chesterfield events

Free online event set to help school leavers access apprenticeships and training opportunities in Derbyshire

A brand new virtual event is being held for young people in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire who find themselves at a careers crossroads since leaving school.

The free ‘Apprentice Town – Find Your Apprenticeship’ event is taking place on Tuesday 10 August – A Level results day and just two days before GCSE results day on Thursday 12August. It is designed to showcase apprenticeship vacancies and support available to both Year 11 and 13 school leavers.

Held online to ensure it is as accessible to as many young people as possible Destination Chesterfield is working with Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver the event as part of the Apprentice Town initiative.

To ensure the event is easily accessible, pre-registration is not necessary; it’s just a case a clicking a MS Teams or Zoom weblink on the day at www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/apprentice-town-find-your-apprenticeship

The event brings together seven apprenticeship and training providers from across North Derbyshire, including Apprentice Team, Buxton and Leek College, Chesterfield College Group, DBC Training, GBS Apprenticeships, Juniper Training and University of Derby.

During the day-long online event, which begins at 10am, each provider will deliver a 45-minute session on the wide variety of opportunities and training available. Available opportunities range from Kickstart placements and college courses as well as apprenticeship vacancies currently available in Chesterfield, across a range of occupations including Beauty Therapy and the police force as well as many more.

Delighted to be involved in the initiative Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of The Chesterfield College Group said: “This event provides a fantastic opportunity to explore the benefits of apprenticeships and the wide range of opportunities available in the local area. We are delighted to be able to share the range of exciting vacancies on offer and highlight the support we can offer to people looking to develop skills whilst earning a wage and developing a career.”

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: Apprenticeships are fantastic for both the employer and employee. We’re lucky in Chesterfield that we have a strong network of apprenticeship providers, with lots of experience in ensuring a placement helps the apprentice gain new skills, while also providing support and guidance to the employer.

“There are always lots of varied apprenticeship opportunities available in Chesterfield. This event will promote what’s on offer and support both employers and individuals to access them. As an Apprentice Town we are committed to raising awareness and increasing participation in apprenticeships and we would encourage anyone who is looking for the first step into work – or a change of career direction – to get involved in the event and see what local opportunities are available.”

For a full itinerary of the free ‘Apprentice Town – Find Your Apprenticeship’ event and to access all training providers talks and Q&A sessions visit free www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/apprentice-town-find-your-apprenticeship/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Shortlist revealed for 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards

The very best Chesterfield-based businesses and developments have been revealed by Destination Chesterfield.

35 finalists have been named in the brand-new 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards, which is set to be the first in-person awards ceremony held by the organisation since the pandemic hit in March 2020.

Recognising the heroes of the business community over the last 18 months, Chesterfield’s annual High Street and Food and Drink awards have been combined to create the new awards. After what has been a challenging time during the pandemic, the awards will celebrate the town’s food and drink and retail businesses, entrepreneurs, regeneration projects, contribution to the local community, apprenticeships and sustainability.

Members of the public nominated their favourite businesses throughout May. The nominations have now been counted and reviews have been assessed by Destination Chesterfield, resulting in a 35-strong shortlist across 12 categories.

The winners of the Love Chesterfield Awards, organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with EntireFM, will be announced at a glittering black-tie awards ceremony at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 20 October 2021.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “We are delighted to be hosting our first in-person awards since the pandemic hit and celebrating Chesterfield’s heroic businesses, people and projects in person once more.

“Businesses still need our support more than ever but, with most legal restrictions in the UK now lifted, I think we’re well on our way to a full recovery and thriving future for the town. We’re looking forward to recognising everyone who has played a role in the town’s economic survival.”

The businesses shortlisted so far in the 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards include:

Regeneration Award – sponsored by BHP Accountants

Chesterfield Waterside – One Waterside Place

The Glass Yard – Whittington Moor

Northern Gateway – Elder Way

 

Restaurant of the Year – presented by headline sponsor EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management

Chesters

Cocina at Casa Hotel

Lombardi’s

 

Café of the Year – open for sponsorship

The Café at Libby’s

Filippelli’s Bistro & Bar

Vintage Tea Rooms

 

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Addooco IT

The Market Pub

Rose and Crown, Brampton

The Tickled Trout

 

Food Producer of the Year (within 10 miles) – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Crooked Pickle Co

Granny Mary’s

Teresa Lambarelli’s

 

Best New Hospitality Business – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

El Café Verde, Whittington Moor (opened 2020)

The Old Post Restaurant, Chesterfield town centre (reopened 2020)

Sicily Restaurant, Sheffield Road (opened 2019)

 

Accessibility Award – sponsored by Spirecross Ltd

Chesters

Filippelli’s Bistro & Bar

Monkey Park Café

 

Retailer of the Year – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

Dotique

Huckleberry Willow

Shop Indie

 

Best New High Street Business – sponsored by Chesterfield College Group

Lottie’s Sandwich Bar, Saltergate (opened 2020)

Clarissa’s Interiors, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre (opened 2020)

Chesterfield Escape Rooms, Soresby Street (opened 2021)

 

Independent High Street Business – open for sponsorship

Bee Orchid Home & Gifts

Fred’s Haberdashery

One Nine Three Hair Beauty

 

Excellence in Customer Service – open for sponsorship

Love Brewing

Steph’s Sustainable Stuff

The Therapy Lounge

 

Market Trader of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Brockwell Books

Ginspired

Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Other categories in the Love Chesterfield Awards 2021 include the Sustainability Award, Community Contribution, Entrepreneur of the Year and Apprentice of the Year.

The 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Addooco IT, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Digital High Street, The Chesterfield College Group, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, Greatest Hits Radio South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, JP Fire Safety Solutions, MSE Hiller, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and Van Dyk by Wildes.

Peter Currey, Managing Director at EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management commented: “It’s been great to be involved with the run up to the Love Chesterfield Awards and it’s exciting to see so many local businesses getting involved. Equally, it’s brilliant to see so many local businesses getting recognition for their hard work and effort that is put into delivering their products and services.”

Peter Swallow added: “It’s never been more important to show our appreciation of the business community, so we’d love for the awards ceremony to be our biggest and best yet. This can only be made possible with sponsorship.”

Destination Chesterfield has a few sponsorship opportunities remaining. If you would like to support the town, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/sponsors/sponsorshippackages/ or contact Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207 207.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards, 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 , , , , , ,

Chesterfield Pride set to go ahead this August

Organisers of Chesterfield Pride have confirmed the festival is still set to return in 2021, despite an extension of government restrictions meaning the event cannot take place in July.

Due to a change in the planned lifting of restrictions the event has now moved to August 22nd 2021.

Chesterfield Pride is one of the biggest and best attended Pride events in the region, with 2019 seeing over 6000 attending the LGBTQ+ celebration.

Once again, a whole host of exciting acts have been announced on the line-up.

The Main Stage will see an array of amazing talent including Big Brovaz, Booty Luv, Kelly Wilde and Black Lace.

Organisers are excited to announce the return of our Cabaret Stage which will see a host of local artists perform including Rachael Webster, Yesterday’s Gone, HBBRD and Andrew Warner. The cabaret stage will also see some amazing drag performances from KY Kelly, Jackie Love, Donna Trump and star of Ru Paul’s Drag Race Joe Black.

More acts are set to be announced for the festival soon.

The event will also see a market area packed with stalls, food outlets, bar area and VIP area which this year is having a makeover thanks to sponsors, Van Dyk Hotel. The event is held at Stand Road Park on Sunday August 22nd and is open to everyone.

This event will be subject to covid restrictions at the time, with the safety of attendees being the priority. The event will only go ahead if it is safe to do so.

Traders can still book stalls for the event, although there is limited space left available. To book a stall, email chesterfieldpride@hotmail.com

More information, including how to purchase your ticket for the event can be found over on our events page here.

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

Brand-new podcast launches to promote town

A brand-new monthly podcast, sharing the successes, stories, news and events happening in Chesterfield, has been launched on Spotify by Destination Chesterfield.

Chesterfield’s answer to BBC One’s The One Show went live on Friday 28 May.

The Chesterfield Show, which aims to keep people up-to-date with what’s on and what’s happening in the town, has been created by former Peak FM news presenter Josh Marsh who is now the marketing co-ordinator for Destination Chesterfield.

The new podcast combines Josh’s broadcasting and production talents with news and views from around the borough. People can expect hear positive, uplifting news that always remains topical as well as discussions around the ongoing regeneration in the area in the monthly podcast.

The first edition is packed full of local stories, including:

Commenting on the new podcast, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “The purpose of Destination Chesterfield has always been to promote the town as a great place to live, work and invest. The Chesterfield Show podcast is another vehicle we are using to share the positive stories of the many inspiring projects, businesses and individuals within the town. It’s yet another example of the town’s forward-thinking approach to promoting itself which has helped us attract investment throughout the pandemic.”

At the annual Celebrate Chesterfield conference it was revealed that SMEs in the borough are reporting growth in turnover and staff numbers through the pandemic, while developments have continued to move forward at pace.

More than £1bn of regeneration projects are currently underway, with multi-million-pound schemes like Chesterfield Waterside, Glass Yard, PEAK and the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre starting to come out of the ground during lockdown.

Visit https://open.spotify.com/show/4pdhLtkuPdr5iLplFeX0Eb and listen to the first episode of The Chesterfield Show now.

If you’d like to be considered for an interview or involvement in a future episode of The Chesterfield Show, please contact josh.marsh@chesterfield.co.uk.

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

New-look events programme promises an action-packed summer for Chesterfield town centre

Chesterfield town centre will be a hive of activity this summer with the launch of a new-look events programme – designed to increase footfall and support our returning retailers, market traders and hospitality businesses.

From circus workshops and stilt walkers to sports and heritage themed events, there will be something for everyone throughout the coming months.

The council will pay particular attention to ensuring people feel safe when visiting Chesterfield town centre through the implementation of appropriate Covid-19 safety measures.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s refreshed programme is part of the Love Chesterfield campaign – launched in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to celebrate everything that’s great about the town, while supporting the trading ambitions of local retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “After what has been an incredibly difficult year, our new-look events programme aims to create a real buzz and positive atmosphere – reflecting the great character and spirit of our town, our residents and our businesses.

“We will be funding a range of regular events which means there will be something going on throughout the summer months, providing a chance for everyone to get out and about and enjoy the fun experiences that have been missed by so many of us during the pandemic.

“Looking further forward, we’re planning events into the autumn – including the popular 1940s Market – and our Christmas in Chesterfield celebrations are also taking shape.”

‘Summer of Fun’ events will run through July, with walkabout entertainment and activities tied to key events such as Wimbledon, the Tokyo Olympics and the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket.

August will see a range of events themed around a ‘Summer of Play’ – tied to the council’s Year of Outdoors project which focuses on improving people’s health and wellbeing.

Activities will run every weekend, including circus workshops, treasure hunts and town centre trails.

Shoppers got a taste of the new style entertainment at the launch of the Love Chesterfield campaign in early May – with a range of street performers entertaining the crowds as customers were welcomed back into the town centre.

The Motor Fest event, which usually takes place in August, is to be paused again for this year. Given the ongoing pandemic, it is too early to hold a single event which attracts tens of thousands of people into an open town centre space and ensure compliance with Covid-19 safety measures. However, the council is already working with local organisers to create a bigger and better Motor Fest event for 2022.

The annual Medieval Market will be replaced for 2021 by a community-focussed market event that will celebrate the work of Chesterfield’s voluntary and community sector through the pandemic, while helping them to raise much-needed funds. This will be held in August, and be based in the Market Place with stalls, fun fair rides, and family entertainment.

Councillor Gilby added: “We of course hope that the Government is able to proceed with the last step of its roadmap out of lockdown on 21 June, however, should it not prove possible the council has worked hard to build an events programme that is as adaptable as possible should some elements of the current Covid-19 restrictions need to stay in place over the coming months.

“Our enhanced programme for this year has been designed to offer choice and new experiences for new and returning audiences. We recognise the importance of everyone feeling safe in Chesterfield town centre and if they do, they are more likely to visit and support our fantastic shops, eateries and bars as we get back to a more normal way of living.

“In planning our new-look programme we have had to take some difficult decisions. We won’t be going ahead with some of the events that are usually in our annual calendar but feel confident in our enhanced offer of more regular activities.

“Our community-focused market event will also provide the opportunity for us all to say a massive thank you to our amazing voluntary and community organisations who have done so much for the borough’s residents over the past 15 months.”

More information about the Love Chesterfield events programme will be published on the council’s website at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/love-chesterfield and also on social media channels using the #LoveChesterfield hashtag.

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

Date announced for Ashgate Hospicecare’s Sparkle Night Walk

Ashgate Hospicecare has announced that its much-loved Sparkle Night Walk will return later this year – in a safe, socially distanced way that will retain the fun and atmosphere the event is known for.

The popular fundraiser, which sees family and friends come together to help fund the hospice’s vital care by walking 10km through the streets of Chesterfield, set to take place on 25th September.

Previously, the event, sponsored by Vertu Toyota, has taken place in July, but the charity has pushed back the date this year in light of the ongoing roadmap out of lockdown.

Ashgate hopes the new September date will allow the hospice to hold a socially distanced event while ensuring the safety of its supporters, volunteers and the local community.

Staggered start times from Chesterfield FC’s Technique Stadium will help ensure participants enjoy the fun and vibrant atmosphere of the event in a safe way. Walkers will be waved off from the start line every 15 minutes from 8pm.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We’re delighted to be able to open registrations for the return of our annual Sparkle Night Walk in September.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming back our supporters and seeing some familiar faces, as well as those new supporters taking part for the first time. It’s been a long time since we have all been together and that is why this event will feel even more special.

“While we are hopeful that the event will take place, we will of course closely monitor the COVID situation over the coming months.

“It is our priority to keep our wonderful walkers safe whilst ensuring there is the very best chance of the event going ahead.

“Our fundraising team will be sure to keep everyone updated should there be any further changes to our plans.

“We hope to welcome you all back for the much-anticipated return of our Sparkle Night Walk in September!”

Like last year, a virtual option will also be offered, for those who would prefer to choose their own route and complete it separately.

Ashgate is encouraging their local community to sign-up to the Sparkle Night Walk and help raise much needed money to fund the specialist end-of-life care they provide.

To date, the charity is reporting losses of more than £3 million from its usual income streams during the pandemic, due to the cancellation of fundraising events and repeated closure of its shops. The hospice is grateful to its generous supporters who have rallied together to fundraise and support its recent crisis appeal campaigns in an effort to overcome the losses.

This year’s event has been kindly sponsored by Vertu Toyota. Participants are encouraged to sign up before June 14th and get early bird entry for just £10.

To find out more about Ashgate Hospicecare’s Sparkle Night Walk and to register, click here.

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

Posted in Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield 42k challenge aims to get local people active and outdoors

A brand-new initiative has been launched in Chesterfield which encourages local people to get outdoors and increase their exercise levels, whilst showing off the town’s finest sights and trails.

The 42k Challenge launched by Top Kat Events is made up of seven unique routes, which participants can choose to run, walk or jog in any order and at any time before the end of the year. All you need to take part is a pair of trainers and a smartphone!

There’s plenty of variety among the Challenge routes, which are spread across Chesterfield. They range in distance from 4.5k to 10k and include road, mixed terrain and trail so there’s loads to keep participants interested. Chesterfield 42k Challenge has been designed to be enjoyable and also achievable by anyone, something that is core to the ethos of the Challenge.

Kat Valk, Chesterfield resident who set up Top Kat Events last year during the pandemic and designed the Challenge commented: “I’m really excited to be launching this fun and innovative local challenge. I’m passionate about being outdoors and active and we live in such a beautiful Town.’

“More people than ever are getting active, which is amazing. I wanted to create something that would encourage local residents to get outdoors and take part in a challenge that they can choose to do their own way.”

Kat has set up an event Facebook group to help keep participants motivated and connected. It’s a place where they can share stories, tips and pictures. Keeping with the theme of fun, there will be spot prizes for the pictures that make Kat smile the most!

Kat explains, “Everyone has been hit hard by Covid-19, and we’ve really missed opportunities to connect via shared experiences like sports events. I hope that the Chesterfield 42k Challenge will bring people together (virtually via the Facebook group and in real life on the routes) in a new way.”

Entry to Chesterfield 42k Challenge is via the event website. Once signed up participants will receive full instructions on how to download the routes and the navigation app. Pick a route, pick a day and off you go! Once you’ve finished each route, record your completion time and upload your results to the website. Complete all 7 routes before 31 December 2021 to receive an exclusive finisher’s medal. Entry is open now and the first 100 entries are only £20.

Participants are encouraged to make a donation or raise money for Ashgate Hospicecare, one of many charities that has been hit hard during the last 12 months.

For more information, go to https://topkat-events.co.uk/chesterfield-42k-challenge/

Five Pits Trail- Cycling in Chesterfield

Posted in Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k route confirmed

Organisers of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k have confirmed the route for this year’s race due to take place on 17th October 2021. Supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, the 10k will be the first running event of its distance to take place in the centre of the market town.

The race begins in Queens Park before runners head out onto the A617 on the popular Chatsworth Road section of the route towards Brampton, passing close to event charity partners Ashgate Hospice.

After passing the halfway point, runners will make their way eastwards towards the historic town centre before heading down Glumangate past the service station at Redbrik’s Chesterfield office and taking in the famous Crooked Spire.

Runners will then return to Queens Park to be cheered towards the finish line, taking a final lap of the green space.

Charity partners for the event are Redbrik Foundation, Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice. Previously more than £140,000 was raised for good causes by the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

John Timms, Event Director at Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k, said: “We’re delighted to confirm the route for this year’s 10k.

“Following feedback from the previous Chesterfield Half Marathon’s and Chesterfield Borough Council, we have designed the route to provide an enhanced experience for our runners and also reduce traffic disruption and length of road closures significantly.

“It also offers more opportunities for people to come and watch the event, with spectators able to stay in Queen’s Park or the town centre. Friends and family can easily see runners a few times within walking distance from the start.”

The 10k is an accessible event and aims to promote and support local people’s health and well-being with a fast, picturesque route.

In addition to the 10k, the 1km Blachford Fun Run and Pronto Paints Well Being Challenge will also occur on 17th October 2021 – more details to follow soon.

Find out more about the event here. To register for an early bird ticket before the deadline of 31st March, visit https://redbrik.co.uk/events/

 

Posted in Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Chesterfield Museum announces online activities this Christmas

Over Christmas the team at Chesterfield Museum have traditionally put on events for the whole family and opened Revolution House to the public with seasonal flower displays to help spread some festive cheer. This is sadly not possible this year, but the museum team have put together a series of online activities to help celebrate Christmas.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The museum team have worked really hard all year to create digital activities and events for the whole family, it’s fantastic that they can finish the year off with even more of these. I hope lots of people will take part and learn more about how we used to celebrate Christmas.”

Throughout the year Chesterfield Museum have teamed up with History’s Maid, who are regular visitors to the museum with their fantastic re-enactors, to create a range of videos. This Christmas they have created three brand new videos all about Christmas in different historical periods.

The first video profiles a Tudor Christmas celebration, where traditions included fasting for advent and feasting on plum porridge, pickled pigs’ feet and wassail. It also looks at the invention of the Kissing Bough, a special decoration made of mistletoe and explains the origins of Twelfth Night and the Feast of Epiphany. There is also information on how to create your very own Tudor Pomander, which are a fantastic little stocking filler.

Moving through the ages the next video will look at a Victorian Christmas and how many of our current traditions including carols, crackers, cards and decorations date back to this time. It will also reveal the true origins of Father Christmas as we know him today.

A slightly more sombre video looks at how Christmas was celebrated during World War One, with a reading of a poignant story inspired by the events of Christmas 1914 on the Western Front called ‘Waiting for a Candle’ by R J Barker.

As well as all the exciting videos there will also be some Christmas craft activities for children as well as a Christmas quiz. One of the Museum team will be doing a series of readings from ‘A Christmas Carol’.

Although Revolution House remains closed this year, there are some fantastic photos of previous Christmas’s at Revolution House and the amazing flower displays which staff and volunteers create. There is also a great guide on how to create a Christmas wreath. There will also be a sing along to carols by Holymoorside Brass Band.

The Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Glenys Falconer, will also be appearing in a special video this year where she will be reading ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas’.

All of the activities and content will be available on the Chesterfield Museum Facebook page www.facebook.com/chesterfieldmuseum and website www.chesterfield.gov.uk/museum.

For more information about Christmas activities in Chesterfield, click here 

Weapons of a WW1 Infantryman

Posted in Christmas, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Stay informed

Keep up to date

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

Signup to our newsletter