from flower petals and other natural materials.

Liz Patterson, Deputy Show Manager, said:-

‘We are very excited to be hosting the first ever RHS Well Dressing Competition at our new RHS Show at Chatsworth. We have selected five well dressing entries to display at the show, giving visitors the opportunity to vote for their favourite.

‘We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response we have received from local well dressing groups. We received some really exciting designs and concepts, and can’t wait to see the finished product.  We don’t have any wells or springs at the show but the technique and skill used will be the same and aims to bring this unique custom to a different audience.  We are sure our visitors will love it, and plan that this becomes a regular feature at the show.’

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, said:-

‘This a brilliant opportunity for the successful Well Dressing teams to showcase both age-old skills handed down through the generations and the Peak District and Derbyshire’s unique and most ancient tradition at a world class event visited by tens of thousands of people from both the UK and overseas.

“Many congratulations to all concerned, and we look forward to seeing their imaginative designs in full bloom in June.’

Two of the world’s elite cyclists have visited Derbyshire ahead of the Women’s Tour which takes place in June.

The prestigious race will take place on Saturday 10 June following the success of last year’s event which saw Lizzie Deignan (née Armitstead) win the stage in an exciting finish in Chesterfield town centre before going on to be the competition’s overall winner.

Riders Gabriella Shaw and Hannah Walker of Sheffield-based team WNT attended the launch event in Chesterfield ahead of the race, which will set off outside Chesterfield Town Hall before setting off on an 81-mile route.

This will see the cyclists race through the Derbyshire Peak District and pass through Wirksworth, Belper, Bolsover and Staveley before finishing in Chesterfield market place.

Gabriella Shaw said:-

“For us personally it’s going to be our closest to home stage with our title sponsors WNT being based in Sheffield.

“It’s a really exciting prospect for the team to be in the race with such a prestigious stage, the penultimate stage, taking place here.”

Hannah Walker added: “It’s a great stage. It looks really hard but it will be exciting and it will be great for the crowds to come out and watch.”

The Women’s Tour is being jointly brought to the county by Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:-

“Two of the council’s key priorities are to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents and to boost the local economy.

“Welcoming The Women’s Tour back to the borough gives people the chance to join in the race and take part in activities which will promote the benefits of cycling as well as encouraging them to support local businesses by visiting our shops, bars and cafés.”

Councillor Dean Collins, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure said:-

“Seeing the world’s top women cyclists battling it out on the roads of Derbyshire isn’t something you see every day and will be well worth a watch.

“I hope local people will be inspired to get active and take the opportunity to enjoy what will be an exciting event which will bring visitors from far and wide.”

A range of activities for people to take part in are being planned both in Chesterfield town centre and in towns and villages around the route.

The Women’s Tour will take place between Wednesday 7 and Sunday 11 June. Highlights of every stage will be broadcast on ITV4 and available on demand via the ITV Hub.

The Women’s Tour is a part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour, comprising 20 events around the world in 10 different countries.

For more details, visit: www.womenstour.co.uk.

Popular soap star and ‘Dancing on Ice’ champion Sam Attwater is set to glide onto the stage at the Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield, this Christmas when he stars in The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan.

Bringing a touch of swagger and cutting a dashing figure Sam will play the role of the ultimate panto baddie, Captain Hook.

Sam has been a regular fixture on our screens since his first foray into soap land in 2009. After completing his professional training at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts Sam landed his first TV gig playing Ricky in the popular Chester based soap Hollyoaks. Following a stint on the hit show, Sam became a regular on Eastenders, stepping onto the infamous Albert Square as the effortlessly cool East End bad boy and ladies’ man Leon Small. A student, who often bunked off school in favour of the boxing ring, Leon quickly earned a reputation as one of the square’s biggest womanizers, becoming involved in some of the soap’s biggest storylines in the process.

From the dramas of the East End to Dancing on Ice, Sam took part in the sixth series of the smash-hit skating show. Over the ten week series Sam rung up top scores with the all-star judging panel and the viewing public alike, going on to spin, arabesque and butterfly jump his way into the final where he and his partner Brianne performed The Bolero in front of Jane Torvil and Christopher Dean and over nine million viewers at home. They were crowned the winners of the popular programme with this final passionate performance winning them the hearts –and votes – of the public.

Among his many theatrical credits are leading performances in End of the Rainbow, Dreamboats and Petticoats, The Rocky Horror Show and Jason and the Argonauts to name just a few.  With time spent treading the boards, in addition to his film work and a guest appearance in the popular ITV drama Mr Selfridge Sam has never been out of the limelight since he took his first steps onto the Hollyoaks set.

Paul Holman, Pantomime producer, said:-

“I am thrilled to have such a talented and accomplished actor taking the lead in this year’s pantomime. His years of showbiz experience will bring flair to this fabulous festive production.”

The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan opens on Saturday 2^nd December 2017 and plays till Tuesday 2^nd January 2018. Tickets are available to purchase from Monday 3^rd April from the box office (01246 345 222) and online.

The Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop has been announced as a finalist for Farm Shop of the Year in the prestigious Farm Shop & Deli awards celebrating the best in class in the specialist independent retail sector.

Up for the national title of ‘farm shop of the year, large retailer finalist’, the Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop has been selected following evaluation, deliberation, secret visits and mystery shops by the judging panel of industry experts.

The category winners will be revealed at the Farm Shop & Deli Show, NEC, Birmingham at 3.15pm on Monday 24th April 2017 along with the coveted Farm Shop & Deli Retailer of the Year.

André Birkett, Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop Manager, said:-

“We are extremely proud to be selected as a finalist for the award. Having the hard work and commitment of the team recognised in such a way is very rewarding. I believe that the quality of our produce and our dedication to customer service have played a large part in this achievement.”

Chair of Judges Nigel Barden, Co Chair of Judges Elaine Lemm, Holly Shackleton, Editor of Speciality Food and Jamie Hall, Neal’s Yard Dairy are just some of the 2017 Farm Shop & Deli Awards judges who faced the difficult task of whittling down the category finalists this year.

Nigel Barden, Chair of Judges, said:-

“It’s a joyous journey visiting the awards’ finalists around the UK and, with the standards being so high, it’s the attention to detail that really makes the winners stand out. It’s also apparent when staff have been well trained and crucially enjoy their work. Inspired, informed and enthusiastic folk behind the counter make a shopping experience so much better. It’ll be a privilege to hand over the accolades at the Farm Shop & Deli Show on 24th April and to witness the look on the winners’ faces that clearly illustrates how all their teams’ hard work has paid off.”

Now in its fourth year, the awards celebrate the very best standards, levels of service, product innovation and community involvement in the sector.

Residents with an interest in tasty food and healthy eating are being asked to nominate their favourite food businesses for a Heart of Derbyshire award.

Whether it’s a burger bar, takeaway, café or restaurant, if they offer healthier meal choices, then Derbyshire County Council want to hear about them.

The council launched the Heart of Derbyshire scheme as a way of letting people search for healthier options when dining out.

Businesses in the scheme have signed up to a range of pledges ranging from using less salt, sugar or fat in foods to offering smaller portions or providing allergen free meals.

Councillor Dave Allen, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities at Derbyshire County Council, said:

“We’re working to make healthier eating choices the easy choice and that’s why we set up the Heart of Derbyshire scheme.

“It lets customers make simple, informed decisions about what they are eating and allows businesses to showcase their healthy eating credentials.”

Over 170 businesses are already signed up to the Heart of Derbyshire scheme.

People nominating a business will be entered into a free prize draw to win a healthy eating prize.

Councillor Allen added:-

“A growing percentage of people are now classed as overweight or obese and this is impacting on the health and economy of the country.

“Because of the negative financial and health impact that obesity has on communities, businesses, local authorities and the NHS, we need to act now to help address the problem.

“We’re encouraging residents to make small changes to the way they eat in order to make big differences to their health.”

Chatsworth house, garden and farmyard opens 25 March 2017 with highlights including the first ever RHS Chatsworth Flower Show; House Style, a fashion-led exhibition which will showcase the captivating lives of the Cavendish family, and the completion of the £32.7 million Masterplan restoration project.

House Style: Five Centuries of Fashion at Chatsworth
25 March – 22 October 2017

In what will be its largest and most ambitious exhibition to date, House Style will explore the history of fashion and adornment by showcasing the lives of the captivating individuals from the Cavendish family. Highlights of the exhibition will include personal family collections, including items belonging to the current Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, demonstrating the varying breadth of fashion and adornment from the Devonshire Collection throughout the generations. The show will also include exceptional couture designed by Jean Philippe Worth and Christian Dior, together with influential contemporary garments from designers such as Gucci, Helmut Lang, Margiela, Vivienne Westwood, Erdem, Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane and Vetements.

Easter Eggstravaganza
8 – 23 April 2017

The hugely popular Easter Eggstravaganza is back with its annual Easter Egg hunts, crafts, and rides just some of the activities in store for visitors this season.

The Dodson & Horrell International Horse Trials
12 – 14 May 2017

The Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials is three days of thrilling equestrian sport, combined with entertainment for all the family in the beautiful surroundings of Chatsworth. Visitors will enjoy world class competition, from elegant dressage, to exciting show jumping and thrilling cross country. There will also be entertainment and activities for the whole family, and the shopping village with more than 100 high quality trade stands.

RHS Chatsworth Flower Show
7 – 11 June 2017

Green-fingered visitors are in for a treat this summer as the highly anticipated RHS Chatsworth Flower Show will take place for the very first time. Visitors will be invited to explore a horticultural wonderland featuring a range of inspirational gardens, displays and features from hotly-tipped designers. There will also be a series of fascinating talks and demonstrations throughout the week for any and all gardening enquiries. Additionally, the show will bring together a selection of the finest independent companies and specialist nurseries, offering a wide-range of design-led products and quality plants.

VitalityMove with Jessica Ennis-Hill
9 July 2017

Following her appearance as Chatsworth Country Fair President last year, Olympic gold medallist Jessica-Ennis Hill will be returning this summer with her brand-new event, VitalityMove. Aimed at runners of all ages and fitness levels, there will be a range of activities to get involved in from one mile fun-runs and family relays to the more traditional 5k and 10k distances. Keeping the energy high with music throughout the day will be DJ Trevor Nelson.

Chatsworth Country Fair
1 – 3 September 2017

Following a record-breaking number of visitors last year, Chatsworth Country Fair is back this September and will once again be jam-packed with fun and entertainment for all the family across the stunning estate grounds.

Beyond Limits
September 2017 onwards

The annual contemporary sculpture exhibition Beyond Limits returns to Chatsworth this autumn featuring work from several of the world’s leading artists. With last year’s exhibition celebrating the late visionary architect Zaha Hadid, whose sculpturally striking Lilas made for the most architecturally ambitious installation presented at Chatsworth to date, visitors are sure to be treated to another spectacular exhibition this September. Look out for future updates over the coming months.

The Chatsworth Festival: Art Out Loud
22 – 24 September 2017

Art lovers can immerse themselves further during The Chatsworth Festival: Art Out Loud, which will run from 22-24 September 2017 and feature an exciting line-up of artists, curators and writers. Look out for announcements of the festival line-up which will be revealed in Spring 2017.

Oh Dickens it’s Christmas
Nov-Jan 2018

Chatsworth house, garden and farmyard will once again be transformed into a winter wonderland this Christmas in what will promise to be an enchanting day out. As well as the main event in the house, there will be a whole host of festive themed activity from Christmas markets (17 November to 5 December) with stalls for the whole family to wreath demonstrations and nativity performances in the Chatsworth Farmyard.

Masterplan Project Phase Four
Current to November 2017

The final phase of the Masterplan, the monumental renovation and restoration project launched in 2005 with a total value of £32.7million, is now underway with completion scheduled for November 2017. One of the largest projects undertaken by Chatsworth since the 6th Duke built his great North Wing in the 1820s, this fourth phase focuses on the East side of the house which faces towards the Cascade in the garden, with scaffolding now in place to enable the stone to be cleaned, repointed and repaired. Rotten stones will be removed and replaced with new stone taken from Burntwood Quarry, the location of the stone used to build the North Wing. Once the work is completed, all the facades of the house will appear newly rejuvenated. Other work includes replacing coverings on 23 roofs; installing hundreds of roof vents and thermal insulation; joinery repairs and rebuilding chimney stacks. The Orangery rooflight will be restored and solar and UV film will be applied to the glass to keep the building cool in hot summer months.