Visiting

Travelodge invests in Chesterfield as part of national expansion strategy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discover more about investing in Chesterfield

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

New campaign promotes Derbyshire as a top value destination

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

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

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

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

The campaign includes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explore this summer in Chesterfield

Posted in Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Chesterfield Celebrates 200 Years of Railway History at Barrow Hill Roundhouse

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

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

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

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

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

Barrow Hill Roundhouse Turntable Demonstration

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

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

Tickets are available now via SeeTickets.

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

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

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

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

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

Explore this summer in Chesterfield

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

Thousands of families visit Chesterfield Children’s Festival

More than 6,000 people gathered at Queen’s Park over the weekend to enjoy the third annual Chesterfield Children’s Festival, hosted by local arts charity Junction Arts.

The two-day celebration of arts, culture, and creativity delivered a jam-packed programme of free, family-friendly entertainment for visitors of all ages.

The festival featured live music, theatre, storytelling, dance, circus skills, art workshops, beatboxing, comedy and more, with every activity designed to spark imagination and bring people together through play and creativity.

A standout moment from the weekend was the immersive performance Story Chefs by Derby-based theatre company Maison Foo, which took families on a globe-trotting adventure filled with puppetry, music and interactive theatre.  Serving up delicious food as part of their performance.

Also returning by popular demand was Everybody Dance, a mass dance-along developed in partnership with students from Spire Junior School and professional choreographers. On Saturday, crowds joined in the joyful movement piece that got the entire park dancing.

Sunday’s highlights included live comedy, baby-friendly sensory circus workshops, and interactive drumming sessions.

Throughout the weekend, families also explored the Post Office of Possibilities (P.O.P.), an immersive theatre experience created by Buxton’s Babbling Vagabonds with young people from Boza Youth Club. The interactive set encouraged visitors to write positive postcards and letters to their future selves, all while exploring drawers of surprises and curious objects.

The festival also celebrated young musical talent through performances curated by The Noise Academy, with young DJs and artists showcasing their skills and running beatboxing masterclasses throughout the weekend.

To ensure accessibility for all, Junction Arts worked with RevolOOtion to provide a mobile, accessible toilet and changing facility. The event also featured BSL interpreters, an audio version of the festival programme, and the newly introduced Wellness Tipi – a quiet space funded by Children in Need to support visitors who needed a calm retreat.

Jemma Burton, Project Manager at Junction Arts, said: “Wow, what an amazing weekend! It was wonderful to see families spending quality time together, exploring, playing, dancing and laughing. This festival is all about inclusion, joy and imagination, and we’re so proud to offer an event that is completely free and accessible.”

Now in its third year, the Chesterfield Children’s Festival has cemented itself as a beloved summer fixture, providing high-quality arts experiences for local families and visitors from across the region.

For more information or to see highlights from the festival, visit: www.junctionarts.org or follow @JunctionArtsUK on social media.

Chesterfield Children’s Festival is part of an exciting programme of events and activities this summer.

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

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

Explore this summer in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Summer, Visiting

New Asian-inspired eatery ‘Pluto’ brings fresh flavour to Chesterfield town centre

Chesterfield’s food scene has a new addition with the arrival of Pluto, an independent business bringing authentic Asian street snacks and desserts to the heart of the town centre.

Founded by Stanley Chan, Pluto opened its doors with a mission to deliver joy, discovery, and health through food. From fluffy Japanese cheesecakes and colourful fruit sandwiches to crispy Taiwanese fried chicken and bubble tea, Pluto offers a fresh and exciting experience.

Stanley said: “Food has always been in my blood. My parents and extended family have worked in the food business for many years, and I grew up surrounded by the warmth, creativity, and care that goes into preparing meals. That passion stayed with me, and in 2010, I started my first venture, an online shop called Snacknsnack.com, which focused on selling Japanese snacks.

Now, Pluto is the next chapter in my journey, a space where I want to share the happiness that food can bring. Our concept is simple: joy, discovery, and health through food. We bring popular and authentic Asian street snacks and desserts to the heart of Chesterfield, giving people a chance to experience something new and delicious.”

Pluto’s arrival is a welcome addition to Chesterfield’s growing independent food and drink scene, adding further diversity to the town centre. Stanley chose Chesterfield for its strong sense of community and openness to new ideas.

“Chesterfield immediately felt like home. It’s a town with a strong sense of community and a real appreciation for local, independent businesses. What stood out to me was the vibrancy of the people here, friendly, curious, and open to trying something different.”

Dominic Staniforth, Board Member of Destination Chesterfield, commented: “Pluto is a fantastic example of the kind of independent business that makes Chesterfield special. It adds something different to the town centre and reflects the growing appetite for diverse food experiences.”

With a menu inspired by the street food culture of Japan, Taiwan, and Korea, Pluto offers something different for Chesterfield. Its playful approach to food and focus on quality ingredients have already caught the attention of customers.

As part of the town’s growing independent scene, Pluto adds a new layer of variety to the high street and gives people another reason to explore what Chesterfield has to offer.

Pluto is located on low payment adjacent to New Square.  Discover more on their facebook page.

Check out some other tasty ideas of places to eat in Chesterfield.

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

Chesterfield celebrates safe nights out with Best Bar None Awards – Public voting now open

Chesterfield is once again celebrating its vibrant nightlife, as the town’s pubs, bars and clubs prepare to be honoured at the 2025 Best Bar None Awards. You are now invited to vote for your favourite venue, helping to spotlight businesses that make nights out safer and more enjoyable.

The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 23 July at the SMH Group Stadium, hosted by Chesterfield Borough Council. The event recognises venues that promote responsible drinking and work actively to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder.

A Community Committed to Safety

Since launching in 2023, the Best Bar None scheme has brought together local authorities, police, and the licensed trade. Backed by the Home Office and the drinks industry, the initiative encourages better venue management and stronger community partnerships.

All licensed premises in Chesterfield were invited to apply for accreditation. Those who met the criteria will receive official recognition at the ceremony.

Public vote now open for the Best Bar None Awards

Residents can now vote in the People’s Choice Award, which celebrates the venue that makes them feel most welcome and safe.

Vote at chesterfieldboroughcouncil.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/1v9ilh

Voting closes shortly before the awards night.

Celebrating Excellence Across the Borough

In addition to the public vote, four special awards will be presented:

  • Best Managed Venue
  • Best Tenanted Venue
  • Best Independent Venue
  • Overall Best Venue

These categories highlight the diversity and quality of Chesterfield’s hospitality sector.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy, said: “Chesterfield is a safe and welcoming place to live, socialise and visit. Our local venues play a vital role in creating that atmosphere. These awards celebrate their hard work and encourage others to join the scheme.”

Jane Randall, Chair of Chesterfield Pubwatch, added: “We’re proud of the collaboration between businesses, the council and the police. The Best Bar None scheme helps us maintain a safe and enjoyable night-time economy. It’s fantastic to see so many venues stepping up.”

Businesses encouraged to join Best Bar None

Licensed venues are encouraged to get involved. Accreditation not only boosts reputation but also strengthens ties with the local community. To apply, contact the Licensing Team at Chesterfield Borough Council:

licensing@chesterfield.gov.uk
01246 345230
www.chesterfield.gov.uk/best-bar-none

Check out our blog for inspiration on where to eat and drink in Chesterfield

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

Young voices shape festival through comedy

Year five pupils from Abercrombie Primary School in Chesterfield swapped their usual lessons for laughter last month, taking part in a high-energy comedy masterclass that also marked the start of their exciting new role as ‘Festival Budding Investigators’ (F.B.I.) for the Chesterfield Children’s Festival.

Delivered by local arts charity Junction Arts, the session was led by professional comedian and magician Dominic Woodward, AKA Wacky Woody, who brought jokes, magic, and creativity to the classroom. The workshop aimed to introduce children to the art of comedy while kickstarting their involvement in shaping future editions of the popular family festival.

During the day, pupils explored what makes people laugh, learned how to construct the perfect punchline, and had the chance to write and perform their own comedy sketches. The session also included improvisation exercises and caption-writing challenges designed to boost creativity and confidence.

Junction Arts is working closely with the year five class throughout the next 12 months, giving them a voice in the development of the Chesterfield Children’s Festival. As official ‘F.B.I. agents’, the children will attend cultural experiences, participate in creative workshops, and provide feedback and ideas to help ensure the festival continues to grow and reflect the interests of young people in the town.

Their first mission? To evaluate the 2025 Chesterfield Children’s Festival, taking place on 26th and 27th July at Queen’s Park. Now in its third year, the free event celebrates imagination, play and the magic of childhood, offering a wide variety of activities, performances, and experiences suitable for children aged 0–16.

Jemma Burton, Project Manager at Junction Arts, said: “Our goal with the Children’s Festival is to bring high-quality arts and cultural experiences to Chesterfield and inspire young people with something new. Over the past three years, we’ve introduced everything from silent discos and catwalk shows to giant arcade games and live movie experiences.  The comedy workshop was a fantastic start to the children’s journey as our team of Festival Budding Investigators. Dominic was genuinely impressed with some of the jokes they came up with! Their ideas and honest feedback are vital to keeping the festival fresh, relevant, and exciting for years to come.”

Mrs. Johnson, Year 5 teacher at Abercrombie Primary, added: “The children absolutely loved the workshop. There were laughs throughout the day, but they also learned a lot, particularly about using homophones in comedy. It was amazing to see them grow in confidence, with every child performing something by the end. We’re all looking forward to being part of this journey with Junction Arts.”

Dominic Woodward said: “It was a pleasure to visit Abercrombie Primary School and deliver a Comedy Workshop for Year Five. What a great class. They let their imaginations run wild and expressed themselves and their personalities through comedy. It was great to hear jokes about their pets, Minecraft, Spiderman and of course – poo! (kids’ favourite subject to joke about!) It was wonderful to watch how even the children who weren’t as confident came up with excellent gags and even had a go at performing them!”

For more information about the Chesterfield Children’s Festival, visit: https://junctionarts.org/whats-on/chesterfield-childrens-festival/ or follow Junction Arts on social media @JunctionArtsUK

Chesterfield Children’s Festival is part of an exciting programme of events and activities this summer.

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

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

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

Explore this summer in Chesterfield

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

Chesterfield’s first Pottery Festival announced

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

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

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

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

Festival highlights include:

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

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

A Creative Summer in Chesterfield

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

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

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

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

Explore this summer in Chesterfield

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

Jack and the Beanstalk is coming to Chesterfield!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check out other events happening in Chesterfield.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explore this summer in Chesterfield

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

Dinosaurs, street entertainment and festive fun

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer in Chesterfield

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

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

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

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

Explore this summer in Chesterfield

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