Love Chesterfield

Love Chesterfield Community Market Launches

People are being invited to show their appreciation for local community and voluntary organisations which provided a lifeline during the pandemic, with the launch of a new Love Chesterfield Community Market event being held this summer.

The family-friendly day will give local charities, community and voluntary organisations a chance to promote their work and raise much-needed funds following the challenges of the last 18 months.

It is being organised by Chesterfield Borough Council as part of the new-look summer events programme, and will be a chance for local people to come together and say thank you for the vital support which these grassroots organisations provide to the borough’s residents.

Local groups are now being invited to book their free place at the market, which will be held in Chesterfield town centre on Tuesday 10 August.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Over the last year the community and voluntary sector has been a lifeline for our community and this is our chance to thank them and to help support their fundraising efforts to ensure they can continue the incredible work that they do.”

There will be a variety of stalls, street food, walkabout entertainment and small funfair rides. A competition for the best dressed stall will also run on the day.

Regular market traders will also be able to book a place on the Market for just £10 per stall with all money raised going to the Mayor’s Appeal, which is raising funds for The Volunteer Centre – Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire and Chesterfield Samaritans this year.

Local charity, voluntary and community organisations are being invited to take a free stall on the market to promote the work that they do and fundraise. Stalls will need to be prebooked in advance via www.chesterfield.gov.uk/markettrading.

The Love Chesterfield campaign is being run by the council and Destination Chesterfield to encourage people to discover or rediscover the great shopping and leisure experiences that the town centre and high streets have to offer, as restrictions continue to ease. People can find out more at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/love-chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Prominent former council building to be converted into dozens of apartments

A building on the edge of Chesterfield Town Centre is set to be given a new lease of life, with work starting on the conversion of the former North East Derbyshire District Council offices on Saltergate.

The developer, Homes by Holmes has unveiled plans to turn the prominent building into 59 contemporary apartments, with a generous split of three bed, two bed and one bed properties.

Despite being in such a prominent location in the town, the property has stood vacant for over four years. However the company says it plans to bring the building back to its former glory.

The firm has outlined a 24-month build timescale for full completion, with an aim of having the first phase of apartments ready for occupation before Christmas 2022.

Homes by Holmes believes the project will bring countless benefits to the town, including job prospects and work for local businesses, contributing towards the revival of the town centre and high-street retailers with increased footfall, and an opportunity for local residents to get on the property ladder in the face of current housing shortages.

Securing the development also means a lot to the company’s owner, James Holmes, who grew up working on the Chesterfield’s historic markets.

He said: “I’m extremely pleased to have secured this development because of my family’s connections to Chesterfield. I see it as a big responsibility to regenerate the building and the immediate vicinity.

“I’m proud of the fact that I’ve built the business into a position that we can make a difference in the town I have such a connection to, particularly in a building that is so high-profile. I really think we’re bringing something better here.

“Subject to us getting planning permission by the end of the month, I would expect the first phase to take around 15 months and we’re hoping for the second phase to only be six months behind that, with a potential third phase taking around a year.”

The company has already taken steps to make the site more pleasing on the eye, including the installation of colourful banners in the windows of the building to celebrate the Chesterfield ‘In-Bloom’ campaign, which aims to make the town a cleaner and greener place to live, work and visit.

To find out more about the wide range of regeneration taking place across Chesterfield, go to https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield families are encouraged to get moving as council backs local smartphone game

A new family-friendly game that aims to get people exploring Chesterfield – on foot or by pushbike – is being backed as part of a Chesterfield Borough Council project.

TagTap JTH (Join The Hunt) is a free exploration-based game created by local family man Peter Hunt after he and his family enjoyed playing the popular Beat The Street game which ran in Chesterfield last year.

Inspired by its ability encourage people to get out and about across the borough, the council has now joined forces with the creator to back the smartphone-based game as part of its Year of Outdoors project.

It means from the 17 July there are 350 points around the borough to check into, including in many of the fantastic parks and green spaces – expanding the game from its initial testing in New and Old Whittington.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “We’re really excited to be working with Tag Tap to help bring this game to Chesterfield. It’s great to see local people innovating new ideas and it ties in really well with our Year of Outdoors project, which encourages people to explore the great things we have on our doorstep.

“We hope this game will help encourage everyone to get out this summer and explore our beautiful borough – it’s a fantastic way to keep little ones entertained during the school holidays, but is also really fun to explore on your own.”

Peter Hunt, the creator of TagTap JTH explained: “I initially thought of TagTap JTH during lockdown as a fun way for my kids to get active but also with the element of a clue or question to find the next location as a sneaky way to incorporate a bit of education. After setting up a small game in the New and Old Whittington areas and inviting others to have a go it really took on a life of its own. We have only had extremely positive feedback and everyone that plays it absolutely loves it.

“We have expended the game to cover the whole of the chesterfield borough area with well over 350 tags, we hope this will give everyone young and old a chance to have a go at the game and to get active especially after the terrible 18 months we have had to endure. Our main objective is to get people out being active in a fun way, so lets do it together, get competing and winning some prizes. Best of all it’s free.”

The game has starting locations around the borough which you can find listed in the app. Simply head to one of these TagTaps then with the app open on your phone, tap the point and you’ll be given clues to find the next location, solve the clues and hunt out the next point.

There is a leaderboard of players and participants will need to find as many points as possible to be named the TagTap Champion.

The game will run all year but the championship will be time limited meaning hunters will need to be quick to work their way up the leaderboard. There will also be a competition amongst schools later this year.

Find out more about TagTap JTH and download the apps for free to start playing by visiting: https://tagtap.co.uk/

Chesterfield’s Year of Outdoors encourages residents and visitors to explore Chesterfield’s parks and open spaces by providing a range of free or low cost ideas and activities to get involved in. Find out more on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/year-of-outdoors

Find out more about all the great local events taking place across Chesterfield this Summer at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Talented Chesterfield professionals recognised at inaugural ‘Generation Next’ Awards

Talented young people working within several Chesterfield businesses have been given recognition at East Midlands Chamber’s first ever Generation Next Awards.

The ceremony celebrated emerging talent across the whole region, with Chesterfield’s Oasis Studio, GBS Apprenticeships and Banner Jones Solicitors named amongst the winners.

The Excellence in Innovation and Technology Award was given to Tony Buck, who has led Chesterfield-based creative design studio Oasis Studio’s EyeSiteView team, which is aiming to transform how residential property is traded by using virtual and immersive technology.

Coral Guard of GBS Apprenticeships took home the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ accolade, on the same day as the company’s grand opening of its new offices at Chesterfield’s Markham House.

The winner of the Customer Service Award was announced as Jenna Hadfield, who works for Chesterfield’s Banner Jones Solicitors as a will writer, based at the company’s offices on Glumangate and in Dronfield.

East Midlands Chamber director of resources and Generation Next lead Lucy Robinson said: “Generation Next is a really exciting new initiative from the Chamber and we’re delighted to have held our first major event, which was a fantastic showcase of the amazing young talent we have across the East Midlands.

“Young people don’t always receive the recognition they deserve but we hope that celebrating their achievements will provide the confidence they need to continue growing as they develop within their careers.

“Our winners are an incredible advert for our region’s entrepreneurial instincts and we can’t wait to continue supporting them as their careers develop.”

Professor Kamil Omoteso, pro vice-chancellor and dean of the University of Derby’s College of Business, Law and Social Sciences, said: “Since the University of Derby became a partner in the Generation Next scheme earlier this year, it has been fantastic to see how it is providing valuable support to young professionals across our region, and I would like to congratulate the East Midlands Chamber on developing this very welcome initiative.

“Celebrating the success of young people through these awards demonstrates the huge talent that exists across all areas of employment and enterprise. Recognising innovation and impact, entrepreneurial skills and the positive effect of volunteering in our communities are excellent measures of their skill, knowledge and dedication.

“Leadership is a vitally important quality which we integrate across our curriculum at the University of Derby and deliver to our local business community, so the Generation Next Future Leader Award, which we have sponsored, is a particularly exciting category for us, identifying those who have already made a significant contribution to their industry and have the potential to make a real difference in their field.”

Generation Next was established by East Midlands Chamber last year as a network for young professionals to make connections, build new skills and advance their careers.

It features networking sessions and educational events on topics such as marketing, brand awareness, sales and personal finance, as well as the awards.

A board of 12 “champions”, consisting of young people in the East Midlands business community and two University of Derby students, lead the network.

The Generation Next Awards will be broadcast again by Notts TV in the coming weeks.

For more information about the Generation Next network, visit generationnextemc.co.uk.

Generation Next Awards 2021 winners

Breakthrough Award (sponsored by Nottingham University Business School)

Winner:

Daniel Jones – Professional Heating Solutions

Finalists:

Holly Daulby – Honest Communications

Max Poynton, Jacob Watts and Matthew Bond – Project D

Kate Johnson – Rate Social

Junyi Xiao – W&W Trading and Consulting

 

Excellence in Innovation & Technology Award (sponsored by GBS Apprenticeships)

Winner:

Tony Buck – EyeSiteView (Division of Oasis Studio)

Finalists:

Rikan Patel and Tanrik Patel – Business 2 Business

 

The Community Award (sponsored by Hardy Signs)

Winner:

Charlotte Robey Turner – Leicestershire Cares

Finalists:

George Hanvere and Elliot Dipper – Paragon Law

Nisha Pahuja – Charnwood Regency Guesthouse Limited

Katie Gilbert – TTK Confectionery

 

Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Loughborough College)

Winner:

Coral Guard – GBS Limited

Finalists:

Chloe Newton – BEDE Events

Chris Guard – GBS Limited

Chloe Deville – Hardy Signs

Olly Torrence – Purpose Media

 

Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Fraser Stretton)

Winner:

Max Poynton, Jacob Watts and Matthew Bond – Project D

Finalists:

Trent Peek – CCM Group

Holly Daulby – Honest Communications

Jordana Chin – Nutri2Go Ltd

Aaron Gent – Aroment

 

Customer Service Award (sponsored by East Midlands Chamber)

Winner:

Jenna Hadfield – Banner Jones Solicitors

Finalists:

Beth Bearder – Keebles

Rob Spence – Paragon Sales Solutions

Emily Marriott – Order Blinds Online

Evie Margetts – Corporate Architecture

 

Generation Next Future Leader Award (sponsored by the University of Derby)

Winner:

Kate Walker – ExpHand Prosthetics

Finalists:

Edward Morley – Rise & Recline

Harry Dodge – Far-UK

Leah Binney – TTK Confectionery

Theo Kirk – Express Recruitment

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield Businesses encouraged to apply for Peak District & Derbyshire tourism awards

Applications are now open for the 2022 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards, offering tourism and hospitality businesses the fantastic opportunity to achieve local and national recognition.

Now in their second year, the awards celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement in the area’s tourism sector, shining a spotlight on deserving businesses and individuals across the Peak District and Derbyshire.

There are 15 categories in total covering different aspects of the visitor economy, from B&Bs, hotels and campsites to attractions, experiences and delicious local food and drink.

Applications for the 2022 awards are open until 19th September 2021 and finalists will be named in October. Winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in early 2022, with Gold winners in the 13 core categories progressing on to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence for the chance to achieve national glory.

2022 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Award Categories:

  • B&B and Guest House of the Year
  • Hotel of the Year
  • Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
  • Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
  • Visitor Attraction of the Year
  • Pub of the Year
  • Experience of the Year
  • New Tourism Business of the Year
  • Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Award
  • Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
  • Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
  • Unsung Hero Award
  • Resilience and Innovation Award
  • Team of the Year Award (Local Award)
  • Tourism Young Achiever Award (Local Award)

Details of all categories and how to apply are available at: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/tourism-awards

In recognition of the exceptional work undertaken by the sector during the Covid-19 pandemic, two new core categories have been added for the 2022 awards: the Unsung Hero Award and the Resilience and Innovation Award.

Two new local categories – Team of the Year and Tourism Young Achiever – have also been introduced to celebrate the thousands of people employed by the tourism industry in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are run by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire with support from the European Regional Development Fund and C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who will be designing and handcrafting luxury bespoke awards for all Gold winners.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “After a difficult year for the industry, the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards offer a timely opportunity to recognise the area’s many innovative and resilient tourism businesses, and the passionate people behind them.

“These awards are a celebration of the tourism sector and the huge contribution it makes to the Peak District & Derbyshire’s economy. They are also a fantastic chance for businesses to recognise the hard work of their teams, and entering these local awards is the only way to qualify for the national VisitEngland awards. We urge everyone to get their applications in as soon as possible!”

The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are free to enter for current members of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire. Non-members can enter at a fee of £150 plus VAT per category. Entrants must be based in Derbyshire or within the Peak District National Park boundary, and must be part of the visitor economy.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield Canal cruises to restart

Cruising on the Chesterfield Canal is back, thanks to the latest easing of lockdown restrictions this month.

With the scrapping of social distancing rules, the Chesterfield Canal Trust will be getting its fleet of four tripboats back into action.

First in line will be Madeline running trips from Hollingwood Hub in Staveley on Saturday 24th July. This will be followed by John Varley ll at Tapton Lock in Chesterfield on Sunday 25th.

Sunday will also see Hugh Henshall cruising from the Lock Keeper pub in Worksop and Seth Ellis hosting Pirate trips in Retford.

The Trust has a host of cruises lined up running from 20 minute taster trips to 6 hour cruises, including the popular Cake & Cruise and Strawberry Cream Tea cruise.

Sarah Stephens, the Trustee in charge of tripboats, said: “We have been running a few charter cruises with very strict Covid rules since May, but now our crews are delighted to be able to get back to our regular public trips.”

Altogether there are 17 different types and lengths of trips running from 8 different venues. Prices vary from £2 to £22.

To see the full list go to the Trust’s website by searching for Chesterfield Canal Trust. It is also possible to charter any of the boats for £60 an hour for up to 12 passengers.

All the boats will still be taking precautions such as proper cleaning regimes, hand sanitising and good ventilation. The wearing of masks will be welcome.

The Trust will also be partnering with Junction Arts and Derbyshire County Council this September, for the return of the popular Tapton Lock Festival.

The two-day event will include music and performance, along with giving attendees a chance to try their hands at arts and crafts.

Chesterfield Canal Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield Canal event

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

New festival aims to build on town’s recent plastic-free accolade

Chesterfield campaign group, Plastic Free Chesterfield, is aiming to build on their recent Plastic Free Community award by organising a Plastic Free Festival, taking place on Sunday 8th August, 10am-5pm on New Square at Chesterfield market.

Organisers say the Plastic Free Festival aims to be the one-stop place to help people to reduce their single-use plastics. At the event, festival-goers can enjoy a plastic-free marketplace with stallholders selling products that encourage a plastic-free lifestyle, with businesses such as the award-winning Steph’s Sustainable Stuff, Elsie Moss Botanical, Astra Designs UK and Smarties Fruit & Veg.

Alongside the stalls will be craft recycling and upcycling workshops provided by local crafters. And to provide a festival-feel, there’ll be live music and dance performances along with food and drink courtesy of local Plastic Free Champion business, El Cafe Verde.

Special guest performances on the day include Nick Toczec, Yorkshire poet and entertainer, as well as the Chesterfield Garland Dancers. Local budding poets are being asked to take part in a Plastic Free Poetry competition, with winners performing at the festival itself.

So that the event can live up to its name, attendees will be encouraged to bring their own reusable bags, cups, coffee mugs and containers. And two Crooked Spire branded festival cups (a reusable coffee cup and a half pint cup), sponsored by local Chesterfield businesses, will be available either to loan or buy at the event.

 

The festival is sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council, with over £700 of funding for the event coming from the council’s Community Infrastructure Levy grant scheme.

Greg Hewitt, Plastic Free Chesterfield Community Lead said: “The Plastic Free Festival will be a really great opportunity to show off the fantastic work that the Chesterfield community have achieved so far to reduce their single-use plastics, celebrating our recent Plastic Free Community accreditation. The festival is the first of its kind in the area and aims to help the public to discover some fantastic local independent businesses, of which all are reducing their plastic footprint.”

“We are delighted that not only has Chesterfield Borough Council given us some funding to be able to run the event, they’ve also given us permission to hold the festival on New Square on Chesterfield market. It will be a great family fun day out.”

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re proud to be funding the Plastic Free Festival, by working together with the community we can make real changes that will help improve the local environment and help us all reduce our carbon footprint.”

“The festival is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to understand how they can lead a plastic-free lifestyle. But it is also an important celebration of the businesses and organisations that have helped our town become an accredited Plastic Free Community.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Council backs Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k by offering free family swimming vouchers

Chesterfield Borough Council has teamed up with the Redbrik Foundation 10K to offer a free family swim voucher to every runner who signs up for the event before the 31st July.

The Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K is taking place on Sunday 17th October, beginning at 10am from Queen’s Park, Chesterfield.

Runners in this year’s 10K are fundraising in support of local charities; Ashgate Hospicecare, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and The Redbrik Foundation.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said “The Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K will be a fantastic event, and we are proud to be supporting it.

“The route for the 10k will start and finish in Queen’s Park, taking in some of Chesterfield’s major landmarks along the route. It will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the town to runners and visitors and we hope that lots of our residents will join us in supporting this great event, and help raise some money for some great charities.

“The Redbrik Foundation, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, and Ashgate Hospicecare are all brilliant local charities, who rely upon public support, like fundraising from the 10K to continue to provide their extremely valuable services.”

In addition to the free family swim offer, every runner participating in this year’s 10K will receive a free week’s fitness membership from Chesterfield Borough Council, included in their race packs.

Event Director, John Timms, added: “It’s fantastic to have the support of Chesterfield Borough Council behind our event.

“We have had a very positive response to our inaugural event and we already have over 800 runners signed up.

“The free family swim voucher is a great incentive to encourage even more people to get involved. We are very much looking forward to seeing everyone on the start line.”

The event is open to everyone over 15 years of age and with your entry fee you will receive your race number, a technical running t-shirt and a finisher’s medal.

To register for the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K visit the Redbrik website: https://redbrik.co.uk/events/

In addition to the family swim voucher, entrants can receive a 10% discount on their entry fee by using the code CBC10K21 when signing up before 31st July 2021.

Chesterfield 10K

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

All-star panto cast announced for Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre

Families can look forward to the return of traditional Christmas fun this year, as an all-star cast is announced for the 2021 pantomime at Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre.

The story of Beauty and the Beast will take centre stage at Chesterfield Borough Council’s historic theatre – a welcome return of traditional festive entertainment after last year’s show was unfortunately postponed due to Covid-19.

Actress, singer and TV personality Suzanne Shaw will star as Belle, with Thomas Redgrave from Britain’s Got Talent Winners Collabro as Gaston and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Andrew Fleming in the comedy role of Philippe Philoppe. Tickets are now on sale for the show, which will run from Friday 3 December 2021 to Sunday 2 January 2022.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We know the pantomime is the highlight of the year for many of our residents and visitors, and it is an annual tradition for many families in and around Chesterfield, so we’re pleased to announce its return this year.

“Like arts venues up and down the country, our theatres have had a really difficult 18 months as we’ve weathered the ongoing impact of Covid-19. We’ve done all we could within the Government restrictions, and now that life is hopefully feeling a little more normal for everyone, we’re delighted to be able to bring our flagship annual pantomime back for our audiences.

“It promises to be a fantastic show and we hope many people will take the chance to get back out and enjoy this family favourite. We will of course operate in line with any Covid-19 advice in place at the time, so people can feel reassured that public safety will be a priority.”

Chesterfield Theatres will be joining forces once again with award-winning pantomime producers Paul Holman Associates to present this year’s much-anticipated production.

Pantomime Producer Paul Holman said: “After a very challenging time, I think we’re all ready for some good old-fashioned fun, laughter and panto magic.

“We’re pulling out all the stops to make this Chesterfield’s most spectacular pantomime yet. As well as a fantastically talented cast, there will be breath-taking special effects, glittering scenery and costumes and plenty of traditional audience participation to keep the whole family entertained.”
Tickets are on sale now via the Chesterfield Theatres website at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or from the Box Office on 01246 345222.

The Theatre’s Spring Play Season and pantomime are among a great range of events and entertainment on offer across the borough and – as part of the council’s Love Chesterfield campaign – people are being encouraged to rediscover everything the town has to offer, including great live entertainment.

About the cast

Suzanne Shaw shot to fame in 2001 when she auditioned for ITV’s reality talent show Popstars as they searched for the UK’s next big pop group, Hear’Say. The band enjoyed great success with two albums, four top ten hits, a sell-out UK arena tour and their own primetime Saturday night TV show, Hear’Say, It’s Saturday. Their first single, ‘Pure and Simple’, was the fastest selling non-charitable record in UK chart history, selling 1.3 million copies and going straight to No. 1.

After the break-up of the band in 2002, Suzanne returned to her acting routes. Her numerous theatre credits include Roxie Hart in the West End production of Chicago (for which she was nominated for Best Takeover in a Role in the What’s on Stage Theatregoer’s Choice Awards), Bobby in the remake of Summer Holiday, Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Janet in The Rocky Horror Show and Judy in White Christmas.

On TV, Suzanne has been a panellist on Loose Women, presented Bingo Lotto alongside Joe Pasquale, guest starred in The Bill and played series regular Eve Jenson in ITV’s Emmerdale from 2009-2011.

In 2008 Suzanne won the third series of ITV’s Dancing on Ice with her skating partner Matt Evers, subsequently performing on three national arena tours of the show and returning to compete in All-Stars: Dancing on Ice in 2014.

A seasoned pantomime performer, Suzanne has played the title roles in Snow White and Cinderella, Genie in Aladdin, Fairy Godmother in Cinderella and Alice in Dick Whittington but this year’s production of Beauty and the Beast marks her debut in the central role of Belle.

Suzanne is joined by Thomas Redgrave from Britain’s Got Talent Winners Collabro in the role of Gaston.

The world’s most successful Musical Theatre group, the Collabro boys met for their first rehearsal only one month before going on to wow the Britain’s Got Talent judges, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams, at their first round audition at London’s Hammersmith Apollo.

Their rousing rendition of ‘Stars’; their first public performance as a group; brought both the audience and all four judges to their feet and their overwhelming popularity secured them a coveted spot in the live finals. Collabro went on to win the Eighth series of Britain’s Got Talent with one of the highest majorities in the show’s history.

Millions of captivated viewers watched as Collabro claimed their prize, performing in front of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the 2014 Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium.

Seven years on, and with a legion of loyal fans; known fondly as the Collaborators; Collabro have gone on to enjoy phenomenal success with six studio albums under their belt and a string of worldwide sell-out tours across the UK, America and Asia as well as supporting both Sir Cliff Richard and Barry Manilow on their recent arena tours.

Also joining the line-up is vocal impressionist Andrew Fleming. A gifted comedian, mimic and vocalist with a warm stage presence and rapier-sharp wit, Andrew reached the season 9 semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent impressing all four judges with what David Walliams called
“a real signature act”. An experienced pantomime comic, Andrew’s dynamic and high energy physical performances have made him a memorable favourite with audiences all over the UK.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Chesterfield’s Bee Orchid set to blossom in new town centre store

A popular independent and family-run shop in Chesterfield has announced a move into a new store, placed in a prominent position on Packers Row in the town centre.

The Bee Orchid Home and Gifts has been open in The Shambles since 2017, stocking a range of quirky gifts and homewares, greetings cards and silk flowers.

However, owner Charlotte Harris says after re-evaluating in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic, she felt that now was the right time to move into a new location.

The move was also made possible after the shop was able to gain access support via the government’s bounce back loan scheme.

Charlotte commented: “We are passionate about the British countryside, nature and wildlife and this is reflected in the products we offer. We always have a friendly welcome for you when you visit our store.

“We wanted to combine our love for nature and wildlife and stock gifts and homewares which reflected this, as we felt we couldn’t find shops which offered this. We have built up a sound customer base of people who love what we do, and we want to grow this in our new shop.”

“We want to grow the business and expand the choice of quirky and country-style gifts and home accessories, and also offer more sustainably sourced products; something else we are extremely passionate about.”

The Bee Orchid is also urging people to support the town’s high street retailers, as Chesterfield looks to bounce back from the lockdown restrictions imposed over the last year.

Charlotte added: “Our message is to shop small. Chesterfield has many amazing independent businesses where you can pick up something beautiful and unique. You just have to know where to look, as there are many hidden gems.

“We also believe that there is nothing like the shopping experience you get from being in a physical store with excellent customer service. We acknowledge there are some empty shops in town at the moment, but there are many initiatives going on to improve this situation. If people continue to support independents, it will continue to become a vibrant place to visit and Chesterfield will thrive!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

‘It’s coming home!’ – Here’s where you can catch all the action from Euro 2021 in Chesterfield

With England set to kick off their campaign in this year’s European Championships, there are a number of places across the town showing the matches, so you can enjoy the tournament with friends and family!

To find out more about all the activity taking place across Chesterfield, head over to our events page: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

There are plenty of places across town to make sure you don’t miss a kick of the action, but here’s our top five picks of places to enjoy the Euros here in Chesterfield!

Chesterfield Football Club

Where better to enjoy a game of football, than at the local football club?

Chesterfield FC are now taking bookings for the SBK Spires Restaurant at the Technique Stadium. Make sure you reserve your seat ahead of the big kick-off!

Find out more: https://chesterfield-fc.co.uk/commercial/watch-england-at-the-technique-stadium

Brampton Manor

Brampton Manor are taking bookings on their website for all the big England games during the Euros.

The Manor will have a resident DJ playing after the 2pm kick off against Croatia on Sunday, 13th June, then for the 8pm matches the DJ will be playing before and after the action to keep you in the mood!

Find out more: https://bramptonmanor.co.uk/product/euro-bookings/

The Spotted Frog

The Spotted Frog is getting involved in some fundraising for Ashgate Hospicecare throughout the Euros, by hiring out their beach huts for £30 each. All monies will be donated to the local charity.

Head over to their Facebook page to find out more, and get details on a competition the venue is running in collaboration with Galaxy Travel to give you a luxury matchday experience!

Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/spottedfrogpub

Rose & Crown

Brampton Brewery pub, the Rose & Crown will be showing every game, both indoors and in the Whistlestop Garden, with an ever changing range of beers.

On the Facebook page, the pub says: “After all, it’s always better down the pub!”

The Chesterfield Arms

The Chesterfield Arms on Newbold Road has also confirmed it will be showing the games in ‘the barn.’

Find out more on their Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/chezzyarms

Posted in Blog, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Stay informed

Keep up to date

Dont miss out on all the latest news, updates & special offers.

Signup to our newsletter