chesterfield events

Popular Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival set to return this September

A popular Walking festival in which participants get to explore some of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire’s most stunning scenery is returning in September 2022.

The fourth Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival will run from 10th to 18th September, with 40 walks on offer varying from a couple of miles, to the full 46 miles of the canal over three consecutive days.

Event organiser, Chesterfield Canal Trust once again believes it to be the largest canal-focused walking festival in the country, with more walks and walkers than any other.

The canal towpath is officially designated the Cuckoo Way and it runs from Chesterfield to the River Trent, through Derbyshire, South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire. There are walks taking place at various locations along its full length.

The Trust’s Cuckoo Way officer, David Blackburn said: “We look forward to seeing old friends again and hope to welcome many newcomers too. We believe that our 46 mile long canal has parts that are as attractive as any in the country. Do take the opportunity to join a walk in an area with which you are not familiar, and you will hopefully be pleasantly surprised.”

This extensive programme covers many popular areas – though perhaps using one or two different paths to previous years.

Some walks will take you through lovely countryside, others have special interest such as architecture and steam trains; one includes a visit to a football stadium. Most of the walks end near a café or a pub, and most are easily accessible by public transport.

No Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival would be complete without the very popular Boats & Boots that combine a walk with a ride on one of the Trust’s trip boats.

The Trust is very grateful to the walk leaders and those who assist them, representing many different groups and organisations, for devising checking and leading the walks. It extends especial thanks to its sponsors – Harworth Group, Canal & River Trust, Derbyshire Grants Programme, Eckington Parish Council and West Stockwith Parish Council.

Anyone wanting to participate in a walk must book in advance, either online or by ringing 01246 477569. All events taking place as part of the festival are free except those that involve a boat trip. More information can be found on the Chesterfield Canal Trust Website at: https://chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk/

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

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

Star cast announced for Chesterfield’s Sleeping Beauty pantomime

Take one TV soap star icon, add in one of the nation’s favourite Britain’s Got Talent winners, sprinkle with an arty Disney presenter and mix to create an exciting star-studded cast to headline Chesterfield’s far from sleepy pantomime Sleeping Beauty.

Instantly recognisable from EastEnders and Coronation Street, Michelle Collins will be casting her own special spell over audiences as the bad fairy Carabosse. Boasting iconic places in TV history with her memorable roles as the home wrecker Cindy Beale in EastEnders and Rovers Return landlady Stella Price in Coronation Street, Michelle will ensure audiences have plenty to boo as the uninvited fairy delivers retribution on Princess Aurora.

He captured the hearts of the nation with his performances on Britain’s Got Talent and as pantomime hero, he’s sure to win the hearts of audiences too; Jai McDowall won the fifth season of BGT with his powerhouse vocals, natural charm and versatile song interpretations. Signed up to Syco Music, Jai followed up his TV success with an album and tour, before performing as BGT winner in the coveted Royal Variety Performance.

Bringing a palette of pantomime comedy, chaos and calamities to the production will be in the multi-talented hands of Lloyd Warbey, host of the legendary children’s TV classic Disney’s Art Attack. The much-loved show takes children on a fun-filled journey through the various stages of producing something artistic. Hosting the iconic show was a dream come true for Lloyd when he took over in 2012, having watched the programme religiously as a child. Professionally trained at the prestigious East 15 acting school, Lloyd will have audiences of all ages wrapped-up in laughter as he plays the pantomime fool.

Despite the notion of chaos with on-stage mishaps and mayhem, directing a pantomime is a careful balancing act of story, comedy, song and dance, combined with great staging, stunning lighting and special effects. And it’s going to take a special director to bring all these elements together in Chesterfield this Christmas!

With a back catalogue of choreographing and directing productions in TV, theatre and fashion, Di Cooke brings a wealth of experience to directing Sleeping Beauty. Having performed with Tina Turner, Rick Astley and Kylie, the in-demand director has also worked with comedy greats such as Ronnie Corbett and Russ Abbot, and more recently, Julian Clary and Alexander Armstrong.

Di has recently devised, directed and choreographed the award-winning Cromer Pier Show and The Cromer Christmas Show.

Pantomime producer Paul Holman said: “I’m thrilled Michelle Collins will be leading this year’s cast in Chesterfield and I’m sure audiences are going to love her stella performance as a pantomime baddie. She’s joined by a very talented and exciting cast with Jai and Lloyd. The production of Sleeping Beauty promises an adventure for all family, with exciting special effects depicting Princess Aurora’s 100-year sleep, glittering costumes and lots of traditional audience participation in what’s shaping up to be Chesterfield’s biggest and brightest panto.”

Tickets for the pantomime Sleeping Beauty at the Winding Wheel Theatre in Chesterfield are on sale now with a special discounted price on tickets purchased before 31 August 2022. Tickets can be purchased online at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/panto or by calling the Box Office on 01246 345 222.

Window Intros_Twitter copy 2

Winding Wheel Twitter

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

Chesterfield car boot sale set to return to Technique Stadium

A regular car boot sale will be returning to Chesterfield once again, located at Chesterfield FC’s Technique Stadium.

After a long pause in operation at the Rose Hill car park site, a transfer back to the football club for the popular weekly car boot sale can now be announced.

Due to the lack of permanent toilet facilities at Rose Hill, a relocation was sought once again.  The football club previously successfully hosted the car boot prior to it being held at Rose Hill.

Both Chesterfield Borough Council and Chesterfield Football Club are delighted that the popular weekly car boot can recommence from Sunday, July 10, 2022.

The club will be operating the car boot under licence from the council and in conjunction with the area’s largest car boot operator, Treasure Trove Fairs.

Chesterfield FC’s marketing manager, Bridget Ball, said: “We are delighted to be working with Chesterfield Borough Council and Treasure Trove Fairs to bring the Car Boot back to the Technique Stadium.

“We have the facilities and space to accommodate many car booters and I’m sure this news will be well received by those who enjoy selling at car boot sales and attending them.”

Treasure Trove Fairs owner, Mike Snow, said, “It’s so exciting to see the rebirth of this incredibly popular car boot sale.

“There will be many introductory offers for car booters, including Tesco gift cards, free matchday vouchers, and many other goodies.

“We’re pleased to have teamed up with Tesco to offer free car parking and we can’t thank the store enough for their kind co-operation.

“We’re thrilled to work with Chesterfield Football Club, who have been kind enough to offer the use of toilets in Chester’s Den and give us this amazing opportunity.”

Full details of set up times, trading times, parking and pitch fees can be found on the Treasure Trove Fairs Facebook Group or by ringing Mike on 07966 445452 Opening times: 7am – 1pm. £10 per pitch. Public admission is free.

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

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

Successful Dronfield Arts Festival to return in 2023

The popular Dronfield Arts Festival has once again been hailed a success, with people across the community enjoying a weekend of music, poetry, theatre, art, dance and much more.

Organised by Dronfield Heriatage Trust and Dronfield Hall Barn, the festival took place between 29th April and 1st May 2022, and included more than 60 events offering a fantastic mix of some of the best regional and national arts.

Now, the organisers of the festival have already confirmed the dates for it’s return next year, taking place from 6th-9th July 2023.

Sam Reavey, Creative Manager at Dronfield Heritage Trust commented: “What a wonderful Arts Festival we had this May. After a two year break, it was great to finally be back. It has been a tough couple of years for everybody and what a wonderful sight it was to see so many people attend our festival over the 3 days.

“There was something for everyone, music, dancing, art, comedy, vintage cars, fire and chainsaws. The Festival will be back next year, so please keep checking social media for confirmed dates and acts throughout the year. We’ll see you next year.

“The Festival is the highlight of the Barn’s year. It is our biggest event which not only happens at the Barn, but around Dronfield in local pubs like the Green Dragon and other venues such as the Peel and Civic Centres. All the entertainments are only made possible by our communities continued support of the event and the Arts Festival team cannot thank them enough.

This September the Dronfield Hall Barn will be hosting a Victorian themed weekend. There will be a mix of traditional fairground favourites, entertainers and stalls. Dress up is encouraged. It has been confirmed visitors will benefit from free entry to the event.

Find out more about the Dronfield Arts Festival and the wider activity at Dronfield Hall barn via the following links: https://dronfieldhallbarn.org/ and https://dronfieldartsfestival.co.uk/

Dronfield Arts Festival and Dronfield Heritage Trust support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Business community called on to shout about its success

Businesses both new and well-established are being urged to celebrate their successes by entering one of five categories in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards.  

The annual awards, which are organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire Facilities Management, recognise the resilience and progress of the town’s businesses.

The five categories, now open for applications, are designed to raise the profile of organisations that have made a meaningful impact to the built environment of Chesterfield; new sole traders and limited companies; firms benefitting from forward-thinking apprentices; companies demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability; and accessible hospitality businesses. The deadline to enter is Thursday 30 June.

This year, the Regeneration Award is open to both individual businesses and collectives that have supported or delivered high quality spaces within six miles of Chesterfield town centre.

Once again, the winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year award will get a further boost, receiving 10 hours of free mentoring from Banner Jones Solicitors’ and also a year of marketing support through Chesterfield Champions.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “We originally launched the Love Chesterfield Awards to recognise the hard work of the wider business community. The challenges of the last two years have made these awards all the more important and I hope members of the business community will put themselves or their apprentices forward for an award and get the recognition they so deserve.”

Businesses can enter the following categories in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards:

The deadline for applications is Thursday 30 June. Apply today here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/apply-for-the-love-chesterfield-awards/.

The five business categories are in addition to the 10 public nomination categories for Chesterfield’s high street food, drink and retail businesses. Public nominations closed on 31 May with nominated businesses now set to be evaluated by a panel of mystery judges.

The winners of all the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards categories will be announced at a glittering black tie ceremony at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October.

Peter Currey, CEO at Entire Facilities Management commented: “As well as the many great food and drink businesses and retailers in Chesterfield, it’s great to be able to recognise the wider business community in the Awards. Apprenticeships, sustainability, accessibility, regeneration and entrepreneurship are helping drive the town’s growth, and I am delighted that this is being recognised at the Love Chesterfield Awards.”

As well as the above sponsors, the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards are also supported and made possible by Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Elder Way, JP Fire Safety Solutions, MSE Hiller, Shorts Chartered Accountants and Sutton McGrath Hartley.

Peter Swallow added: “After the turmoil and uncertainty of the last two years, the Destination Chesterfield team is working to ensure the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards is the best yet, which is only possible through the generosity of our sponsors.”

If you’re interested in sponsoring the awards, information about the remaining sponsorship packages is available at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/sponsors/sponsorshippackages/ or by contacting 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 , , , , ,

Council partners with Chesterfield Pride for 2022 LGBTQ+ celebration

Chesterfield Borough Council is proud to announce it will once again be the headline sponsor for Chesterfield Pride 2022.

After the successful partnership in 2021 the council has teamed up with the organisers of Chesterfield Pride again to back the annual family-friendly event which supports and celebrates members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Chesterfield Pride takes centre stage at Stand Road Park on Sunday 24 July from 12pm until 7pm. Nadine Coyle of Girls Aloud fame will be the headline act this year with support from acts including Jo O’Meara, Kelly Wilde and local musician Alfie Darlin.

Donna Reddish, Chesterfield Borough Council’s service director – corporate, said: “We’re thrilled to be sponsoring Chesterfield Pride again this year and to continue this great partnership. It is a fantastic event for our borough and our sponsorship sends a clear message that we stand together as one community to celebrate our diversity with pride.

“Since 2015 the organisers have worked so hard to ensure this event can thrive in our town and it is truly open for everyone to have fun packed day filled with positivity.”

Dan Walker, Chesterfield Pride organiser, said: “We are so excited to have Chesterfield Borough Council as the events Main Sponsors. This partnership will help us deliver a fantastic event for everyone to enjoy and also highlights the council’s commitment in supporting the LGBTQ community.”

Family-friendly music and comedy acts will feature on the council-sponsored Main Stage, with entertainment running throughout the day.

There will also be a cabaret stage, fairground rides and a variety of stalls hosted by local organisations as part of the day’s line-up.

The strengthened partnership is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to support Chesterfield’s LGBTQ+ community.

For more information about the event, or to buy tickets, please visit the Chesterfield Pride website or search ‘Chesterfield Pride’ on Facebook.

To find out more about all the events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this Summer, go to: http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

joe 1 Chesterfield Pride

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

Vicar Lane announces a weekend of entertainment and celebration at Jubilee FestiVL

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield is hosting its very own free Jubilee FestiVL which will kick off on Thursday 2nd June.

The Centre has a 3-day schedule planned over the long weekend, packed with entertainment, activities, games and live music to celebrate, including Chesterfield’s biggest street party plus all live events streamed on the big screen.

On Thursday 2nd June Vicar Lane will be live streaming the ‘Trooping of the Colour Parade’ on our big screen. Visitors will be able to pull up one of the centre’s new Union Jack deckchairs, and get the best seat in the house as the nation watches the parade start from Buckingham Palace at 10am. From 1pm join Vicar Lane for live music and entertainment, as the centre kicks off its Jubilee FestiVL.

‘A right royal knees up’ takes place on Saturday 4th June as the centre gears up to party the day away from 11am with the Platinum Party at the Palace. The party will be broadcast live on the Vicar Lane big screen located under the ‘AstroTurf area’ in St James Square. This will be the meeting point to host lots of free fun and games for the whole family.

There will be Giant Chess, Connect Four, Giant Jenga and Ping Pong as well as, lawn games hosted by a Beefeater for the children such as egg and spoon races and bean bag throwing to celebrate in true British style with prizes to be won!

On Sunday 5th June visitors are invited to take part in Chesterfield’s biggest street party, where tables will be laid out from 11am to enjoy lunch alfresco & have photos taken with guardsmen statues or the iconic red floral phone box. It will be on this day too that Vicar Lane will acknowledge art entries they’ve had from local primary schools who will submit their own drawings of the queen and have them displayed up on the screen for all to enjoy.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re really looking forward to hosting our Jubilee FestiVL programme. It’s the first event we’ve held post pandemic so we can’t wait to welcome our shoppers and wider audience and their families to get involved and enjoy the long weekend with us”.

To find out about more events taking place across Chesterfield on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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

 

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

Exciting events programme revealed across Chesterfield for 2022

Chesterfield Borough Council is encouraging residents and visitors to ‘save the date’ as details of some of the key events happening in and around Chesterfield town centre this year are announced.

Designed to provide fun and unique experiences for our Chesterfield community, this year’s events programme will continue to support local businesses by encouraging people to spend more time in and around the town centre.

More details of each event will be published over the coming months, but key dates to note include:

  • 2-5 June – Queen’s Platinum Jubilee: A whole host of activities will be taking place across the borough to mark the Queen’s Jubilee – including during the celebratory bank holiday weekend which runs from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June. The town centre will be decked with Jubilee-themed decorations, with events and activities running at the council’s venues – people can check www.chesterfield.gov.uk/jubilee for the latest information.

 

  • 26 July – Medieval-themed Fun Day: The popular Medieval-themed fun day makes a return for the first time since the start of the pandemic, with families invited to kick start the summer holidays with a day on Tuesday 26 July. It’s a chance to step back into the Middle Ages and see Chesterfield’s history and heritage brought to life.

 

  • 27 October – 1940s Market: Fans of all things vintage will welcome news that the flagship 1940s Market is also confirmed for 2022 – with crowds expected to don period dress and flock to the town on Thursday 27 October. The event is a highlight in the national calendar for fans of this era and is held on a Thursday to tie in with Chesterfield’s much-loved Flea Market.

 

  • 20 November – Christmas Lights Switch On: Looking toward the festive season, the traditional Christmas Lights Switch on event will be held on Sunday 20 November in the town centre – and if people want to get their festive celebrations organised already, early-bird tickets for this year’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, are now on sale at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk (the show runs from Tuesday 6 December to Tuesday 3 January 2023).

Chesterfield Borough Council’s events 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 Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “As we all enjoy the return to a more normal way of living, it’s fantastic to see this line up of popular events which always bring Chesterfield to life – and create an opportunity for people to come out and show their support for our amazing local businesses.

“We are funding a range of flagship events which always prove immensely popular and create a chance for residents and visitors alike to create lasting memories in and around our historic town centre.”

Motor Fest, which last took place in August 2019, will not be supported by Chesterfield Borough Council. The event had become very popular, meaning the scale has become too large for the town centre and as a result poses a risk to public safety. In particular the significant number of vehicles, attendees and other activities within the pedestrianised town centre, could make it difficult for emergency services to gain suitable access. The council is committed to supporting the organisers to search for a more suitable venue.

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.

Chesterfield 1940s Market

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

Businesses and organisations can now sign up for Chesterfield 10k’s Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge

Organisers of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10km have launched this year’s Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge and are calling for local businesses and community organisations to get involved.

Local businesses are being offered the opportunity to gain 10 percent discount on Chesterfield 10k entry fees, as well as recognition from the 10k stakeholders as an organisation that promotes and supports a healthy lifestyle and mental health wellbeing.

This year the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K is taking place on Sunday 16th October, starting from Queen’s Park, at 10am. Registrants for the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge must be over 15 years of age.

David Beckford, Managing Director of Pronto Paints, said: “We’re delighted to sponsor the Wellbeing Challenge once again, after many years of involvement. It’s a great incentive for staff of local businesses like ours to create a running goal and stick to a training plan, while encouraging team members to get stuck into some healthy competition.”

Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “We’re excited to see the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge opened up to local businesses and community groups once again, it’s a great way for people in the area to show their support for mental health and a healthy lifestyle, and of course raise money for important local charities. As a previous runner at the event, I can certainly recommend it.”

Charity Partners for the event are Redbrik Foundation, Ashgate Hospice and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

To sign up for the challenge and receive your team discount code please email; info@chesterfield10k.com

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

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

Chesterfield residents encouraged to support local retailers over the Jubilee bank holiday

Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is only a few weeks away and residents and visitors are being encouraged to support our local retailers during the bank holiday weekend.

There are a number of events taking place across Chesterfield to help mark this historic milestone, as well as the market place and Market Hall being adorned in special Jubilee decorations, and the Market Hall Café offering a special Jubilee themed menu.

Local businesses are also being asked to consider taking part in the Best Dressed Window Competition over the bank holiday weekend, that will be judged by the new Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Tony Rogers.

If you are a business owner and would like to take part, you can use any materials you like to dress the window, but it has to have a Jubilee theme. Judging will take place on Friday 3 June 2022.

To take part or to register your interest in the competition as a business owner, please contact Rebecca.Bland@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Chesterfield Borough Council is continuing to work with Destination Chesterfield to celebrate everything that is great about our borough, through the Love Chesterfield campaign.

The campaign is centred around our town centre, high streets and shopping areas and aims to encourage everyone to discover or rediscover the great shopping, hospitality and leisure experiences we have on our doorstep.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations are going to be a fantastic way to not only mark the Queen being the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service, but it is also a great opportunity for residents and visitors to come into the town centre to enjoy some of the events on offer, check out the Jubilee decorations, do some shopping and spend time in each other’s company.

“Following the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s never been more important for us each to do our bit to help support local businesses. I think there is going to be a great atmosphere in the town centre on the bank holiday, and we are encouraging as many retailers as possible to take part in our best dressed window competition to help us to celebrate this fantastic occasion.”

The council is also calling on residents and visitors to join in with the celebrations and has put together a programme of activities that people of all ages will be able to enjoy, including a tea dance, a fun-fair, and a royal exhibition. Residents and visitors can keep up to date with all of the events and activities planned over the Jubilee weekend by visiting https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/your-council/queens-platinum-jubilee

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

Barrow Hill Roundhouse to be lit up with large-scale projections as part of Derbyshire ‘Shine a light’ campaign

Chesterfield’s iconic Barrow Hill Roundhouse will be lit up with spectacular light projections later this year, as it has been selected as one of the venues in the annual Derbyshire ‘Shine a light’ campaign.

Large-scale projections will light up Derbyshire landmarks with a unique fusion of music, visuals and sound when ‘Shine A Light’ returns this autumn/winter.

Visitors will be able to watch Derbyshire’s history unfold in magical night-time shows projected on to four heritage venues across the county as part of the new Shine A Light programme, which will run from September 2022 to February 2023.

Alongside Barrow Hill Roundhouse, The large-scale projections will take place for the first time at Elvaston Castle and the National Trust’s Hardwick Hall, whilst Cromford Mills will return to host the unique outdoor events for a second year.

In addition, the towns of New Mills and Bolsover will be working with the Shine A Light team to build exciting new additions for their annual community lantern processions and parades.

Providing fun for the whole family, the events will bring together awe-inspiring illuminations and projections in a visually stunning display that is unique to each venue and centred around the themes of climate change and water.

Delivered by internationally-renowned Derbyshire-born video projection artists Illuminos, Shine A Light is inspired by Voices From The Peak – a celebration of the county in sound created by local poet and performer Mark Gwynne Jones to celebrate the Peak District National Park’s 70th birthday last year.

The events have been commissioned by Derbyshire County Council following a successful pilot in 2021 when Shine A Light displays held at Chatsworth and Cromford Mills were enjoyed by more than 3,200 visitors.

Designed to celebrate Derbyshire’s rich history and heritage, extend the tourism season and boost the visitor economy in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the next instalments of Shine A Light aim to build on last year’s success with more awe-inspiring events.

Confirmed dates and venues are:

  • Cromford Mills, home of Sir Richard Arkwright’s first mill complex, in the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, on Thursday 27 October and Friday 28 October
  • Elvaston Castle, a Gothic Revival castle and surrounding parkland, run by Derbyshire County Council, on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 November
  • Barrow Hill Roundhouse, the last surviving railway roundhouse in the United Kingdom with an operational turntable, on Thursday 8 December and Friday 9 December
  • Hardwick Hall, an Elizabethan country house built by Bess of Hardwick in the 1500s, owned by the National Trust, on Friday 17 February and Saturday 18 February

Exciting new works will be displayed at New Mills Lantern Procession & Community Event on Saturday 24 September and Bolsover Lantern Parade on Saturday 26 November.

Tickets and more information will be available soon at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/shine-a-light.

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change Councillor Barry Lewis said: “We’re tremendously proud of what we achieved with Shine A Light last year but that was just the beginning.

“We’re coming back bigger and better this year with more venues added, each with their own story to tell as part of this ‘anthology’.

“With the visitor economy still feeling the after effects of the pandemic, it’s vital that we support its recovery in Derbyshire and we’re proud to be able to help support these unique experiences which will provide excellent entertainment for tourists and residents alike.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Last year’s Shine A Light displays provided magical entertainment for visitors and residents alike, and we’re delighted that this year’s programme has expanded to include three great new heritage venues and two community-based celebrations.

“These events provide an excellent opportunity to see Derbyshire’s rich history brought to life whilst enjoying the area’s great visitor offer in the typically quieter months, supporting the recovery of local businesses in the process.”

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

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

Keep up to date

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

Signup to our newsletter