chesterfield events

Summit to spotlight ‘once-in-a-generation’ transformations of Chesterfield high streets

Business owners are invited to explore how Chesterfield’s ongoing regeneration is set to unlock significant investment opportunities in the coming years. 

The Chesterfield Investment Summit will take place on Wednesday, 6 November 2024, at Casa Hotel, offering an extensive update on various projects that will dramatically modernise and revitalise the town’s high streets. 

East Midlands Combined County Authority, will address the summit, sharing their vision and priorities for driving investment in Chesterfield and the broader region. 

Mayor Claire commented: “The regeneration of Chesterfield’s high streets is a key milestone in the broader strategy to breathe new life into our towns across the East Midlands. By modernising and enhancing these vital spaces, we are not only improving the everyday experience for residents and businesses, but also attracting significant investment that will create new jobs and opportunities.” 

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and supported by We Are Spaces, East Midlands Chamber and Markham Vale, the event will showcase transformative works in Chesterfield Town Centre. Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive Officer at Chesterfield Borough Council, will provide updates on several key initiatives, including Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield. The project promises over £10 million in enhancements aimed at improving the town centre’s appearance, functionality, and flow. 

New layout for Chesterfield Market with contemporary stalls, heritage colours, Market Hall in the background, town pump a feature

Ojay McDonald, Chief Executive of the Association of Town & City Management, will discuss the evolving role of high streets and the need for adaptation to future demands. 

Attendees will also hear from Amy Revell, Co-Founder of We Are Spaces. Amy’s company is currently carrying out the extensive refurbishment of a Grade II listed building in Chesterfield’s retail core.  

She will be joined by Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, who will provide insights into the £6 million regeneration and revitalisation efforts underway in Staveley’s town centre. 

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice-Chair of Destination Chesterfield, added: “The Investment Summit is a fantastic opportunity to spread the word about all the incredible things happening in Chesterfield. With the multi-million pound regeneration projects currently underway in Chesterfield and about to begin in Staveley, this is the time to look ahead to the future of high streets and talk about how the interventions we are making will help ensure they can continue to thrive and provide a full range of leisure, retail and cultural experiences.  

“I look forward to welcoming local businesses and investors to the summit and discussing with them how they can play a key role in Chesterfield’s future.”  

To see the full event details and secure a place at the Chesterfield Investment Summit, please book online at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/investment-summit/

Dr Huw Bowen speaking at 2024 Chesterfield Investment Summit

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Chesterfield Menagerie exhibition to celebrate our relationship with animals

A new museum exhibition coming to Chesterfield will celebrate the extraordinary relationship between humans and animals.

Chesterfield Menagerie includes a wide range of items from the Chesterfield Museum collection which show humans connections with animals. It includes a beautiful Brampton salt glaze fish flask, ‘The Plough’ a stunning painting by Joseph Syddall, a wonderful figurine of a Chicken by William Gordon and much more.

painting by local artist depicts an old ploughing method using horses

There will be fun activities and interactive elements for the whole family to enjoy including handling items, feely boxes, a sound board of animal calls, a magnetic board matching activity and animal related crafts.

The exhibition will be hosted in the Grade 2 listed Assembly Rooms above the Market Hall from Friday 13 September until Tuesday 12 October, and open from 10am to 2.30pm weekdays, and from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays. It is free to enter.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our residents and visitors to learn more about our borough’s history and see some incredible things that have been created right here. We want lots of people to come along and support this exhibition and we’ve made sure that there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Museum fish exhibit

In addition, there will also be a selection of free special events hosted during the exhibition.

Chester the Field Mouse will be visiting the exhibition, meeting fans and posing for pictures on Saturday 14 September from 1pm to 2.15pm.

On Saturday 21 September, Kakou will be hosting a workshop where visitors can create their own art bot. This simple robot will wobble across paper and create a unique drawing. Sessions are being held at 11am, 12pm and 1pm.

As we approach the autumn months visitors will be able to learn more about birds and bees, including how to identify bees, how birds build nests, and they will be able to build their own bird feeder to take away and hang up in their garden. Visitors will be able to take part in this activity on Saturday 28 September from 1pm to 3pm.

The exhibition is hosted in the town centre making it easily accessible by public transport and the venue also includes a lift to ensure that visitors of all abilities can access the exhibition. Further work is being undertaken to provide the exhibition materials in different formats.

The Chesterfield Menagerie exhibition is part of a programme of events and exhibitions that are being funded by Arts Council England.

It aims to ensure that whilst Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre are closed for refurbishment residents and visitors can still connect with our borough’s history and culture.

Over the next year the programme will include a series of museum exhibitions at venues across the borough and range of theatre productions at the Winding Wheel Theatre. To find out more about the programme visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/museum/arts-council-england-programme

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Tapton Lock Festival to return for a special one-day event

Organisers have confirmed that the Tapton Lock Festival will return next month for a special one-day event. The Tapton Lock Mini is a capsule festival that will take place on Sunday 8th September.

In April, Chesterfield-based arts charity, Junction Arts, announced that due to unforeseen circumstances, they would not be able to stage the full weekend event this year, but the organisation was keen to do something on a smaller scale for their loyal visitors to enjoy.

Project Manager, Jane Wells said. “We’re excited to present Tapton Mini for 2024! The event is small, but perfectly formed, visitors will can enjoy a trip on a narrowboat, try the ever-popular ‘Have a Go’ canoes or take part in two artist-led creative workshops and make something beautiful to take home.

“Junction Arts is also very excited to present our newly commissioned theatre piece, The Journey from Here to Now, which includes contributions from children and young people in and around Chesterfield! Adverse Camber, an independent storytelling company has created a unique and brand new promenade performance. There will be three shows throughout the day for visitors to watch, walk with or participate in!

“Junction Arts would like to reassure Tapton fans that we are already working hard planning next year’s event which will be better than ever! There will be all the things you’ve grown to love as well as some sensational new additions.”

The Tapton Lock Festival was launched in partnership with Derbyshire County Council in 2013 and became a much-loved family festival, taking place along the Chesterfield Canal near the Tapton Lock Visitor Centre every September.

Tapton Lock Mini will take place on Sunday 8th September, from 10am until 4pm around Tapton Lock Visitor Centre, all activities are free and people of all ages are invited to get involved.

Looking for things to do or places to visit in Chesterfield? Head over to our visiting pages to find out more about shops, bars, restaurants, events, attractions and more!

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

Woman dancing and clapping while another woman plays violin

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Chesterfield Record Fair to launch new event at The Batch House

A new record fair event is set to take place in The Batch House, giving music lovers even more opportunity to browse their favourite artists.

The new event will run in addition to the regular monthly record fair in Chesterfield town centre, allowing people to attend on weeknights too.

The first Record Fair at the Batch House will take place later this month, on Friday 30th August, 12pm-6pm.

Organiser Adrian Wells, owner of AA Record Fairs said: “The event has always been very popular. Since it began 4 years ago, its reputation is one for a great selection of diverse genres of music and different vinyl dealers attending each month, and traveling from all over the country to stand.

Adrian says he loves to host the market in Chesterfield Town Centre, and looks forward to building on its popularity: “It’s outside which offers us flexibility, it also allows us to keep the rents cheap, and the stalls are bigger than normal tables rented out at other events (so traders get a great deal, which is one reason they turn up in force each month – they can also create a great display of their stock).

“To find a larger monthly record fair, and there are only a few in the whole country, you would have to go to a major city.  Chesterfield record fair punches well above its weight in terms of size of event per capita.  The event still has room to grow for both traders and for attendance; we are always trying to improve.”

The additional date taking place at The Batch House will allow traders and music fans to indulge in some of the unique food vendors based there, serving Greek, Indian, Italian and Peruvian food just to name a few.

Sign outside Modern venue advertising a record fair

Adrian explained why AA Record Fairs has added more dates in the town: “We are always being asked for a record fair in the week, to accommodate buyers who work weekends.  Plus, we run around 100 events a year at weekends, we always have something on every Saturday & Sunday.  So to expand, we are attempting to establish a few key weekday events, with Chesterfield being one of the first.

“We are hoping our large local following will come out to support this first weekday record fair in Chesterfield. We always look for venues with a difference, somewhere that can bring new people to our events and a venue that is interested in getting a boost from our crowd of vinyl hunters.

“The Batch House is perfect. It’s a newly built venue in a great location, with plenty of indoor space for our first mid-week, pop-up venture. Customers can browse records while also meeting friends for a drink or light lunch or have a break in a relaxing atmosphere while thinking over what records to buy.

“Places like Chesterfield marketplace (for large events) & The Batch House (for a smaller, pop-up fairs) are perfect for this approach, tying two different things together.”

Nick Hogan, Destination Chesterfield Board Member commented: “It’s fantastic to see the Chesterfield Record Fair expanding it’s schedule of events, helping to further establish our town as a fantastic and unique destination for music lovers. I’d encourage people to continue supporting these events, which add to the vibrancy of our town and help to provide footfall to our independent shops and food & drink venues.”

Find out more about Chesterfield Record Fair at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-record-fair-chesterfield-market/

People browsing market stalls at Chesterfield Record Fair

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Families enjoy immersive experiences at Chesterfield Children’s Festival

Thousands of families attended the second Chesterfield Children’s Festival at the weekend, with children of all ages participating in the weekend’s workshops and activities.

The free two-day event at Queen’s Park was organised by local arts charity, Junction Arts and was funded by Arts Council England.

The line-up included an immersive movie experience, virtual reality swings, Bollywood dancing, an interactive catwalk, family life drawing, circus skills and carnival queens!

Junction Arts Project Coordinator, Jemma Burton said: “Thank you to everyone who came to the Chesterfield Children’s Festival at the weekend!  We had some fantastic activities and performers, but the visitors bring the energy and positivity that makes it so special.  It was great to see local families embracing arts and culture activities: mums and dads dancing along to the Jackson 5, kids improvising with the award-winning Blockbuster Factory and grandparents dressing up as carnival queens!”

“The event aimed to create a welcoming space, where young people and their families could explore art, culture and creativity in an accessible way. We hope that everyone enjoyed it as much as we did and made lots of memories. We’ll see you all again next year!”

A parent in attendance commented: “It has been another fantastic children’s festival, the kids have enjoyed making their sock puppets, we’ve danced, made an imaginary movie, flown like a bird on the virtual reality swings and seen live theatre – right here in Queen’s Park.  It’s such a great event for Chesterfield and local families.”

Junction Arts is an award-winning participatory arts charity, that organises a number of festivals and events, including the Tapton Lock Festival and Bolsover Lantern Parade.

For more information about Junction Arts and upcoming events, visit www.junctionarts.org.

Looking for more exciting events and activities across Chesterfield this Summer? Head over to our Summer in Chesterfield page! 

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

Chesterfield Childrens Festival

 

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Exhibitions to connect Chesterfield communities with history and culture

A new programme of events and exhibitions will celebrate history and culture in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Borough Council has received funding from Arts Council England to host a variety of museum exhibitions being held at partner venues across the borough and a series of plays at the Winding Wheel Theatre. The programme will run until August 2025.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Whilst Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre are closed for refurbishment this is a fantastic opportunity to ensure that our residents can still connect with our history and culture.

“There is lots planned as part of this programme, but we’ve ensured all the exhibitions are family friendly with interactive activities to try. We’ve also put together a great schedule of plays with some classics as well as a selection of contemporary tales. We want lots of people to come along and support these events – keep an eye on our website and social media for more details about everything taking place over the next year.”

Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England, said: “We’re delighted to award Chesterfield Borough Council £98,750 to provide a programme of creative and cultural activities for the community to enjoy while the town’s museum and Pomegranate Theatre are closed for a major renovation project.

“This National Lottery funding will support exhibitions, theatre, activities and events at venues across the borough, ensuring local people can continue to be inspired by museum collections, delve into local history and take part in enriching creative and cultural activities on their doorstep.”

The programme will kick off in September with the Chesterfield Menagerie exhibition being held in the Assembly Rooms. At this free exhibition, members of the public will be able to see some of the many animal-themed works within the museum collection and take part in some great family-friendly activities.

Chesterfield Town Hall in the evening, with a lit lampost

In October the museum team will set up an interactive Romans exhibition in Hasland Village Hall before a final exhibition for 2024 in Old Whittington which will focus on the Victorians. The exhibitions will showcase Chesterfield’s history during these periods, and there will also be interactive activities like dressing up and handling objects.

In 2025 exhibitions will include the Tudors, Vikings, Medieval and a look at the ‘Extraordinary Women’ who put our town on the map.

At the Winding Wheel Theatre, Rumpus Theatre Company will be bringing the classic George Bernard Shaw comedy, Arms and the Man, to audiences on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 October.

Winding Wheel

Then on Wednesday 23 October, the Red Ladder Theatre Company will be presenting ‘We’re Not Going Back’, a funny yet moving musical tale of three sisters set in the 1984/85 miners’ strike. In 2025 the theatre will be hosting three more plays as part of this programme.

Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre is being transformed as part of a multi-million pound renovation project to create a modern visitor experience in the heart of the town centre.

The refurbished hall will bring together an extended Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

Funding for the project has been provided through the Government’s Levelling Up Fund with additional funding from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme to install a ventilation system in the theatre auditorium and create a new Changing Places toilet.

To find out more about the transformation of Stephenson Memorial Hall visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/stephenson-memorial-hall

All the museum exhibitions happening around the borough over the next year will be listed on: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/museum

To find out more about performances at the Winding Wheel Theatre and to book tickets visit: www.chesterfieldtheatres.com

painting by local artist depicts an old ploughing method using horses

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Record number of walkers take on Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk

A record-breaking number of walkers lit up the streets of Chesterfield for Ashgate Hospice’s annual Sparkle Night Walk event.

More than 3,400 supporters stepped out for the return of the charity’s biggest fundraiser, sponsored by NOCN Group, on Saturday 22nd June.

Walkers have already helped raise £220,000 to help fund end of life care in North Derbyshire, and the charity said it hopes to see the figure rise even more by the sponsorship deadline at the end of July.

Find out more about some of the Chesterfield Champion organisations which took part in the event.

The 10km walk began and finished at Chesterfield Football Club’s SMH Group stadium, with people setting off at 10pm and live entertainment kicking off the party at 7pm.

The 10km route took walkers from the stadium down the A61 bypass, which was closed to traffic, past the Crooked Spire and through the streets of Chesterfield before returning to the football ground.

Jack Wood, Director of Income Generation at Ashgate Hospice said: “Once again everyone at the hospice has been absolutely blown away by the amount of people who turned out for our Sparkle Night Walk.

“The event was our most popular ever and we’re so grateful to all the walkers who came out to support the hospice.

“Our incredible staff and volunteers have been working so hard for months to put on an amazing event for the people of North Derbyshire, I’m so glad it was such a success.

“The amount of money we’re expected to receive in donations will go such a long way towards being there for the patients and families who need us most.”

“We hope to see everyone back again next year donning their sparkles, pink tutus and bunny ears – you can grab your super early bird ticket now for just £8!”

Super early bird registration for next year’s event has opened and more than 400 people have already signed up. Entry will be available at a reduced rate until 11th August, with the walk set to take place on 28th June 2025.

To find out more about next year’s Sparkle Night Walk, go to: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/sparkle-night-walk

If you’re looking for more events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this summer, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

Sparkle walk ashgate

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Chesterfield Champions to get involved in Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk

Businesses in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions are set to join thousands of people to raise funds for Ashgate Hospice this weekend.

The Sparkle Night Walk takes place each summer and sees people walking the 10km course through Chesterfield dressed in pink t-shirts and bunny ears.

The event helps to raise vital funds for the hospice, which provides end-of-life care for patients and support for their families.

Charlotte Butterworth, Events and Partnerships Manager at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to all of the amazing businesses across North Derbyshire who will be taking part in our Sparkle Night Walk this year.

“The teams signing up and raising sponsorship for us will help fund care for the families who will need us now and in the future.

“We’ve had almost 3,000 people register for the event so far which is just incredible. We can’t wait to see so many of our supporters sparkling together on the big night.

“Let’s come together and do something amazing to raise funds towards vital palliative and end of life care in our region!”

Nick Hogan, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, commented: “It is great to see Chesterfield’s community coming together once again to raise funds for Ashgate Hospice.

“The work carried out by the hospice’s dedicated team to support people and families across our area is so important, therefore it is brilliant to see the community supporting this fantastic event.

“I would like to wish everyone taking part in the Sparkle Night Walk all the best on the night. I’m sure it will be another superb evening for our town.”

Find out more about some of the businesses in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire walking at this year’s event:


Banner Jones Solicitors

Four women stood outside office wearing pink shirts

Banner Jones is once again supporting Ashgate Hospice by participating in this year’s Sparkle Walk.

With a dedicated team of 16 participants, this is the fourth year that the law firm has participated in the event, having raised an impressive £1,500 in 2023, and around £1,000 in 2022.

Banner Jones Marketing Manager, Lynne Pope, said: “We are excited to be taking part in the Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Walk for the fourth year. It’s a charity close to our hearts.

“Having visited the hospice, I saw the quality of service and care provided to those who need it the most. We are proud to be raising money for this vital local service, to help it continue supporting the local community in such an important way.”

Further information about the Banner Jones team’s fundraising efforts can be found here.


NIBE

Group of people holding up signs and wearing pink t shirts

A member of the NIBE team is taking part in the walk, in memory of a colleague and friend who used to work for the company.

Alan Sanders said: “I will walk in memory of my good friend and work colleague Sven Ove, who passed just over a year ago.

Ashgate cared for him and others I know in their time of need, and it’s terrible to think that others in need may not be accommodated due to lack of funding. Please if you knew Svein, consider helping this vital service.”

Find out more on the team’s fundraising page here.


Graysons Solicitors

Sparkle Walk team - Graysons

Laura Cowan, head of Graysons’ private client team, said : “Everyone at Graysons Solicitors is buzzing with excitement as we gear up for the Sparkle Walk to support Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield once more.

“Our team deeply values the opportunity to contribute to such a vital community cause. Last year’s event left a lasting impression on us all, and we are keen to create even more wonderful memories this year while raising crucial funds for the hospice.”

Donate to the team’s JustGiving page here.


Peak Pharmacy

Sparkle Night Walk 2023 Tom Hodgson Photographyby

Sparkle Night Walk 2023 by Tom Hodgson Photography

A team from Chesterfield’s Peak Pharmacy is set to take on the 10km course this Saturday.

Gillian Watters, P.A to the company’s Directors said: “Here at Peak Pharmacy, we wanted to focus our fundraising efforts on a local charity and chose to support Ashgate Hospice.  Being our local hospice care facility, many of us have personal experience of Ashgate caring for family and friends.

“The Ashgate fundraising team have done an excellent job helping collate our team registration details making it an easy team event for us to arrange.  We are very much looking forward to a fun evening with colleagues whilst raising money for such a worthy cause.”

Sponsor the team on it’s GoFundMe page.


Handelsbanken

handelsbanken ashgate fundraising team

Over the course of 2024, members of staff at Handelsbanken in Chesterfield will be undertaking a variety of activities to raise funds for Ashgate Hospice to support the incredible work they do.

In March, the team spent the day helping clear the woodland area in the hospice grounds for further redevelopment in the future to benefit the families using the hospice.

Throughout April, Handelsbanken Chesterfield collected new and pre-loved items for distribution to the hospice’s outlets in the local area.

Now, the team will be embarking on the 10km course to raise funds for Ashgate, and has already gone over a fabulous £4,500.

Donate to the team’s fundraising page here.


We Are Spaces

amy revell wearespaces

Chesterfield’s We Are Spaces will also be taking part in the walk. Find out more and donate to the team’s fundraising page at:

https://www.justgiving.com/team/wearespaces


 

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Soak up the sunshine at these Chesterfield summer events

Summer is right around the corner, and now is the time to get outdoors and soak up the great British sunshine.

In 2024, Chesterfield has plenty of experiences to share so you can make some lasting memories with your loved ones.

So what are you waiting for? Get these dates saved in your calendar ready for a summer of excitement in our picturesque town!


BRM Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

Drone shot from above of the cricket pitch at Queens Park

 

Get ready for the big Derbyshire vs. Yorkshire game at the stunning Queen’s Park on July 7th.

Derbyshire County Cricket Club will also be hosting an 80s Bash on June 28th during the BRM Festival of Cricket, a brilliant opportunity to get your dancing shoes on.


Chesterfield Pride

Don’t miss out on Chesterfield Pride – it’s one of the biggest events of its kind around here and has yet another packed line-up of pop, dance and of course some of the UK’s best drag acts. Chart-toppers Liberty X and the Cheeky Girls will take the stage at Stand Road Park on July 21st.


Chesterfield Children’s Festival

Chesterfield Childrens Festival 2023 web (20 of 100)

The Chesterfield Children’s Festival will be back after providing fun and entertainment for more than 8,000 people last year. Highlights of the July 27th-28th event include an award-winning immersive street show, where members of the public get to be part of a live movie set.


Chesterfield Market

Peddler Market Chesterfield - family enjoying some food and smiling for the camera

Chesterfield Market will have plenty of special days, catering to foodies, craft lovers and music fans to name just a few. The Craft and Makers Market is returning on June 8th, July 20th, and August 10th, while you can enjoy a feast of street food at Peddler Market once again on July 19th.


Enjoy Chesterfield’s stunning scenery and landmarks

John Varley ll Chesterfield Canal Cruise

You’ll also have a chance to explore our most famous landmark, with a Crooked Spire Tower Tour on selected dates.

If you’re looking to unwind, why not take a trip through our glorious countryside? Bookings are now being taken for the summer on Chesterfield Canal Trust’s iconic trip boats, as are paddlesports sessions for those who are feeling a bit more adventurous.

For those who love getting active, the Chesterfield Cycling Festival is a wonderful way to blow off the cobwebs. The event lasts for a whole week from June 7th-16th and includes rides for all abilities. There is even a pub trail route in Holymoorside – After all, you’ll need to quench your thirst after all that pedaling!


Sample fabulous food and drink

Friends enjoying a cocktails in the sun at Dirty Habit in Chesterfield

 

And let’s not forget our local food and drink scene. Wander down the ‘Brampton Mile,’ Whittington Moor or into town on a weekend, and you’ll see our pubs, bars, and restaurants full of activity. With the European Championships and the Olympics coming up, make sure you book a seat at your favourite venue to soak up the atmosphere.

Many of our pubs and bars have spacious and comfortable beer gardens and outdoor spaces too, meaning you can make the most of the sunshine.


We hope to see you at one of our town’s fabulous events this summer! Don’t forget to head over to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer so you can truly experience the best of our wonderful area.

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Record-breaking year for the Chesterfield Postcard Show

Local arts charity, Junction Arts is celebrating this month after staging their most successful Chesterfield Postcard to date.

The fundraising art exhibition, which invites mini-sized art submissions from amateur and established artists is now in its third year and has raised over £3,000, since 2022 to fund community arts projects in the region.

This year, organisers saw record entries, with 472 submissions. 92 individuals entered postcard-size artworks and 47 of them were from professional artists. Over 200 people visited the art exhibition over 10 days and £1,088 was raised through postcard sales and donations.

The Chesterfield Postcard Show is organised by Junction Arts and local artist Dave Elsom from Sombrero Printmaking to allow creatives, communities, and up-and-coming artists to show their work in a professional exhibition.

Hannah Bowdler, Relationship Fundraiser at Junction Arts said: “The Chesterfield Postcard Show has grown year on year, in 2022 we had just over 100 entries and only two years later we had almost 500! Visitors to the exhibition commented that the quality and range of the artwork were high this year, which is so great to hear.

“The event showcases artists of all levels and provides a place where people can buy original art, for just £10 and know that they’re helping to fund community art projects that make a real difference to people’s lives.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who submitted work, visited the show or bought a postcard, we really do appreciate it. Also, a special thank you to Sue Woollett from Stepnell Construction East Midlands, who volunteered to help us set up the show – which is no mean feat when you have 472 pieces of artwork to hang!

“The event has proved popular and so we want it to continue to grow and we are looking for a sponsor for 2025 to help us take the show to the next level.”

For those that didn’t make it to the exhibition, don’t worry, the postcard-size artworks are still available to buy, via the Junction Arts Etsy page.

Find out more about events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this summer: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

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

Two people pointing at postcards on a white wall

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Save the dates – Peddler Market returns to Chesterfield this May and July

Chesterfield town centre will be buzzing in May and July as Peddler Market returns for two more weekend events this summer.

The popular street food market will be in New Square on 17 to18 May and 19 to 20 July. These are the final events for 2024 as the multi-million pound regeneration of the town centre is expected to start over the summer.

Ben Smith, Director at Peddler Market, said: “We are looking forward to signing off the summer with a bang! Peddler offers a fantastic opportunity to meet up with friends and family in the heart of the town centre; enjoy a drink, sample some of the UK’s most exciting street food talent and soak up the atmosphere from the live stage.

“With New Square being rejuvenated later this summer, we are happy to have provided a blueprint for how street food can play a pivotal role in transforming Chesterfield’s night-time economy in years to come.”

There will be a fantastic range of award-winning street food from around the world at the event in May.

Syiok-Lah will be serving up authentic Malyasian cuisine, Get Wurst will be offering German style Currywurst and Bratwurst, Cow Boys will be bringing brilliant burgers, The Spicy Biker will have a range of Indian street food, Brúm Mì will be dishing out East Asian street food, Luigi will be offering a taste of Italy with Arancini and Panzerotti, De Boeuf will be slicing up their mature beef, Madame Crêpe will have a range of fresh crepes and Vanilla Bean will be serving coffee and baked treats.

The weekend also features a strong line-up of live music with something for everyone to enjoy including, indie-rock band The N.S.O, folkie singer-songwriter Jack Weston, pop punk outfit 2x Fast,  Viva La Vintage  who performs a mixture of classic soul, swing and rock n roll, singer songwriter Masha Jana, and unique band Honey Trap, with some more acts still to be confirmed.

On Saturday Sunflower Dance will be providing family friendly entertainment with a dance workshop designed for children.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Peddler Market has been a unique event in our town, and I know lots of people have come out to support the three events so far. I hope to see lots of returning faces and new visitors come along in May and July to show their support for this fantastic event before we start work on the regeneration of the town centre.

“These events are a fantastic way to kickstart your summer in Chesterfield with your friends and families.”

The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will see extensive works to key town centre areas to support a range of uses including markets, events, festivals and more. The work is due to start in summer 2024 in the Market Place.

Funding to help bring the event to Chesterfield has been provided through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Chesterfield Borough Council received £2.69m of UKSPF funding which will be invested across the borough. A portion of this will be invested into promoting the borough as a place to visit, and providing support for arts, culture, and heritage activities.

Planning on visiting Chesterfield on a Peddler Market weekend? Find out more about what’s on offer in the town here. 

Peddler Market Chesterfield - family enjoying some food and smiling for the camera

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