Visiting

Chesterfield to be lit up once again this Christmas

Chesterfield Borough Council is once again hosting its spectacular Christmas Lights Switch On in the historic marketplace, marking the start of the festive season in the town.

Taking place on Sunday 20th November, the Christmas Lights Switch On is a firm favourite in the festive calendar, and it will include stage show entertainment from 3pm, festive market stalls and the lights switch on itself at 4.45pm.

Some of the Sleeping Beauty pantomime cast will be coming along to the stage show too, tickets are now on sale to see Sleeping Beauty at Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel Theatre. You can find out more and book tickets online.

Shrek will be making personal appearances at intervals between 12pm and 3pm outside the Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square ahead of the lights being turned on.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This will be a magical event in the heart of Chesterfield, and everyone is welcome to come along. The Christmas lights switch on is one of our most popular events of the year, so please ensure you allow plenty of time to park or arrive by public transport, wrap up warm and enjoy the event.”

Elsewhere across Chesterfield, there is lots going on throughout the festive season for everyone to enjoy.

Meet Santa in the Market Hall

Bookings for Santa’s Grotto in the Market Hall are now open.

Santa will be welcoming visitors into his grotto from 20 November and tickets must be booked in advance either online or by contacting the Visitor Information Centre.

The price is £6.50p per person, which includes a present.

Markets

A number of markets will be taking place where you can pick up a unique gift or two from one of Chesterfield’s great selection of independent retailers. The traditional and speciality markets will take place on:

  • Vegan Market – 6 November and 4 December
  • Record Fair – 13 November and 11 December
  • Artisan Market – 27 November and 18 December

Visit Revolution House

If you are looking for a traditional family Christmas activity, why not take a trip to Revolution House.  The house will be open and decorated for Christmas with traditional greenery, including a kissing bough, and a flower festival with arrangements throughout the house, created by volunteers.

The house will be open from Thursday 8 December to Saturday 24 December, 11am to 3pm. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

The house will also host a carol concert on Thursday 8 December at 6.30pm with members of Holymoorside Band. Carol sheets will be provided, and we suggest everyone attending wears appropriate clothing and brings a torch (although there will be some lighting on site).

Elf Trail

The Elf Trail is back for another year to provide fun for the whole family this Christmas.

They will be hiding in the windows of our local shops and venues waiting for you to find them from 21 November 2022 to 4 January 2023. Spot them all and you could win a fabulous family prize.

You can keep up to date with everything happening in Chesterfield this Christmas by visiting our festive web page. The page includes fabulous local gift guides, tips on getting the best food and drink from independent Chesterfield businesses, fun competitions, fesitive activities and much more!

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Taco Bell set to open its doors in Chesterfield

The world-famous Mexican-inspired restaurant brand Taco Bell will soon be welcoming customers to its new restaurant in Chesterfield.

Taking up the unit on Alma Leisure Park which used to house Chiquito, the new outlet will be open from Monday 14th November 2022. The launch will mark the brand’s 113th UK restaurant opening.

Customers will be able to order in advance via the Taco Bell app, website or third-party delivery platform or use the digital kiosks in-store to takeaway.

Local Chesterfield residents are invited to say ‘hola’ to Taco Bell on the opening day, with the restaurant set to give away free tacos all day.

Renowned for its craveable, customisable and quick-service Mexican-inspired classics; Taco Bell has been serving tasty tacos, bursting burritos, yummy nachos and its famous quesadillas to hungry UK fans since November 2010. The Chesterfield restaurant will be the brand’s first store in the area.

“We’re delighted to be able to bring Taco Bell to Chesterfield,” said Lucy Dee, Head of Marketing at Taco Bell UK. “The community has been crying out for Taco Bell and we’re very pleased to be able to deliver; creating local jobs despite challenging circumstances. We look forward to feeding residents from Monday onwards.”

Taco Bell Chesterfield is situated at Unit 6B Alma Leisure Park, Derby Road Chesterfield Derbyshire S40 2EZ and is open from 11am until late, 7 days a week. It joins Cineworld, Nuffield Health, McDonalds, Nando’s and Frankie & Benny’s on the lineup of businesses based there.

Did you know Chesterfield is also home to many great independent restaurants? For some great tips on where to head for your meal out, check out our blog on 50 Food and Drink businesses in the town.

The local food and drink industry has also been celebrated at the Love Chesterfield Awards, organised by Destination Chesterfield.  Nominated by the public and tested by mystery shoppers, all winners and finalists were congratulated at a glittering black tie dinner held at the Winding Wheel Theatre last month. Check out the winners here.

#iseeataco brand campaign – PR crunchy taco images

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Vicar Lane announces festive fun this Christmas

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is inviting customers to experience the magic of Christmas, with a visit to Santa’s Workshop and cosy Grotto this festive season.

Families can enjoy a free, interactive experience at Santa’s Workshop, where little ones can come and meet the elves before writing their letter to Santa. Enjoy the moment together as their wish list gets posted in the magical post box and travels right before their eyes, to the North Pole.

Families wishing to head further into the Grotto, can then take an enchanted trip through a winter wonderland. At the end of the winding pathway, they will be greeted by Santa in his cosy grotto, surrounded by all of the toys for the good girls and boys.

Tickets to visit Santa’s Grotto are £8.50 each and every child will receive a gift, an ‘official good list’ certificate and reindeer food.

Santa’s Workshop and Grotto will be open from Saturday 19th November with a very special appearance from Snowy the Polar bear, roaming in the centre on Saturday 3rd December.

Due it’s previous success, Vicar Lane also offer an Autism Friendly Santa Experience (on selected dates and times) which support children with autism and sensory conditions to enjoy all of the Christmas magic in a more calming and relaxed environment. These sessions must be booked in advance. For more information on how to book, visit the Vicar Lane Shopping Centre website.

In addition to the events within the centre, there is a whole host of fun in the run up to the big day. On Sunday 20th November the Christmas lights will be turned on at 4.45pm in New Square.

For something creative, Vicar Lane is hosting a number of Wreath Making Workshops in conjunction with Thanks a Bunch, Sam’s Flower Boutique and Pizza Pi. Gather with friends and family for a 2-hour workshop inclusive of material, food and drink within the ticket price.

Dates Confirmed below:

NOVEMBER

Wed 30th between 1-3pm – Pizza Pi & Sam’s flower boutique

DECEMBER

Sat 3rd 10-12pm – Thanks a Bunch & Vicar Lane

Sat 3rd 1pm – 3pm – Thanks a Bunch & Vicar Lane

Find out more information on the Vicar Lane Facebook Event Page.

On Saturday 17th December, The Aurora Choir will be around the St James Square area between 11am and 1pm singing Christmas carols to help make last minute shopping more delightful. The Aurora Choir will be raising money for Ashgate Hospice and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane says: ‘’We’re delighted to bring back our Grotto and Workshop Experience for the local community and their families this year. There’s always a lot of excitement surrounding the events and with Chesterfield’s Christmas Lights Switch On event taking place on the same weekend, it’s a great opportunity to get out with family and friends and begin the Christmas preparations, with plenty of time to enjoy the fun!’’

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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New game to arrive at Chesterfield Escape Rooms

A brand-new game is set to be launched at the popular Chesterfield Escape Rooms, with the attraction confirming it will be open to customers later this month.

The family-friendly ‘Sausage Surprise’ game will feature the Escape Rooms’ brightest set yet, taking participants to a picturesque seaside setting.

With a Punch and Judy theme to the game, players will go through a variety of huts in search of hidden sausages, after the naughty crocodile eats them all!

Nick Hogan, Manager at Chesterfield Escape Rooms said: “We have now had five different games played out of the rooms, and there is very much demand for more.

“The town’s response has been phenomenal towards the Escape Rooms so adding to the room portfolio makes sense. Watch this space too, as more games such as ‘The Eerie Motel’, ‘The Big Hangover’ and ‘An hour to Kill’ will be in construction shortly.”

Since opening in 2020, Chesterfield Escape Rooms has shot its way up the rankings on Tripadvisor, even reaching the number one spot for escape rooms across the UK.

Nick said: “To get to the top of the TripAdvisor charts was a very proud moment for me and the team who have worked very hard over the last 12 months. There are over 800 Escape Room businesses in the UK so to have THE number one based on user feedback of our service is a great achievement.”

“We’ve done a few things with the community, such as setting up time limited discount codes for districts in Chesterfield. We also ran a 6-week schools’ competition during the summer holidays, and we even closed for the day to the public earlier in the year and ran free games for Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice.”

To find out more about some of the great places to visit around Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/

Chesterfield Escape Rooms supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield set to remember the fallen with annual service

Residents are being invited to attend Chesterfield’s annual service of Remembrance on Remembrance Sunday, Sunday 13 November, at 2.30pm at St Mary and All Saints’ Church, the ‘Crooked Spire’.

The service will remember all those who have sacrificed their lives in service for our country.

Councillor Tony Rogers, the Mayor of Chesterfield, said: “Our Remembrance Service is open for all to attend and pay their respects, every year we are heartened to see many of our residents support this event and remember together.”

Everyone is welcome to attend and residents are politely asked to be seated by 2pm as the Church can become very full.

The service will be followed by a parade from St Mary and All Saints’ Church, through Burlington Street, High Street, Glumangate onto Rose Hill.

Residents and visitors are welcome to watch the parade which will be led by Chesterfield’s Mayor and Mayoress and other local dignitaries. They will be joined by members of the Armed Forces, ex-services organisations and uniformed organisations from Chesterfield.

Members of the public are also welcome to attend the wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial from approximately 3.30pm with the Poppy cascade featuring 16,000 Poppies donated by people from across the world as a backdrop.

The Poppy cascade will be installed on the front of the Town Hall on Thursday 3 November by members of The Royal Engineers Association, who are the custodians of the Poppies.  Each year the Royal Engineers Association ensure the Poppy fall’s safekeeping, making sure it is dry and safely stored and any repairs are carried out prior to their next outing.

On Friday 11 November children from schools across Chesterfield will join the Mayor and Mayoress in holding a minute silence at 11am outside the Town Hall and laying a wreath of remembrance.

Staveley Town Council will hold their annual Remembrance parade and service in Staveley on Sunday 13 November. The parade will leave Staveley Market Place at 10.45am and head for the Garden of Remembrance, where the service will take place come rain or shine at 11.00am.

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Derbyshire strikes gold in national visitor attraction accolades

Derbyshire has struck gold in the national accolades designed to showcase visitor attractions that go the extra mile to provide a high-quality day out.

Three local tourism businesses have received recognition in the VisitEngland 2021-2022 Visitor Attraction Accolades which celebrate the quality and diversity of visitor experiences across the country – with Derbyshire taking home two of three Gold accolades for the East Midlands.

Chatsworth and The Heights of Abraham each received a prestigious Gold accolade, whilst Denby Pottery Village won the coveted accolade for Best Told Story.

The winning attractions have gained the accolades based on scores received following their annual VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessments. Marks were allocated for the outstanding experiences they provide to visitors across categories including Welcome, Best Told Story, Quality Food & Drink, Hidden Gem and Gold for overall winners.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire said: “It’s fantastic to see three of Derbyshire’s brilliant attractions flying the flag for our outstanding visitor offer in these prestigious VisitEngland accolades.

“Derbyshire has so many unmissable attractions that deliver unforgettable experiences for visitors and residents alike, and this is a timely reminder of the value, variety and sheer quality of the area’s tourism industry.”

Pamela Pearson, Visitor Experience Development Manager at Chatsworth added: “We are delighted to receive this award from VisitEngland, which recognises the hard work of our teams and our commitment to going the extra mile to deliver an excellent visitor experience. This year, we celebrated creativity with a free exhibition of monumental sculpture, ‘Radical Horizons: The Art of Burning Man at Chatsworth’, in the parkland. It’s wonderful to be one of the 97 award-winning attractions in England, congratulations to all the winners.”

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire and Chatsworth support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Burning Man Chatsworth

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Chesterfield residents and visitors can visit Santa in his Grotto this winter

Bookings for Santa’s Grotto in Chesterfield’s historic Market Hall are now open.

Santa will be welcoming visitors into his grotto from 20 November and tickets must be booked in advance either online or by contacting the Visitor Information Centre.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s great news the grotto is back in town for residents and visitors to enjoy. We are hosting the grotto on the balcony of the Market Hall, for the first time in three years and I know it has been missed by many local people.

“You will need to book in advance, so you don’t miss out on visiting Santa in the Market Hall.”

Visitors are asked to arrive no earlier than 5 minutes prior to their time slot, so we can try to keep queues to a minimum. Families will be able to meet Santa on a first come first served basis within their slot time.

There will also be three relaxed sessions that will be bookable on 3 December, 11 December and 18 December 2022.

The relaxed sessions are specifically adapted for children with learning disabilities or sensory and communication disorders. There will be no flashing lights and the sessions are extended to reduce anxiety and allow everyone to enjoy a visit to Santa.

The cost will be £6.50 per child, which includes a present.

This is the first time you have been able meet Santa in person for 3 years, and it promises to be a special event for everyone to enjoy.

Bookings can be made in person at the Visitor Information Centre (Rykneld Square, Chesterfield S40 1SB), over the phone (01246 345777) or by visiting the booking website.

More information about the dates and times Santa’s Grotto is open can be found here and more details about what is happening around Chesterfield over the festive season can be viewed at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas

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Innovative community events launched to support local projects

Chesterfield community interest organisation, Kakou is set to launch a brand-new initiative, aimed at helping local projects gain funding.

Chesterfield SOUP is a project that invites artists, social enterprises, charitable organisations and everyone in-between to attend an evening meal with likeminded people where they will be given the time and platform to pitch their ideas and projects that will benefit and improve their local communities- and the voted ‘best pitch’ among the attendees will get the opportunity to be granted funding for their pitch.

This concept has been inspired by countless other SOUP projects worldwide, from Detroit and Perth to Oslo and Dundee- the SOUP event format has spread like wildfire across the world as hundreds of participants around the globe have seized the opportunity to share their ideas to better the hometowns and cities they love the most, all in a wholesome and familiar environment with people who share their passion for change and their love of a homecooked meal.

There is very little as inspiring, powerful and important as the support of a community. This, the team at Kakou quickly came to understand and respect in their work as a Social Enterprise and certified B-Corporation, and the organisation has consistently aimed to bring projects to smaller and younger communities to provide more diverse means by which those voices can enact and be a part of the social change they want to see.

Ann Fomukong-Boden, Kakou Co-Founder commented: “It’s a fantastic way for local people to support local community projects directly.”

It is this incredibly potent sense of community that has led Kakou to the launching of the SOUP project, which the organisation believes will channel every ounce of love, ambition and care that we see in spades all around Chesterfield for years to come.

Kakou couldn’t be prouder of how dense a population of social enterprises and community charities that hang their hats in Chesterfield, and of how many people truly care about reaching out, offering a hand and being a part of the movement to make Chesterfield an even more diverse, green, safe and accessible town of opportunity for all in our little corner of Derbyshire.

The first Chesterfield SOUP event will be held on November 11th, from 7pm to 9:30pm at the Monkey Park Community Café on Chester Street, Chesterfield, S40 1DN. Find out more info about Chesterfield SOUP, and to register your place as an attendee, on our website at soup.socialfuse.org.uk.

Kakou supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield personal training company crowned as best personal training provider in Derbyshire.

Chesterfield-based personal training company ‘UP Strength’ has won ‘Best Personal Training Provider’ in Derbyshire, at a recent ceremony hosted by SME News.

The Midlands Enterprise programme, now running for five consecutive years, is created to acknowledge and award businesses of all different sizes covering a range of industries that are based within the Midlands.

The award symbolises the hard work and dedication companies have displayed compared to others throughout the midland’s region. UP Strength was crowned Best Personal Training Provider in Derbyshire after just three years in business.

UP Strength was launched in 2019 by owner and Personal trainer Alfie Spencer from Chesterfield.

Alfie Spencer, 24, said being recognised with such a prestigious award is truly amazing.

“We have created an effective personal training model that delivers the same outstanding results whether you can access our studio or not, putting focus into 1-1 personal training but also our ToneUP at home program. Our focus from day one is to deliver a life-changing experience, world-class results and a true real return on investment for every single client that comes on board with UP Strength’

“We hold ourselves accountable to the highest of standards, demanding excellence from ourselves. To be recognised for all our hard work is absolutely amazing”

UP Strength has recently launched their new at home program called ToneUP, which allows you to progress your health and fitness at home with little or no equipment. Their catchy slogan of ‘home sweat home’ hints at what can be expected!

Alfie mentioned that the motivation behind ToneUP is to help people who suffer with “gymtimidation”. “Sadly the hardest part for a lot of people isn’t the workout, it’s actually walking through the doors. We’re trying our best to become a company that helps as many people as possible, who face real challenges when it comes to their own health and fitness.”

“The world needs to know you don’t need a gym to become the best, healthiest version of yourself.”

UP Strength know all about your worries and concerns when wanting to start the gym which is why they operate from a 1-1 private exclusive studio in the heart of Chesterfield. This is just you and your coach.

Alfie went on to say ‘what makes UP Strength so great isn’t about what we sell, it’s not even the fact we’re highly qualified & experienced personal trainers, it’s the fact that we care. We will go the extra mile for you. We care about you, your fitness and your mind. We will invest everything we can in to helping you reach your goals.’

Alfie finally added, ‘I’m just a normal young man from Chesterfield with a dream of owning my own business, whilst helping others transform their lives and becoming the best version of themselves. I’m now proud to say that our small personal training company based in Chesterfield has now become the best provider in Derbyshire. This is just the start for UP Strength.”

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Popular book seller moves to new store in Chesterfield’s iconic Market Hall

The owner of Chesterfield’s Brockwell Books says he is ‘excited’ to have opened a shop in Chesterfield’s historic Market Hall.

For the last five years Brockwell Books has operated on the historic open-air market on a Thursday and a Saturday. Now, with the new shop unit, the popular book store is open on Chesterfield’s market days: Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Speaking about the change from market stall to Market Hall, Ed Fordham said: “This step is driven first and foremost by a desire to get our book stock inside and undercover during the winter months. This motivation is at the heart of the new shop unit, but it also means we have a much larger stock, space for customers to browse and the benefits of the warm and the dry.”

Ed added: “This also means that once again Chesterfield has its own secondhand bookshop, something that every self-respecting and ambitious Town should have. We have been very touched by the support and affection people have shown as we have set the shop up and we look forward to seeing folks over the coming weeks and months.”

“We are tucked inside The Market Hall in the heart of Chesterfield.  The range of books is at best eclectic, unlikely and obscure – but also fits the themes of history, politics, geography, poetry, literature, numismatics, topography, fashion, nature, photography and much, much more besides. Indeed, we would even go so far as to say we can’t predict what we might get in stock next.

“The books are complemented by a range of maps, poetry & literature texts and quality excess books priced very reasonably for all budgets.  In addition, we have a number of pieces of pottery, porcelain, paper & card ephemera, ironwork and antiques.

“This builds up into what we think is a fun and interesting experience for you, our customers. For this project to work, we need you to contribute your ongoing shopping loyalty – but we wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you.

“If you are passing, please do come and say hello, and if you haven’t been – come and hunt us down. We will try to not disappoint.”

Brockwell Books is open on Chesterfield’s market days of Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Ed has not ruled out a return to the open-air market after the winter months, but for now is concentrating on making the shop a success.  Find the shop on Facebook at Brockwell Books of Chesterfield.

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Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k enjoys another successful year

The Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k has been hailed a great success by organisers, event partners and participants after more than 1000 runners took part in the event on Sunday 16 October.

Robert Byers was the first to cross the 10k finish line with a time of 32:56, with Hayley Gill the first female to finish in a time of 37:45 both setting new course records.

The oldest participant in the event was John Menary aged 78, and Jayden Peace was the youngest at 15 years old.

Max Taylor was the winner of the City Taxi’s Fun Run, which took place within the boundaries of Queen’s Park in tandem with the main event.

Around 12 organisations also took part in the first Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge, a team entry into the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K’s events.

The event also helped raise thousands for good causes across the region, with circa £30,000 pledged for charities including main charity partners – Redbrik Foundation, Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospice and North Anston-based Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, along with many other charities selected by the runners from across the region.

Following the event, John Timms, Event Director of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k said: “It’s been fantastic to see another successful Redbrik Chesterfield 10k.

“When we launched the event in 2020, we wanted a fantastic experience for participants that benefited the local community as well as to generate much-needed funds for our partner charities. Seeing the number of people who turned out to cheer on the runners all around the race route was amazing to see and makes such a difference to the participants.

“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped ensure that the event came together, including our event partners, sponsors and each and every runner on the day.

“In particular we would like to say a huge thank you to all the volunteer marshals who gave up their free time on a Sunday morning to keep everything running smoothly, from assisting the runners and helping the general public.

“I also want to thank anyone who was affected by the road disruptions across Chesterfield for their understanding throughout the day.

“The money raised by this event will help good causes like the Redbrik Foundation, Ashgate Hospice and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, and other charities to continue their fantastic work in the local community.”

David Cooper, Trustee of headline sponsor the Redbrik Foundation and a participant in the 10k said: “We’ve really enjoyed working with the Chesterfield 10k team, giving something back to Chesterfield who have always been supportive of our estate agency Redbrik, now approaching its 10th year in business.

“Seeing the number of spectators lining the streets of the town centre was wonderful, it really showed how much support the people of Chesterfield have to give.
“You can’t ask for a more picturesque running route, starting and ending in beautiful Queens Park and seeing the town at its best, with everyone in the community cheering you on.

“Events such as the Chesterfield 10k help to showcase the town on a large scale, with huge numbers of people coming from all parts of the country to support, contribute or take part. Bring on 2023!”

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