The Summer Holidays are a great time to spend some much-needed quality time with your loved ones and there’s no better time to get out there and enjoy everything the local area has to offer!
Whether you’re simply looking for somewhere to help the youngsters burn off all their energy, or you fancy a big day out with lots of entertainment, we can guarantee you there’s something to suit everyone this Summer in Chesterfield!
Here’s our selection of some of the things you could be getting up to in July and August, but don’t forget to check out all the great events taking place across the town throughout the year at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/
Family Friendly Events
Chesterfield Pride – 24th July
Chesterfield Pride is a popular annual event for Chesterfield, in fact it’s one of the biggest and best attended Pride events in the region. It’s no surprise with the great line up of entertainment, this year Nadine Coyle from Girls Aloud will be headlining the main stage along with lots of other great acts.
Medieval Fun Day – 26th July
The popular Medieval-themed fun day makes a return for the first time since the start of the pandemic. It’s a chance to step back into the Middle Ages and see Chesterfield’s history and heritage brought to life. What better way to kickstart the school holidays?
The Great British Food Festival – 29th – 31st July
There’s lots of family fun to be had at The Great British Food Festival taking place at the stunning Hardwick Hall! Along with wonderful food and drink there will be chef demos, competitions, artisan talks, games and activities for the kids, and excellent live music.
Outdoor Movie Night at Vicar Lane – 30th July
Experience an Outdoor Movie Night on the Vicar Lane Shopping Centre big screen this summer.
There’ll be classic cinema snacks available to purchase, such as sweets, popcorn and candyfloss, along with a fully licensed bar, Salute, serving beer, prosecco, wine, cocktails, mocktails and soft drinks.
Teddy Bears’ Picnic Cruise – 17th August
Enjoy a 3 hour Teddy Bears’ Picnic cruise from Tapton Lock Visitor Centre.
After winding (turning round), descend Tapton Lock – following the Rother Valley – down through Wheeldon Mill Lock and on to the beautiful Bluebank Woods. Here there will be time to explore this wonderful broad and sweeping curve before disembarking at Bluebank Lock for your picnic and games.
Open Air Cinema at Barlow – 19th August
Grab your chairs and blankets for a unique experience of watching Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again on the big screen overlooking the beautiful Barlow countryside.
Barlow Carnival – 20th August
Barlow Carnival is a traditional event which takes place every year. It’s a week packed full of fun and entertainment for all the family. The highlight of the week is Carnival Day with a parade, Carnival Queen, floats, bands and fancy dress through the village.
As well as a host of different activities on the recreation ground including a fun fair, kids entertainment, stalls, food, drink, classic car display and lots more!
Legendary Joust – 27th, 28th & 29th August
Experience the exhilarating spectacle of speed and skill as four legendary knights compete for honour and glory in the Legendary Joust at Bolsover Castle.
Chesterfield Young Persons’ Market – 28th August
Go along and be a market trader for a day at Chesterfield’s Young Person’s Market. Boost up your pocket money and sell your unwanted toys and books, and clothes that no longer fit.
If you prefer buying instead of selling, come along and browse the stalls for new toys, books or clothes or grab a homemade gift for a loved one – you’re sure to find a bargain.
Fun Activities & Clubs
Holiday Club Studio 44 – 25th – 29th July
Studio 44’s holiday club are jam-packed full of exciting activities for all children to get involved in.
Join Emma and guest instructors for an action-packed week of Dance, Gym and Musical Theatre.
The Girl Codes Curiosity Academy with Junction Arts – 25th – 29th July
Join Junction Arts, artist Cora Glasser and a series of exciting guest speakers and artists for our This Girl Codes Curiosity Academy at Creswell Crags this summer. Throughout the week, you will get exclusive access to the incredible caves to see the Witch Marks, learn about the rich layers of history on the site and then take part in a range of inspiring arts, tech and heritage activities each day.
The work you create with us, whether you can only attend one day or all five will inspire a new interactive exhibition that will be showcased within Creswell Crags from September.
Junior Park Run – every Sunday
How about letting the kids run off some energy at Chesterfield’s very own Junior Park Run? It’s a really fun and friendly start to Sunday mornings, completely free and organised by volunteers!
Summer Holiday Crafts – 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th August
Join Dronfield Hall Barn this summer for some fun filled, themed children’s craft sessions. Each Thursday through August there will be a different theme with a variety of different crafts and trails.
Spireites Soccer School
The fantastic Mixed and Girls Spireites Soccer School is back for the summer holidays. Get outside this summer time! Come along and enjoy plenty of football fun and games and make new friends too.
Shows and Performances
Hardwick Hall Outdoor Theatre – 23rd July
Join The Three Inch Fools at Hardwick Hall for an Outdoor Theatre performance of The Gunpowder Plot.
Cue an explosive evening of short fuses and tall tales, as five actors try to pull off the most infamous conspiracy in history. The Gunpowder Plot comes to life in a brand new, calamitous production fit for all the family. Expect uproarious intrigue, endless costume changes, and many, many false moustaches in this highly flammable historical tale.
LDN Wrestling – 3rd August
The Superstars of LDN Wrestling are coming to Chesterfield for a night of rip roaring action.
Expect to see edge of your seat, death defying moves as the stars of Wrestling take part in action packed matches for the whole family to enjoy!