chesterfield borough council

Derbyshire Festival of Business launched

The University of Derby, in partnership with Vision Derbyshire, has launched the Derbyshire Festival of Business, a new initiative which aims to celebrate the resilience of our business community over the past two years and help businesses capitalise on opportunities as the county recovers from the pandemic.

The festival will help to connect and support local organisations, whilst showcasing Derbyshire’s extensive business capability to future clients, customers, and investors.

The University is working in collaboration with Destination Chesterfield to promote the wide range of free workshops, masterclasses and networking activities that are available to its members. There will also be an opportunity for businesses to host their own events as part of the festival, as well as participate in a business exposition which will be hosted within Chesterfield.

Professor Kamil Omoteso, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences said: “We are delighted to have launched the Derbyshire Festival of Business to businesses and community leaders alongside our partners, Vision Derbyshire and the East Midlands Chamber.

“This festival is an opportunity to showcase what our county has to offer, to identify current and future talent, and to create opportunities for collaboration between businesses, the University, policy makers and advisory organisations, which will help us build a strong, resilient and inclusive economy as we recover from the impact and challenges of the pandemic.”

Vision Derbyshire is a joint initiative involving the county council and district and borough councils in Derbyshire to improve outcomes for all its communities.

The festival’s programme of activities has been designed to give businesses the support and opportunities needed to revitalise the local economy following the pandemic and build-back-better by unleashing the talent that is available across the region and showcasing the best practice and innovation that has been fostered over the last two years.

Community focused open days and Expo events will promote Derbyshire’s businesses to its residents, and visits between the University, local schools, colleges, and employers are planned to provide careers related advice and showcase local businesses to the next generation of employees.

Online and face to face master classes from leading professionals and academics in Derbyshire are planned to raise the profile of the county as a thought leader within the UK business community, and as a place to do business.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Economic lead for Vision Derbyshire and Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, commented: “The Derbyshire Festival of Business is a great way of bringing the business community together because we need to cooperate in order to recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The event is really broad and aims to support the entire business community from new graduates to established leaders. I hope lots of residents will take part in the many events on offer.”

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, added: “We are proud to be part of a fantastic new event that will showcase the best of business across Derbyshire, a county that is home to some incredible examples of entrepreneurship and enterprise.

“The Chamber is a conduit for local companies to work closer together, share advice and seek new opportunities – something that has never been more important than right now as the economy recovers.

“Working alongside our strategic partner the University of Derby, we look forward to welcoming businesses to events over the autumn.”

If your organisation is interested in delivering a community day, an educational engagement activity or a masterclass please email DFoB@derby.ac.uk.

Find out more about the Derbyshire Festival of business here.

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Chesterfield’s Pantomime returns with Beauty and The Beast this Christmas

Residents and visitors can look forward to watching Beauty and the Beast at Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre from later this week.

Tickets are now on sale for the pantomime, which will run from Friday 3 December 2021 to Sunday 2 January 2022.

West End actress, pop star 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.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We are really excited to be hosting the pantomime again as we understand this is a highlight for many families over the festive season.

“Our theatres have had a difficult time recently due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19, so we are very pleased to announce that the pantomime is back for our audiences to enjoy.”

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 from PHA Ltd said: “Pantomime holds such a special place in so many people’s hearts and I am delighted that we’re able to return this year to the wonderful Pomegranate Theatre with Beauty and the Beast. We’ve pulled out all the stops to make this our most spectacular production yet and I hope audiences will enjoy returning to the much-loved tradition of panto as they make cherished memories which will last a lifetime.”

There are lots of other festive activities to get involved in across Chesterfield too. You can visit The Amazing Magical Santa House in the Assembly Rooms at the Market Hall and you can follow the Elf Trail in the town centre.

There is also a Lantern Parade taking place in Chesterfield on 19 December that will walk from the bandstand in Queen’s Park into the Market Place to sing festive carols at the Christmas Tree.

You can book your tickets for the Santa House at chesterfieldchristmas.co.uk and find out about the other Christmas activities at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/christmas.

There are a number of other festive and New Year productions taking place in our theatres including a satellite broadcast of The Nutcracker by the Royal Ballet, a New Year Viennese Gala Concert from Sheffield Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Theatre UK’s re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale ballet, The Snow Queen and a New Year’s Eve Party at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

Tickets for the pantomime and all of the other productions are on sale now via chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or from the Box Office on 01246 345222.

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Funding boost for Chesterfield venues

Chesterfield Theatres and Chesterfield Museum have received a further funding boost to help support them to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

This funding, received through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, is worth £153,000 which will be shared between Chesterfield Borough Council’s museum and theatres. In total the venues have received £720,000 through this fund over the last 18 months.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s been a challenging time for our venues through the pandemic, and it’s been fantastic to welcome our audiences back as national restrictions eased over the summer.

“Our theatres and museum are such a wonderful facility for our residents to enjoy, and to welcome visitors into the borough and we’re committed to doing all we can to keep them thriving for all to enjoy.

“We’re really pleased that we have been awarded a further grant of £153,000 from the Culture Recovery Fund, which provides a welcome contribution to the running costs of our venues and will support us to continue to deliver our excellent cultural programmes and attractions.”

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “Culture is for everyone and should therefore be accessible to everyone, no matter who they are and where they’re from.

“Through unprecedented government financial support, the Culture Recovery Fund is supporting arts and cultural organisations so they can continue to bring culture to communities the length and breadth of the country, supporting jobs, boosting local economies and inspiring people.”

Over £1.2 billion has already been awarded from the unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund, supporting around 5000 individual organisations and sites across the country ranging from local museums to West End theatres, grassroots music venues to festivals, and organisations in the cultural and heritage supply-chains.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said: “This continued investment from the Government on an unprecedented scale means our theatres, galleries, music venues, museums and arts centres can carry on playing their part in bringing visitors back to our high streets, helping to drive economic growth, boosting community pride and promoting good health. It’s a massive vote of confidence in the role our cultural organisations play in helping us all to lead happier lives.”

The Grade II-listed theatres, Pomegranate Theatre and Winding Wheel Theatre, offer a broad range of events, which includes drama, musicals, dance, comedy, concerts, talks and cinema.

Chesterfield Museum tells the story of Chesterfield, from its beginnings as a Roman fort, the expansion of the Market and the Industrial Revolution, which brought ‘Father of the Railways’, George Stephenson, to town.

The Museum regularly holds a wide range of events for the whole family to enjoy. It also holds regular special exhibitions that explore different areas of history.

The Culture Recovery Fund is administered by Arts Council England.

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Chesterfield leaders react to government HS2 announcement

Leaders in Chesterfield have reacted to the government’s announcement earlier today, around HS2 and the Integrated Rail Plan.

To find out full details around what was announced, go to:

https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/integrated-rail-plan-for-the-north-and-the-midlands

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said “It is deeply disappointing that the government has failed to deliver on its promises to commit to the Eastern Leg of HS2 in full – Chesterfield borough presents a prime example of a place ripe for investment and development off the back of HS2. Instead, the ambitions of our children and young people are yet again set to be held back by the government’s under-investment in the infrastructure needed to enable them to build their careers and lives.

“We have long called on the government to keep their promises and deliver the Eastern leg in full, and without delay. Today’s announcement hits hard our plans for up to a billion pounds worth of investment in Staveley alone, including new skills and jobs for local people. By backtracking on their promises, the government has taken a once in a lifetime opportunity away from our communities and undermined the hard work and commitment that the council and its partners have put in over many years.

“Pushing it into the long grass creates prolonged uncertainty and destroys some of the hopes we had for a brighter future.

“Rather than look to Chesterfield and Staveley, we fear businesses will now prioritise their investment to areas where the government has committed to invest in HS2. With the HS2 maintenance depot in Staveley now in doubt, our well-developed plans to use this to re-ignite much needed growth and regeneration for Staveley will suffer. Whilst we will do all we can to ensure this continues, the same levels of investment and development will not be achieved by just connecting HS2 to the existing Midland Main Line.

“The announcement today claims to set up our rail network for success for the next hundred years, that is not the case in our part of the world as it will cram even more trains on to an already crowded Victorian network. HS2 promised 21st century connectivity and capacity, but the people of Chesterfield are not deemed important enough to experience those benefits.

“The gap in the new high speed network means funnelling even more trains along lines already very busy with freight and passenger services.

“The uncertainty and delays we have already experienced are also now set to continue, with land safeguarded for HS2 remaining unavailable for development until the government makes a firm decision. I therefore call on the government to conclude its deliberations as quickly as possible to minimise the blight for affected communities and take the brakes off our ambitious growth plans.

“We welcome the electrification of the Midland Main Line, but the government has already announced this project multiple times, failing each time to set a firm timetable for delivery in our area. If the government truly want to level up investment and improve connectivity here, they must firm up this commitment with funding and set deadlines to ensure the project will be delivered.

“We will continue to strongly make the case for “HS2 All the Way”. In only investing in “HS2 half the way”, it is my view that the government has missed out on a golden opportunity to level up the country through equity of investment in HS2 in the East Midlands and North”.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council

Commenting on the Government’s publication of the Integrated Rail Plan and its ramifications for the HS2 Eastern Leg, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Today’s announcement comes as a bitter blow to communities in the East Midlands that have spent such a long time planning for the arrival of HS2, only to now be faced with a reneging on clear commitments repeatedly made by our country’s leaders.

“From a practical perspective, we miss out on the majority of the transformational economic benefits that underpinned the HS2 case for the region. This would have included significantly enhanced connectivity both locally and with other major cities, increased capacity to help us deliver more frequent and reliable local services, as well as the significant wider investment opportunities that come with businesses basing themselves at such a well-connected location.

“It was also about creating economic prosperity in places such as Chesterfield and Staveley, where economic regeneration planning has hinged around the delivery of HS2.

“But it’s not just a case of what we could have had. Investment begets investment and the fact that the Western Leg has been given the green light places the East Midlands at a massive disadvantage. It risks further widening the

“Of course, the proposed improvements within the Integrated Rail Plan, along with the long-needed electrification of the Midland Main Line, are positive developments. But these were always a part of our wider vision for HS2 in the East Midlands and electrification was promised many years ago – and has itself been the subject of multiple Government flip-flops over the past decade.

“As the Prime Minister himself has said, it should not be an either/or situation. We need these developments alongside HS2 to achieve the full benefits for the region.

“Because make no mistake, this is a job half done. This has always been so much more than just a transport investment for the communities of the East Midlands and no matter how this is now spun, our joint vision that encompassed economic, environmental and societal benefits has been massively descoped.

“At a time when the Prime Minister is shouting from the rooftops about levelling up and saying no place will be left behind, this is a slap in the face to a region that already receives the lowest level of public expenditure on transport and economic affairs in the UK.

“It also demonstrates massive disingenuity towards the climate change agenda despite the rhetoric surrounding COP26 earlier this month – our railways are at breaking point, and only through the additional capacity of HS2 would we be able to encourage people and freight off the roads in quantities meaningful enough to make a difference.

“The decision not to build the Eastern Leg as originally planned undermines not only the benefits of the entire project but also trust in Government.

“It now rests on Westminster to explain in proper, technical detail exactly what it plans to deliver, as well as how and when, in order to prevent the East Midlands from being structurally disadvantaged for generations to come.

“For our own region, it’s never been more crucial for our political and business leaders to come together and prepare a collective response for how we move forward.”

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber

 

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Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House returns to Chesterfield

The Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House will reopen in a new location this year.

The popular attraction was introduced last year and will reopen in the Assembly Rooms above the Market Hall on every Saturday and Sunday, from Saturday 4 December plus Monday 20, Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 December 2021

Visits are free but must be pre-booked, booking opens at 9am on Monday 15 November.

As well as the chat with Santa via the video link to the North Pole, visitors will pose for a special Augmented Reality experience in which Santa will magically appear. A photo of the Augmented Reality experience will be sent by email to visitors after they leave the Santa House.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The Santa House proved to be incredibly popular last year and after receiving such great feedback we decided to bring it back as part of our Christmas entertainment this year. It’s a truly unique experience to make Christmas in Chesterfield fun and magical as it always is.

“Last year bookings for the Santa House exceeded our expectations, so I recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.”

There will be relaxed sessions, designed to accommodate children with learning disabilities and other sensory disorders between 10am and 11am on both Sunday 12 December and Sunday 19 December.

The Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House is just one of a series of town centre activities aiming to encourage residents and visitors to shop in Chesterfield Town Centre.

The Christmas Lights Switch On will take place on Sunday 21 November, the Christmas Tree Festival will take place at St Mary’s and All Saints Church (Crooked Spire) between 18-28 November, The Elf Trail will run across December, The Pomegranate Theatre will host the Beauty and the Beast pantomime and a series of walkabout entertainers including stilt walkers and tap-dancing turkeys will be wowing crowds during market days. Find more details about all these events on the Chesterfield Borough Council website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/christmas

The Christmas In Chesterfield campaign is delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield.

Visits to the Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House must be pre-booked with bookings opening on Monday 15 November on  https://chesterfieldchristmas.co.uk

Meet Santa in Chesterfield

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Have your say on Chesterfield’s Visitor Economy Strategy

Chesterfield residents and businesses can have their say on a new strategy to grow Chesterfield’s visitor economy.

The Chesterfield Visitor Economy Strategy sets out the role of Chesterfield Borough Council in accelerating the growth of the visitor economy over the next five years. It aims to attract more visitors by making Chesterfield a great place to be – a place that people enjoy visiting and spending time in. More visitors will generate additional visitor spend, supporting existing employment and creating new jobs in the local economy.

People can have their say on this strategy until Wednesday 8 December and their views will help develop the final strategy.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This strategy sets out the core elements of our visitor offer and the exciting new opportunities we can build on, such as the successful £20m bid to transform Stephenson Memorial Hall and enhance public realm in the town centre, to encourage more people to come to Chesterfield. Not only do we want to attract more day visitors, but we also believe that Chesterfield makes a great base where people can stay to explore Derbyshire and the Peak District.”

“Your feedback will help ensure that this strategy is the right approach to marketing Chesterfield and encouraging more people to visit.”

The strategy is underpinned by a focus on quality place making, seeking to reinforce a distinctive Chesterfield identity that differentiates us from other visitor destinations.

It also identifies other priorities to attract visitors, which include:

  • Enhancing the ‘Crooked Spire’ experience to build a stronger unique selling point
  • The development of PEAK Resort as a major driver of visitors
  • Speciality markets, festivals, and events to capitalise on investment in the town centre
  • Developing our cultural and heritage offer including work to enhance Stephenson Memorial Hall and the development of an interpretation plan to bring our heritage stories to life
  • Increasing hotel capacity to provide space for both leisure and business visitors
  • A new ‘inspired’ marketing approach to raise awareness of the area as a place to visit.

The online consultation is open until Wednesday 8 December and people can find out more and submit their feedback by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/visitor-economy-strategy-consultation

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Families to be treated to a magical Christmas in Chesterfield this year

Christmas in Chesterfield is set to be a magical experience for all – with new Christmas themed experiences and festive favourites returning.

Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield, has launched its signature Christmas in Chesterfield campaign with lots of events and activities planned to encourage visitors to support local retailers this Christmas.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Last year our Christmas celebrations looked a bit different because of the pandemic but this year we’ve taken the most popular experiences from last year and brought back some of the festive favourites to create a magical Christmas experience for all visitors.

“Christmas is a fantastic time of year that everyone can enjoy and we not only want to create experiences that will create memories we also want to encourage visitors to shop local and support our town centre retailers and market traders.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “I am delighted that in person events can resume this year. It is a great boost to the town’s businesses based in and around the town centre. The Christmas festivities and events are a key part of town centre life and why so many people choose to visit at this time of year. With the great events programme and the town’s wealth of independent retailers and food and drink businesses, there are even more reason for all the family to Love Chesterfield this Christmas.”

After being cancelled last year the Christmas Lights Switch on event will return on Sunday 21 November. There will also be a market on this day from 12pm.

The Amazing Magical Santa House, which proved to be very popular last year, will be open for families to visit for free in the Assembly Rooms above the Market Hall on every Saturday and Sunday, from Saturday 4 December plus Monday 20, Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 December 2021. Booking opens at 9am on Monday 15 November at: https://chesterfieldchristmas.co.uk/

Families will be able to follow the Christmas Elf Trail from Monday 22 November until Tuesday 4 January. This experience will guide visitors around the town centre whilst they hunt for the magical elves.

The Christmas Tree Festival will take place at St Mary’s and All Saints Church (Crooked Spire) between 18 – 28 November. It features a variety of Christmas trees decorated by community groups and individuals.

Following on from successful walkabout entertainment over the summer, a series of entertainers including stilt walkers and tap-dancing turkeys will be wowing crowds during market days.

Chesterfield Canal Trust will be hosting trips with Santa along the canal across December, find out more about this event on the trust’s website: www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk/santa-specials

Revolution House in Old Whittington will be open for a traditional Christmas celebration from Thursday 9 December to Friday 24 December between 11am and 3pm. Holymoorside Brass Band will be hosting a carol concert in the garden from 6.30pm on Thursday 9 December.

The Pomegranate Theatre will be hosting its popular pantomime again. This year visitors will be able to see Beauty and the Beast between 3 December and 2 January. Stars include west end star Suzanne Shaw, Britain’s Got Talent winner Thomas Redgrave, Andrew Fleming also of Britain’s Got Talent and Derbyshire’s own Rosanne Priest. Tickets are available on the Chesterfield Theatres website: www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk

There will also be a selection of market events including the Record Fair and Artisan Market on Sunday 19 December.

Councillor Kate Sarvent added: “Our Christmas programme is packed and we’ve tried to ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy. I hope lots of visitors will come along to celebrate Christmas in Chesterfield with us.”

Full details on everything happening this Christmas, including gift guides and shopping offers for our many unique and independent shops can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/Christmas with further details on council services at Christmas at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/Christmas.

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Remembrance service to be held in Chesterfield this weekend

Activities will be taking place in Chesterfield town centre this weekend to commemorate Remembrance Sunday (14th November).

A church service will begin at St Mary’s and All Saints Church (Crooked Spire) at 2.30pm on the day, followed by a procession through the town centre and a wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial opposite the Town Hall.

Members of the public are welcome to attend both the service and ceremony.

As we move towards Remembrance Day the remembrance poppy cascade, created by the community, has once again been installed on the Town Hall.

In 2018 it was decided there was a need for Chesterfield to mark the centenary of the ending of World War One and a team from the Chesterfield and District Royal Engineers Association (REA), in liaison with Town Hall staff, took on the task of organising poppy cascades to be draped on the Town Hall.

More than 40,000 Poppies were produced not only by residents but by volunteers as far away as Australia, New Zealand and USA. Volunteers then spent six weeks tying the poppies to netting to be hung on the Town Hall and around the town.

Since then, the poppy cascades have appeared each year. Chesterfield and District Royal Engineers Association have cared for the cascades and ensured they are maintained and installed each year.

Rob Nash, Deputy Chairman Chesterfield and District Royal Engineers Association, said: “We are proud to be the custodians of Chesterfield Town Hall poppy cascades. All those people who contributed by knitting the thousands of poppies or helping to make the cascades should be proud of the wonderful backdrop they have helped create for our community’s annual Remembrance Parade, we hope it will be a prominent feature during the Remembrance period for many more years.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s armed forces champion, said: “The poppy cascades have been an incredible backdrop to our Remembrance Parades since 2018. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the poppy cascades and to the Chesterfield and District Royal Engineers Association for their continued efforts to maintain and install the cascades each year.”

At the end of each Remembrance period the cascades are removed from the balcony of the Town Hall, taken to the vehicle sheds at Wallis Barracks where they are hung to dry and then taken down, inspected and any damage is repaired, ready to be displayed the following year.

You can see the poppy cascades at the Town Hall from now until 21 November.

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School workplace tours make a comeback for Made in Chesterfield

North East Derbyshire’s school pupils are set to get hands-on with engineering and manufacturing careers once again with the Made in Chesterfield campaign which returns in November.

Forced to moving to virtual workplace tours last year amidst the pandemic, schools can once again visit local engineering and manufacturing businesses in person and discover the range of careers and job opportunities on offer to them in the sector.

Launched originally in 2013, the annual Made in Chesterfield campaign, which is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Direct Education Business Partnership, has since introduced thousands of young people across North East Derbyshire to the possibility of a career in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) sector.

Relaunched for 2021, and free from the constraints imposed last year by the pandemic, Made in Chesterfield is offering workplace tours for schools across 10 local companies operating in the STEM sector.

Aiming to bridge the careers information gap between education and industry, groups of Year 7 – 11 students will be visiting businesses from Monday 8 – Friday 26 November for an educational, interactive learning experience between.

Companies offering workplace tours to schools include CBE+, Superior Wellness, United Cast Bar, Morgan Sindall Group Plc, MSE Hiller, Penny Hydraulics, Aztec Oils, Vistry Partnerships, Weightron Bilanciai and Woodhead Group.

As part of the month-long Made in Chesterfield campaign, schools can also access a range of careers videos to enable young people to experience a number of workplace tours virtually. There is also supporting activities and careers information and apprentice opportunities within the MyFuture virtual careers fair.

Four years ago, Made in Chesterfield introduced Eve Bennett (20) to the sector with a two- week work experience with her now employer MSE Hiller. She has since gone on to complete a mechanical engineering apprenticeship at the company which is one of a number businesses in the sector supporting the campaign.

Eve said: “I still find it shocking that women get frowned upon for going into engineering. It’s a brilliant job and career for anyone. I’ve always wanted to be an engineer for as long as I can remember. I love the job and the company I am working for. I couldn’t see myself doing anything different.”

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield’s board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the Borough, commented: “We have been running Made in Chesterfield for eight years and in that time, it has achieved an incredible amount. It works. Two of MSE Hiller’s apprentices are a direct result of the campaign.

“Made in Chesterfield is committed to breaking down preconceived ideas about the sector by young people, their parents and teachers. The world has changed and so has the manufacturing and engineering sector. It offers fantastic skills and training as well as interesting and well paid jobs at every level. Everyone is welcome.”

Dan Heffernan, Careers & Young People Lead at D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership said: “In this fast changing world of innovation, technology and ever increasing advancement within industry, never has the phrase “you can’t be what you can’t see” been more appropriate. After the last 18h months of our young people being confined to their screens, it’s more important than ever that they are now given the opportunity to experience real life workplaces and to engage with employees carrying out real life jobs.

“It’s no secret that the pandemic rocked our labour market and sent shockwaves right the way across industry. However, as we now turn the corner our businesses are looking at how they can bounce back and thrive once again, and central to this will be a pipeline of talent ready to enter their workforce. It is therefore vital that our young people are aware of the opportunities open to them, and crucially that they understand what they must do to get there.

“D2N2 LEP and the Careers & Enterprise Company are incredibly proud to be working on this open door initiative in Chesterfield, building on the successes that have been seen in previous years whilst engaging and encouraging even more businesses and schools to take part. It is then our intention to use this model as a framework to roll out to all schools right the way across the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire region through our new Careers Hubs.”

Charlie Goodwn, projects Officer at DEBP commented: “We’re excited to working in partnership with Destination Chesterfield and D2N2 to deliver the Made in Chesterfield event in November for students from Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire schools. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to be inspired by local employers and have their eyes opened to the many career opportunities that are available to them right on their doorstep.”

DEBP has been working with the schools to identify groups of students that would benefit from a visit to a local company. Students identified may have a specific career they would like to learn more about or may just need an opportunity to learn about the careers within their preferred industry.

Charlie added: “We’re looking forward to seeing the impact of this year’s Made in Chesterfield events for the young people and businesses involved.”

Made in Chesterfield 2021 has been made possible thanks to funding and support from The Chesterfield College Group, Chesterfield Borough Council, North Derbyshire Career Hub, D2N2 LEP, Careers and Enterprise Company, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd and Natwest.

To find out more about Made in Chesterfield and discover how your school can get involved with a workplace visit, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/

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Chesterfield’s fireworks extravaganza returns this bonfire night

Chesterfield Borough Council’s fireworks extravaganza returns later this week, and everyone is welcome to come along.

The council have partnered with Chesterfield Football Club to deliver the entertainment at this year’s event.

The fireworks event takes place at Stand Road Park on Friday 5 November, the gates will open at 4.30pm and close at 9pm.

Presenters James Summers and Elliot Holman from Chesterfield’s 1866 Sport Radio will be hosting the stage show and getting everyone ready for the fireworks display.

There will also be entertainment at the event provided by local band The Rosadocs and Norskov, who previously appeared on TV show The Voice.

Chester the Fieldmouse will also be making an appearance on stage too.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The fireworks extravaganza is one of the most popular local events with thousands of people enjoying the display and entertainment each year.

“This year, we have partnered with Chesterfield Football Club to deliver the event and they have organised the great evening of entertainment for everyone to enjoy too.

“Please wrap up warm, wear suitable footwear and come along to join in the fun and see the display.”

Bridget Ball, Chesterfield FC’s marketing manager, said: “The excitement is building as we get closer to the event and we can’t wait to deliver the entertainment and help to make it a night to remember!”

The fireworks display will begin at 7pm and there will also be a selection of fairground rides and food vendors. There will be live entertainment for those attending to enjoy both before and after the fireworks.

Entry to the event is £2 per person – free for children under five. Visitors are asked to have the exact money ready as change cannot be given.

Parking for the event will be available at Chesterfield FC’s Technique Stadium for a donation of £3 per car, which will help cover the cost of stewards with any excess being given to charity.

There is also a bus stop on Sheffield Road which is less than a two-minute walk from the park, find more details about bus services that stop here on the Stagecoach website.

Visitors are reminded that they should not attend this event if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, including a high temperature, a new or continuous cough or a loss of their sense of smell or taste. There will also be plenty of space at Stand Road to ensure visitors can maintain social distancing.

The fireworks extravaganza is one of a series of events organised by Chesterfield Borough Council.

More information about entertainment being organised in Chesterfield for Christmas this year can be found here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/christmas

Chesterfield Events - Stand Road Firework Display

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Traders invited to book their stalls for the festive shopping rush

Makers, crafters, and independent retailers are being invited to book a stall on Chesterfield Market in the build up to Christmas.

Market stalls are available on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays between 22 November and 24 December. Casual traders and local creatives are being invited to sign up now to reserve their place.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’ve got lots planned for Christmas in Chesterfield that will help bring more shoppers into the town centre, it’s really important that traders get in early and book their stalls. We’re really trying to spread that shop local message and encourage people to come and support our local businesses and traders.”

There will be lots of activities and events in Chesterfield this Christmas to encourage visitors into the town centre.

The Amazing Magical Santa House and Elf Trail will be making a return after being positively received last year.

The Crooked Spire Church will be hosting its Festival of Christmas Trees. There will be a Lantern Parade in the town centre.

There will be regular walkabout entertainment throughout the festive period, including stilt walkers, carol singers and tap-dancing turkeys.

A Christmas Lights Switch On event and Market will be held on Sunday 21 November to mark the start of Christmas in Chesterfield.

More details on all these events will be released over the next month.

A market stall is £20 in December but traders can benefit by booking all three market days in a week for £50.

Market stalls comprise of either an 8-foot or 12-foot stall, with four boards, enabling trading on either side.

Prospective traders can find out more about trading on Chesterfield Market and book a stall by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/markettrading

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