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CRIT! brings Comic-Con energy to Chesterfield with grand opening and mini-con event

Chesterfield’s town centre is about to get a major pop culture upgrade as independent retailer Critical Hit rebrands to CRIT! and opens the doors to its new flagship store on Saturday 20th September. The launch event promises a full Comic-Con experience, complete with celebrity guests, giveaways, and immersive displays.

Located at 26 Burlington Street (formerly GAME), CRIT! is the brainchild of local entrepreneurs Nathan and John, who have built a loyal following since opening their original store on Knifesmithgate in May 2024. The new space is bigger, bolder, and packed with collectibles, gaming merchandise, anime, horror figures, and exclusive pop culture products.

To mark the occasion, CRIT! is hosting a Grand (Re)Opening and Mini-Con, featuring a special appearance by Hollywood actor Tommy Flanagan, known for roles in Sons of Anarchy, Peaky Blinders, Gladiator, and Guardians of the Galaxy 2. Fans will have the chance to meet Tommy for signings and photos throughout the day.

The event kicks off at 9am and includes a cosplay competition with prizes for both adults and children, judged by a professional photographer. One lucky visitor will win a Nintendo Switch 2, while runners-up will share £500 in store credit.

“We’ve poured our hearts and souls into this new space,” said Nathan Russell, co-owner of CRIT!. “The support from Chesterfield and surrounding areas has been incredible. CRIT! is more than a shop, it’s a place where fans can connect, celebrate their passions, and experience something truly special.”

Highlights of the new store include a 5-metre Pokewall, an expanded Funko Pop! wall, Loungefly bags, Gundam kits, Studio Ghibli merchandise, horror collectibles, Hot Toys, blind boxes, and more. The team’s vision is to bring the Comic-Con experience to Chesterfield, making it a destination for fans across the region.

This is the latest in a range of investments announced in Chesterfield town centre, these include:

Discover more about shopping in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Breathe Pilates launches Chesterfield’s first LED x Hot studio

Breathe Pilates has officially opened on Chatsworth Road, bringing the UK’s first LED x Hot Pilates studio to Chesterfield.

Located at 131 Chatsworth Road, Breathe Pilates introduces a fresh concept to the town’s thriving fitness scene.

The brand new studio combines reformer Pilates with hot air and LED light therapy, creating a wellness experience unlike anything else in the UK.  This innovative approach offers a wide range of benefits, including improved strength, flexibility, recovery, and overall well-being.

“I am passionate about health and wellbeing and have enjoyed reformer Pilates for many years,” said Grace Jones, co-founder of Breathe Pilates”. I believe there is an opportunity to share my passion and raise awareness of reformer Pilates in Chesterfield for both men and women of all abilities and age groups.”

She added, “We wanted to create a welcoming space where people can move, feel stronger, and take time for themselves. Pilates has such a powerful way of building both the mind and the body, and we wanted to share that with our community.”

Breathe Pilates aims to collaborate with numerous local businesses to enhance the offerings for people in Chesterfield. Through run clubs, coffee mornings, and wellness workshops, they aim to provide a wide range of options to suit everyone’s interests and promote physical wellbeing for our community.

Explaining why Chesterfield was the perfect fit, Grace said: “We chose Chatsworth Road as it’s a vibrant community full of independent shops and studios as well as bars and cafes, and we thought Breathe would be a perfect addition.”

Breathe Pilates is open seven days a week, offering morning, evening, and select weekend classes.

Visitors can book through the Breathe Pilates UK app, the studio’s website at www.breathepilateschesterfield.co.uk, or by contacting the team at info@breathepilateschesterfield.co.uk.

Breathe Pilates shop front

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

Thousands celebrate creativity and community at Tapton Lock Festival 2025

Chesterfield’s Tapton Lock Festival returned bigger and better than ever on 6–7 September 2025, drawing thousands of visitors to the Chesterfield Canal for a vibrant weekend of outdoor adventure, creative exploration and community spirit.

Organised by local arts charity Junction Arts, this year’s festival marked its largest edition to date, thanks to a new partnership with Arts Derbyshire and their touring programme, Festivity. The expanded line-up offered a diverse programme from live music and storytelling to hands-on workshops and outdoor activities, all celebrating the natural beauty of Tapton Lock and the region’s rich creative talent.

Visitors enjoyed free canal boat rides, “have-a-go” canoeing and climbing wall sessions, circus skills workshops, and a wide range of art activities, including acrylic pouring and printmaking.

As part of Festivity, the festival showcased:

  • Live performances from Derbyshire singer-songwriters Michael Vickers and Sarah Hinds
  • A digital gallery featuring eleven visual artists from across the county
  • A spoken word programme curated by the Derby Poetry Festival, highlighting diverse regional voices

Families were captivated by interactive storytelling sessions from Adverse Camber, while Arts Derbyshire hosted drop-in nature-inspired workshops. On Saturday, printmaker Nicki Dennett led creative print sessions, followed by artist Paola DeGio on Sunday, who introduced visitors to marbling techniques.

A standout feature was Junction Arts’ collaboration with VERBA – the Ukrainian Social Group of Chesterfield, who brought an eco-conscious art trail to the festival. Eco-Path – A Living Journey invited families to explore six interactive stations themed around sustainability, including climate awareness, recycling, biodiversity, textile waste and microplastics. Participants collected stamps in their Eco Passport while engaging in activities such as:

  • Making instruments from recycled materials
  • Creating seed bombs
  • Junk modelling and textile art

Festival favourites returned too, with the Vintage Fairground and Bubbleologist delighting younger visitors.

“It has been an amazing weekend where friends and families have come together to appreciate this beautiful location,” said Jane Wells, Project Manager at Junction Arts. “Whether it’s listening to live music, getting active or creating your own masterpiece, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

Launched in 2013, the Tapton Lock Festival is a free, inclusive celebration designed to promote health, wellbeing and creativity. For over a decade, it has offered opportunities for people to try new skills, connect with nature and take part in cultural experiences right in the heart of Chesterfield.

Discover what’s on in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Italian restaurant Giorgio’s relaunches as il Forno

A much-loved Chesterfield restaurant is entering an exciting new chapter. Giorgio’s, located on Whittington Moor, will relaunch this September as il Forno.

The name that pays tribute to its Italian roots and the wood-fired oven that has long been the heart of its kitchen. While the name and interiors are evolving, the essence of the restaurant remains unchanged. The same talented chef and dedicated team who’ve built Giorgio’s reputation over the past decade will continue to serve the dishes locals know and love.

“We as a family are incredibly proud of what we’ve built as Giorgio’s over the past 10+ years,” said owner Fran Montero. “But il Forno feels like the perfect new chapter, a name that honours our history while reflecting what makes us truly special: our wood pizza oven. We can’t wait to welcome both our loyal customers and new diners.”

Inside, diners can expect a refreshed, modern look while retaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere that has made the restaurant a community favourite. The front of the restaurant will undergo further improvements in the coming weeks, completing the transformation.

The menu will continue to feature Giorgio’s most popular dishes, especially its celebrated pizzas. A few new additions will enhance the dining experience, but the popular half-price pizza and pasta offer will remain unchanged.

“After so many wonderful years, we’re simply refreshing and modernising, while keeping everything that’s made us a favourite with our community,” Fran added.

il Forno will continue to serve as a vibrant hub for residents, offering authentic Italian cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting.

The rebrand marks a new era for the restaurant, reinforcing its commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation. The restaurant will reopen to the public on Saturday, 13th September.

Looking for more ideas of places to eat and drink in Chesterfield, check out https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2025/07/50-food-and-drink-businesses-to-try-in-chesterfield/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Tapton Lock Visitor Centre reopened by rock legend

Dave Berry has officially reopened Tapton Lock Visitor Centre at the Tapton Lock Festival, organised by Junction Arts.

Chesterfield Canal Trust has stepped in to reopen the centre after its closure in May and has taken out an initial nine-month licence to run the centre, owned by Derbyshire County Council.   The centre is now open daily.

Jill Hardy, who runs the Visitor Centre for the Trust, said: “We are very grateful to Dave for coming to officially open Tapton Lock Visitor Centre.   I’m delighted to announce that we will now be open every day, except Christmas Day. Please come to visit us, find out more about the canal and try some of our lovely coffee!”

Dave Berry is famous for his many classic hits from the 1960s, like The Crying Game. He lives locally, in Dronfield, and first made contact with the Chesterfield Canal Trust many years ago after taking his granddaughter on a Santa Special cruise. He was impressed by the work of the volunteers and decided to help.

He is the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s Restoration Ambassador. He once cycled the full length of the canal, raising several hundred pounds in sponsorship for the Trust. He has spoken at a Supporters’ Group meeting and is often to be found walking or cycling along the canal.

The Chesterfield Canal Trust is restoring the canal at Staveley thanks to funding from the Staveley Town Deal.

In the next few months, a new lock, a pumping system and several hundred metres of canal will be built. In addition, nearly two miles of towpath will be restored all the way to Renishaw.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, 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