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Chesterfield festival of cycling to take place this summer

The annual Chesterfield Festival of Cycling is set to take place in the town this June.

Cycle Chesterfield, a local community group dedicated to promoting cycling in Chesterfield is gearing up for the event. It aims to showcase the cycle infrastructure in and around town, promote cycling as an alternative means of transport and build links across our communities.

This year’s festival runs from the 7th – 16th of June and offers a diverse range of activities designed to cater to people of all abilities and ages. From guided rides at a steady, inclusive pace exploring the town’s hidden gems to interesting talks by cycle adventurers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the festival’s highlights is the Holmebrook Valley Park Cycle Funday, where families can enjoy a day of outdoor activities and games. This event not only fosters a sense of community but also encourages residents to embrace cycling as a fun and accessible recreational activity.

There will be a variety of themed, free, guided recreational rides which will demonstrate some of the cycling infrastructure in Chesterfield and the wider area, including the brand-new section of the East/West route. Rides will generally start in the town centre and will head out in a range of directions, including rides taking in Grassmoor, Holymoorside and Hollingwood. The rides will proceed at a steady, inclusive pace.

In addition to rides, the festival will be hosting a talk by author, adventurer and cyclist Emily Chappell. Emily was the first woman to finish the Transcontinental Race in 2016, has cycled across Asia from Turkey to China and has authored two books about her exploits.

Moreover, the festival serves as a platform to showcase Chesterfield’s cycling culture. From taster sessions for adapted bikes for disabled adults to BMXers showcasing their skills at Ringwood Park to an exploration of some of the town’s public art on the Art Trail ride, the festival celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of the local cycling community.

Cycle Chesterfield has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives aimed at improving cycling infrastructure and awareness in the area. Through lobbying efforts and community outreach programs, the group continues to push for safer streets and better cycling amenities, not only improving the quality of life for residents but also contributing to a greener, more resilient future for our community.

You can find out more about the festival and cycle chesterfield online: Facebook – CycleFestChesterfield & CycleChesterfield or via the website – https://cyclechesterfield.org/

Find out more about cycling in Chesterfield here, and to discover great events taking place in our area, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

Two boys on bmx bikes going round a sloped corner

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Franklin & Sons Partners with Red Engine to achieve sustainability goals

Independent soft drinks and mixers brand, Franklin & Sons, part of Chesterfield-based Global Brands is launching a new-to-market product format.

The product will be launched across all UK Red Engine sites, the team behind Flight Club and Electric Shuffle.

Franklin & Sons has been working on producing a 200ml can for its Premium Indian & Premium Light Tonic in a bid to support the company with its sustainability goals, and has found perfect launch partner in Red Engine.

Flight Club and Electric Shuffle are two competitive socialising venues that have risen rapidly in popularity over the last few years, modernising traditional games such as darts and shuffleboard to reinvent the bar experience for the 21st century.

The aluminium cans weigh 94% less than the 200ml glass bottles, leading to a reduction in weight per case, significantly reducing transportation costs, fuel consumption and packaging volume, leading to a much lower carbon contribution.

Crucially for a hospitality venue, this initiative will also minimise waste and is projected to create a substantial 42% reduction in wastage removal expenses for Red Engine.

Dustin Acton, Chief Operating Officer at Red Engine, emphasised the strategic significance of the partnership, commenting: “We have worked with the team at Franklin & Sons for a couple of years now and we’re impressed with how much they value our partnership, going above and beyond to meet our business needs.

“Franklin & Sons is fully aligned with our morals and values and consistently looks for ways to add value to our business, showing true commitment to nurturing a collaborative relationship.”

James Stimson, Senior Brand Manager at Franklin & Sons added: “At Franklin & Sons, we are constantly innovating, and pride ourselves on demonstrating agility when it comes to meeting our customers’ needs.

“We’re pleased to be extending our partnership with an institution such as Red Engine, and that we have been able to provide a solution for such a valued customer. Aluminium cans are infinitely recyclable, using 95% less energy than producing new packaging, and creating 65% less CO2e during the recycling process than their glass counterparts.

“We look forward to seeing the benefits this will bring to the business and are excited to be alongside them in their sustainability journey.”

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

Global Branks team packing products in warehouse

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Peak Pharmacy invests in new technology to support staff and customers

Chesterfield-based Peak Pharmacy has invested in new, innovative equipment to speed up its processes, along with improving accuracy and capacity.

The organisation recently moved to a new headquarters at the Horizon 29 development near Chesterfield and is now investing in an Austrian system provided by Knapp to improve the way it dispenses medications for customers.

Managing Director, Joe Cattee explained: “Knapp partners with a number of organisations within the country already and supports with the ability to pick products by using fully automated and manual picking zones for speed and convenience.

“The attraction to work with this provider was that they have designed a system that enables us to dispense patients’ medication at our site. This takes this workload out of community pharmacy and creates capacity within our pharmacy network for our teams to support patients in different ways.

“The machine is significantly more accurate than human dispensing, and the speed in which we can dispense medication means that we can do approximately half of all the prescriptions we do on a monthly basis through our Hub. Clearly, there will be some requirements to support and educate both our pharmacy teams and patients, but it enables us to revolutionise what we do under extremely challenging conditions.”

The new technology is helping Peak Pharmacy to revolutionise how it operates, enabling the business to continue thriving during a challenging economic climate.

Joe Cattee added: “Community pharmacy is vastly underfunded across England. It’s being reported that 8 pharmacies a week are closing in the current climate with funding decreases between 2015 & 2019, and a flat fee funding contract introduced from 2019 – 2024. This obviously has a detrimental effect on the million visits to community pharmacy in England every day.

“By investing in automation at our Hub, we reduce the stress and pressure on our pharmacy teams, ensuring a better level of patient care is provided. The launch of the ‘Pharmacy First’ scheme on 31st January 2024, enabling community pharmacy to treat seven common health conditions without visiting a GP, shows the direction of travel that community pharmacy needs to undertake.

“By removing dispensing volume across our estate, and assembling centrally, we can ensure a more accurate and timely service of medication provision, whilst also having capacity to engage in more NHS and private services to support patient wellbeing. In short, if we don’t adapt then we will not remain a viable business. Community pharmacy plays a huge part in supporting the country, but the financial reimbursement for what we do means that the costs of running our business now outweigh the revenue we receive for the services we provide.”

Speaking of the company’s recent relocation to the Horizon 29 development, Joe commented: “Relocating to our new Hub at Horizon 29 in Bolsover enables the closure of our multi-site depots across Derbyshire. This creates efficiencies, consolidating the operation under one roof with the ability to start afresh with a new automative system.

“We currently process around 1.5% of the country’s prescriptions across our 140 pharmacy branches, and this need to adapt what we do ensures that we’re at the forefront of community pharmacy. This creates an opportunity for us to survive during very real economic challenges. We must engage with other ways to support our patients, rather than just focusing on prescription fulfilment. By using technology I know that we can offer so much more to our patients across the country and support them with their requirements.”

If your business is based in Chesterfield and you’re looking for support to innovate and grow, find out more about the latest initiatives on our business support page.

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

Knapp automative system at Peak Pharmacy headquarters

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Chesterfield Business community shows support for local initiatives

Businesses across Chesterfield have once again showed their commitment and generosity by helping a number of local causes.

The last month has seen our organisations support schools, charities, ex-servicemen and women, and local foodbanks.

Read the latest from our network of Chesterfield Champions below:

Local support provides music to the ears of Brookfield students

Music to their ears

A team of local businesses have pooled their resources to put an end to crackles and feedback by replacing Brookfield’s old microphones and speakers with a state-of-the-art sound system.

The PFA, headed by Greg Campbell, explains more: “As a group of Brookfield parents, we come together a few times each term and raise money for the school. When the opportunity arose to match the school’s funding budget for a new sound system, we were quick to accept the challenge.”

He said, “Having the support of Palfreymans from Chatsworth Road, Specsavers Chesterfield, Validate consulting and Londis all pull together has been a brilliant team effort.”

Keith Hirst, Headteacher commented: “We are very lucky to have such a dedicated and hard-working parent association. The BPFA [Brookfield Parent and Friends Association] work tirelessly throughout the year to raise funds to support students at Brookfield.”

“The new sound system is something that will benefit the whole school community and I am very grateful for the support of the BPFA, along with local businesses – Specsavers, Londis, Validate and Palfreyman’s – in helping to provide this system.”

Chesterfield Champion, Validate Consulting made a substantial financial contribution towards the equipment. “We have been enjoying performances at Brookfield for many years and it has been a pleasure to be able to support the school in this way,” Said Damien Eaves, Managing Director of Validate. “We hope that the equipment will be useful to the school for many years to come.”

Representatives from all the local business were treated to a VIP experience at the performance of the Little Mermaid at Brookfield Community School, which ran the week before the half-term break. Once again, the student performances were outstanding, and the new sound system ensured not a single line was missed.

BRM hosts a Free Wills Month in partnership with Ashgate Hospice

Leading Derbyshire and South Yorkshire law firm BRM is hosting its annual Free Wills Month in support of Ashgate Hospice this April.

Between 1 and 30 April, people of North Derbyshire can have a will professionally drafted for free. In return, clients are asked to consider making a voluntary donation to Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospice.

Local people will benefit from a complete wills service from BRM’s expert team, including free registration with Certainty, The National Wills Register. The suggested minimum voluntary donation is just £75 for a single will and £150 for a mirror will for a couple.

BRM has supported Ashgate Hospice for many years and has raised an impressive £71,000 for the charity through its Free Wills Months, helping fund Ashgate Hospice’s vital end-of-life and palliative care for patients and their families across North Derbyshire.

Rob Woodhead, Executive Director at BRM, said: “Ashgate Hospice is an organisation we hold close to our hearts here at BRM and we are delighted to be partnered with them again this year to host our annual Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month.

“We know the care and support that Ashgate Hospice provides for our community is truly outstanding, so we are honoured to have raised more than £71,000 for them so far.

“Last year we managed to raise an amazing £20,000 for Ashgate during the month and this year we’re aiming to raise even more!

“We’re encouraging anyone who doesn’t have a Will to take advantage of this fantastic offer that not only benefits you and your family but also supports such a worthy organisation.

“It’s very important to have a Will in place, as it ensures that your affairs are in order and your loved ones are provided for.

“I would like to say thank you to our clients for their generous donations and also to our Wills team for their hard work during the Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month.”

Laura Law, Legacy and In Memory Officer at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to BRM for once again supporting the hospice during the Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month this year.

“Having a will in place is an important part of making sure that our affairs are in order and ensuring our loved ones are cared for when we’re no longer here.

“Most importantly it enables us to put plans in place so that we can get on with living and make the most of the time we have.

“Not only will supporting Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month give people a fantastic opportunity to write their will for free, but they’ll be helping us provide care for families across North Derbyshire when they need us most.”

People can make their Will at BRM’s Chesterfield office on Saltergate, with disabled access and free parking. The firm is also offering free home, hospital, and hospice visits for those physically unable to attend the office.

Anyone making a will must book an appointment to take place between 1 April and 30 April to take advantage of the offer.

Appointment spaces are limited, so early booking is advised.

To find out more about the Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month, and to register for an appointment, visit brmlaw.co.uk/ashgate or call 01246 555 111.

Spireites help provide food bank collection stations

Chesterfield FC Community Trust and Chesterfield FC have teamed up with Rural Action Derbyshire to provide food bank collection stations at the SMH Group Stadium and The Youth Hub in Chesterfield town centre.

Paula Dealtry, project co-ordinator at Feeding Derbyshire, who visited the HUB to deliver the boxes, said: “Through collaboration with Chesterfield FC Community Trust, we will increase the amount of food donations we can provide to projects across Derbyshire, which will in turn directly support residents in need.

“Establishing accessible food collection points for the general public to donate essential food items will greatly benefit communities across Derbyshire by aiding those in need.

“It also promotes awareness of the various ways individuals and organisations can offer support. We’re thrilled and appreciative of the opportunity to partner with the Trust in aiding the residents of Derbyshire.”

Jayne Bacon, the Trust’s chief operating officer, added: “We look forward to working together to collect essential food items for local families. During a cost of living crisis, the need has never been greater.

“I am so pleased that the Trust, the club and our community can help to contribute to this vital service.”

To find out more about Rural Action Derbyshire, please visit: www.ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk.

Local Charity awarded funding by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

AFCT have announced that they have awarded over £2.8 million of funding that will deliver significant changes and improvements in armed forces communities with hidden or compelling needs across the UK.

Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service is one of the 32 successful projects awarded funding for its STAND TO Derbyshire Veterans Community Services project.

John Ydlibi, Chair of Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service said: “It is fantastic that we are able to partner again with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and deliver support to Derbyshire ex- servicemen and women, some of whom have struggled immensely since leaving the Armed Forces.

“We are extremely proud of our STAND TO Programme, which has been successfully run by veterans for veterans, and this RECONNECT project will ensure that our Derbyshire veterans have the opportunity to connect with peers who have gone or are going through similar challenges”.

The RECONNECT project will reach out to veterans who are struggling to engage in services, who may be isolated, and whose needs are often hidden and complex. The Veteran-to-Veteran programme will facilitate early-stage engagement, offering regular contact and supported access to established Derbyshire Mutual Ex Service Support groups, peer support, buddying and volunteer opportunities.

The organisations featured in this article support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Full lineup confirmed for Chesterfield Pride 2024

The full lineup of acts has been confirmed for the 2024 Chesterfield Pride Festival at Stand Road Park, with Liberty X confirmed as the headliner.

Taking place on Sunday, July 21st, this year’s event will see two stages packed with chart topping stars, including singer/ rapper Amelle, formerly part of the iconic Sugababes.

Also appearing is Clubland’s most successful artist Kelly Llorenna who has over 15 top 40 singles to her name, and is best known for the massive anthem “Set You Free”.

The Main Stage will also see performances from ’80s heart throb Nathan Moore from Brother Beyond, ’00s pop legends The Cheeky Girls and will be headlined by the incredible Liberty X who have been kindly sponsored by East Midlands Designer Outlet.

The Kranlee Cabaret Stage will be headlined by the outrageous Kitty Scott Claus from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Also from Drag Race, the super talented Scarlett Harlett will appear at the event.

The Cabaret Stage will also see arguably the world’s best Lady Gaga tribute Donna Marie, who has performed across the globe as Gaga. International Drag Queens KY Kelly and Miss Penny have also been confirmed to perform. There will also be some fantastic local unsigned artists including Mill, Darlin Trio and Lexi Whiteside taking to the stage.

Organiser Dan Walker says: “The team and I are really proud of how the event has grown in recent years and this line up is one of our most exciting to date. To have this caliber of artists perform at the event is testament to the amazing support the event has received in the last few years.

“We are passionate about the event being community driven and we believe the event is fantastic value. We love welcoming new attendees every year.”

Tickets are £7 (+booking fee) if bought in advance. Under 16’s are free entry but must be accompanied with an adult. There are a limited amount of WILDES VIP passes remaining. Tickets available through Skiddle or by visiting chesterfieldpride.co.uk

Find out more about some of the great events and activities coming up in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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New skills programmes launched to help get people back into work and advance their careers

Companies in Chesterfield will be able to benefit from a number of upskilling programmes, which will help to boost their organisations and reduce skills gaps.

A range of new skills programmes that aim to help people living in Chesterfield get back into work, access new career opportunities and boost their skills in their current roles are being launched by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered by partners including Workpays, DBC Training and Workers Education Association.

The range of courses includes programmes that businesses can sign up for but also courses that people who are currently out of work can individually sign up for.

For individuals looking to develop skills to progress towards and into work, Workpays are offering a work readiness and digital inclusion programme from the 1 April to be delivered from a variety of community settings.

Businesses in the borough will be able to benefit from a number of upskilling programmes provided by DBC Training, including a range of Microsoft short courses that will address workplace digital skills gaps and increase productivity.

Specialist care training provider, Workers Education Association will be providing fully funded digital skills training to support people working in the care sector progress their careers.

Funding for the programmes has been provided through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader and cabinet member for economic growth, said: “These are targeted programmes that will help ensure our residents can get the skills they need to access career opportunities and progress in our borough. These programmes form a key part of our skills action plan, which seeks to ensure that everyone can benefit from a growing local economy.

“As part of our skills action plan we work closely with businesses and these programmes aim to provide the skills they need to grow. I’d encourage local business owners to see if these programmes are suitable for them and get in touch as soon as possible to sign up.

“However, we’ve ensured that there is support available for everyone and our work readiness and digital inclusion programme will be run in the community and residents who are seeking employment will be able to sign up directly for these or sign up through their work coach.”

Workpays will be running a work readiness and digital inclusion programme. This will be hosted in community venues across the borough and will help people to develop employability and basic skills that will help them to join the workforce. They will also provide some basic digital skills and access to ICT equipment.

Workers Education Association will be working in care sector businesses to provide their employees with the digital skills they need to progress in the sector.

DBC Training will be providing a digital upskilling programme for businesses. This will allow employees to work through a range of digital courses designed to help them improve their skills, increase productivity and advance their careers.

Further training programmes focussed on green and digital skills for businesses and science, technology, engineering and mathematics will be launched later this year.

The new skills programmes are just one of a range of projects and initiatives which is being funded through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6 million from the Government. It will fund initiatives, until 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

Want to receive regular skills updates? Sign up for our skills and employability newsletter to be informed of the latest news, events, initiatives and showcases taking place in the local community: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/skills-and-employability-newsletter-signup/.

Workpays and DBC Training support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Nibe business

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More than 1,000 runners take part in Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K

The Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K has been hailed a great success by organisers, with more than 1,000 runners taking part.

The event returned to Queen’s Park on Sunday 24th March for the first time since the event was moved to March from its previous October date.

Philip Nind was the first to cross the 10k finish line with a time of 00:35:36, with Hayley Gill the first female to finish in a new course record time of 00:37:30 beating her old course record time by over 10 seconds.

The oldest participant in the event was Dave Onion aged 83, and Jayden Peace was the youngest at 15.

Harry Hewitt and Molly Bayliss were the first boy and girl across the line in the Veezu Fun Run, which returned for another year and took place within the boundaries of Queen’s Park in tandem with the main event.

14 organisations also took part in the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge, a team entry into the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K’s weekend of events.

This year’s event saw the inaugural Nuzest Chesterfield 5K Challenge take place on Saturday 23 March. Situated within the boundaries of Queen’s Park, the winner of the event was Louie Jenkinson. Charlie Parker aged just 8 completed the Challenge also.

The event also helped raise thousands of pounds for good causes, with an estimated circa £30K pledged for charities selected by the runners from across the region including the 10K’s charity partners – Redbrik Foundation, Ashgate Hospice, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and Cavendish Cancer Care.

Following the event, John Timms, Event Director of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K said: “Following a brief hiatus, it’s been fantastic to see the return of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k to Queen’s Park.

“Ever since we first launched the event in 2020, our goal has always been to create a fantastic experience for participants that benefited the local community and generate much-needed funds for our partner charities. The people of Chesterfield really turned out, there were so many people who turned out to cheer on the runners all around the race route which was amazing.

“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped ensure that the event came together, including our event partners, sponsors and of course the runners who took on the course on the day.

“I also want to say a huge thank you to all the volunteer marshals who gave up their free time on a Sunday morning to assist the runners, help the public and keep everything running smoothly.

“The patience from the people of Chesterfield who are most affected by the road disruptions is greatly appreciated and we thank them for their understanding throughout the day.

“The money raised by this event will help good causes like the Redbrik Foundation, Ashgate Hospice, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Cavendish Cancer Care, and other charities to continue their fantastic work in the local community.”

David Cooper, Trustee of headline sponsor the Redbrik Foundation said: “It’s been yet another fantastic Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K.

“Every year it’s such a great atmosphere with spectators lining the streets of the town centre and beautiful Queen’s Park showing their support for all the runners.

“It’s important to have events such as the Chesterfield 10K and everyone at Redbrik are more than happy to support. As a business with a significant presence in the town, it’s great to help showcase the town as people come from all parts of the country to support, contribute or take part.”

Redbrik 10k

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Historic first meeting for new East Midlands Combined County Authority

The first meeting of the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) took place in Chesterfield last week – with council leaders making a series of decisions that establish the organisation’s constitution, budget and plans to improve the lives of everyone who lives and works in the region.

The EMCCA Board, made up of the four leaders and deputy leaders from Derbyshire, Derby, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham councils debated a number of key reports at their first meeting on 20 March at Chesterfield Borough Council.

They were joined by representatives from district and borough councils across the area, who will join the Board at the next meeting planned for after the mayoral election.

The meeting was chaired by Cllr Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, who said: “Our shared ambition for our place and the people we serve has united us over the past few years and will continue to be the driving force behind all we do as EMCCA develops and grows.

“The £4 billion of government funding on the table for us through the devolution deal is just the start.

“We aim to attract more investment by making things happen and turning round historic under-investment in the East Midlands so the regional economy is stronger and better for local residents.”

The board meeting took place in Chesterfield ahead of elections for the region’s first Mayor, on Thursday 2 May. After the election future board meetings will be chaired by the Mayor.

Following the board meeting more than 100 partners and stakeholders joined political leaders in a launch event to hear more about EMCCA’s future plans.

The group discussed the strategic framework that focuses on the importance of growing the region’s economy for everyone’s benefit by targeting investment to speed up economic growth, improving transport links to towns, cities and major employers in the East Midlands and improving skills support and training in key sectors.

The launch event was supported by SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities, which is wholly-owned by six local authority shareholders, including the four constituent councils involved in the EMCCA.

first-east midlands combined authority -board-meeting

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Chesterfield Children’s Festival set to welcome families for more fun in Queen’s Park this July

Organisers have confirmed that the Chesterfield Children’s Festival will return to Queen’s Park on the 27th and 28th of July.

This year’s event is being organised with the help of local young people and will include live movie sets, catwalks, an aerial workshop for babies and family life drawing!

The free event organised by Junction Arts and funded by Arts Council England, is a two-day festival for families that celebrates the joy of childhood, imagination and play.

Last year over 8,000 families attended the event, with over 4,000 children participating in the activities, which ranged from yoga classes to tie-dye workshops! Other highlights of the weekend included live music, comedy for kids, silent disco walking tours, theatre, Chinese storytelling and actual reality arcade games. The event attracted thousands of tourists from outside of the town, bringing over 3,500 people into Chesterfield.

New for 2024 is the Project Producers; a group of volunteers aged between 15-20 years of age that are advising and helping to plan the festival alongside Junction Arts. The group was formed earlier this year, and the idea is to give young people in Chesterfield an opportunity to have their say and develop some event planning skills.

This year’s event will take place on the first weekend of the summer holidays, 10 am – 4 pm each day. The festival is completely free, no booking is required, and visitors can turn up on the day to enjoy the activities.

The full festival line-up will be announced in June but acts confirmed so far include; Block Buster Factory, an award-winning immersive street show, where members of the public get to be part of a live movie set! There will also be an interactive family catwalk, family life drawing workshops and Take Flight – an aerial workshop for babies and their grown-ups!

To make the festival more accessible, Junction Arts has enlisted the help of RevoLOOtion, which provides mobile vehicles that enable disabled children and adults to use the toilet or be changed with dignity and respect, the RevoLOOtion service helps to break down barriers that often exclude them from participating in activities and events.

Jemma Burton, Project Coordinator from Junction Arts said: “We had an amazing response to the festival last year and I’m delighted that we are bringing it back to Chesterfield this summer. We’re also excited to have our Project Producers working with us this year, the group of young people are helping us to shape the festival by sharing their thoughts and experiences, as well as volunteering to plan and manage parts of the event. It’s great to have some youthful energy and creativity in the team!

“The full line-up is still being worked on, but I can say that we’ll have lots of creative activities for children of all ages to get involved in, plus some amazing live entertainment – we can’t wait to see you there.”

For further information visit: www.junctionarts.org or follow @junctionartuk on social media.

Find out more about fabulous family events coming soon to Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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 2023 web (44 of 100)

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Action packed 1940s Market returns to Chesterfield next month

The fun-filled 1940s market returns to Chesterfield next month – with a wide range of free entertainment on offer for the whole family to enjoy.

The hugely popular event will bring 1940s music, live entertainment, classic cars and military vehicles to the heart of the town centre on Thursday 11 April between 10am and 4pm.

Visitors will also be able to see the return of the iconic replica spitfire, as the must-see attraction returns to Rykneld Square for the first time since 2021.

Street performers will take centre stage through the day, including the Kalamazoo dance band and The Daisy Belles singers – both back again this year by popular demand, alongside other entertainers.

The action-packed event is taking place alongside the weekly flea market, and as always market traders will be dressing up in 1940s outfits to try and win the competition for the best dressed stall holders.

The team from Chesterfield Museum will also be joined by staff from Up An At Em History, who will be able to share more information about life on the home front and food rationing. There will also be the opportunity to explore the era handling objects and get involved with some crafting.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The 1940s Market is a really popular event that is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

“I’d definitely recommend coming along if you haven’t been before, as there is sure to be something here to entertain the whole family during half term. You could even get into the spirit and dress up in traditional 1940s outfits too!

“The event has grown to such popularity thanks to its close ties with our much-loved Thursday flea market, and people travel to Chesterfield from all over the country to take part in this unique day. With it taking place in the Easter holidays many people love to come along as a family holiday activity.”

The event is part-funded by external funding from Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It is just one initiative which is benefiting from funding through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6m. It will fund initiatives up to April 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

1940s Mining display

The full programme of entertainment can be found below:

New Square (opposite the Portland Hotel)

• Kalamazoo Dance Band: 11am to 11.45am , 1pm to 1.45pm and 2.30pm to 3.15pm

Outside Etienne Curtains and Blinds

• The Daisy Belles (singers): 10.15am to 10:45am, 12.15pm to 12.45pm and 1.45pm to 2.15pm

Market Place

• Display of classic cars, vintage fire engine and military vehicles: 10am to 4pm
• Land Army and 1940s Mining display: 10am to 4pm
• Escape artist / glass walker: 10.45am to 11.10am, 1pm –to 1.25pm and 3pm to 3.25pm

Market Square (outside Santander)

• Natasha Harper (singer): 10.30am to 11am, 12.10pm to 12.40pm and 1.30pm to 2.00pm
• Kyle Evans (singer): 11.20am to 11.50am, 1pm to 1.30pm and 2.10pm to 2.40pm
• Shire Horses: 11am to 1pm

Pavements Shopping Centre (outside old Massarella’s Unit)

Between 10am and 4pm the team from Chesterfield Museum will be joined by Up An At Em History.

• Find out about life on the Home Front, what was on the ration and how we kept Britain fed from the gardens and kitchens of Britain
• From the Land Girls and cooks feeding the nation, find out about rationing and have a go at making some basic “mock” foods
• Plant a seed to take away
• Try your hand at milking and learn the way the Land Girls did
• Explore World War II handling objects
• Take part in crafting sessions and view exhibition panels

Rykneld Square (outside the Visitor Information Centre)

• Full size replica Spitfire: available to see between 10am and 4pm
• Jayne Darling (singer): 10am to 10.40am, 11.30am – 12.10pm and 2pm to 2.40pm
• Johnny Victory (singer): 10.45am to 11.15am, 1.10pm to 1.40pm and 3pm to 3.30pm

St. Mary and All Saints Church (Crooked Spire)

Tower Tours: 10.30am to 11.30pm and 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Tickets prices at £10 for adults, £5 for under 16s or a family ticket (two adults and two under 16s) for £20

Kalamazoo Dance Band entertaining the crowd at the 1940s market

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

Peak District & Derbyshire businesses celebrate English Tourism Week

People are being reminded about the many great attractions and locations just waiting to be explored in the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby as part of the area’s celebrations for English Tourism Week.

Taking place from 15 to 24 March 2024, English Tourism Week aims to raise the profile of the industry and celebrate the value and quality of tourism in England.

This year’s campaign, co-ordinated by VisitEngland, is using the strapline ‘supporting tourism, the heart of our communities’ to highlight the industry’s important economic, cultural and social impact.

Tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire continues to be a key driver of jobs and growth for the area, generating an estimated £2.59 billion for the local economy and employing over 28,000 people.

The Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) aims to grow the visitor economy further, working with local, national and regional stakeholders to create a strong, sustainable tourism sector that benefits everyone.

As part of the local celebrations for English Tourism Week, Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Deputy Leader of Derby City Council, Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, and Stella Birks, Visitor Economy Development Manager at Derby City Council, visited Derby’s historic Museum of Making to show their support.

The visit kick-started a week of digital activity that will see the teams from Visit Peak District & Derbyshire and Visit Derby showcasing local tourism businesses and urging visitors and residents alike to explore everything the area has to offer.

From stately homes and show caverns, to farm parks and gardens, museums and galleries, and award-winning pubs, restaurants and places to stay, the area offers a fantastic variety of attractions for everyone to explore.

As part of the activity, the LVEP joined team members at Destination Chesterfield to visit local attractions, such as the Crooked Spire, Chesterfield Escape Rooms, Chesterfield Market and Market Hall, Casa Hotel, and local independent retailers such as Adorn Jewellers and The Cheese Factor.

As well as showcasing some of the destination’s key tourism businesses, the activity will celebrate the hardworking people who work in the area’s visitor economy sector.

English Tourism Week also coincides with Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s annual Season Opener and Leaflet Swap, which is being held at Thornbridge Hall near Bakewell on Wednesday 20th March.

The popular event – funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered via the East Midlands Chamber’s Derbyshire Accelerator Project – is an opportunity for local tourism businesses to collect visitor collateral for the coming season, network with industry colleagues and benefit from short workshops and advice surgeries.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “English Tourism Week is an opportunity to put tourism centre stage and showcase this vibrant industry which supports thousands of jobs and communities across the Peak District and Derbyshire.

“It’s a great chance to recognise the value of the sector, worth £2.59 billion locally, champion the hardworking people behind the businesses, and highlight our world-class destination as a great place to visit and stay. With Spring upon us and the Easter break just ahead, there’s never been a better time to visit or revisit some of the fantastic places we are so fortunate to have on our doorstep, and I encourage everyone to get out and show their support.”

Find out more about the range of exciting attractions in Chesterfield and plan your visit to the town: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

To see what the Peak District and Derbyshire has to offer visit the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire website: www.visitpeakdistrict.com.

Visitors to the county’s attractions and local tourism businesses are being urged to share photos of their visits on social media using the hashtag #EnglishTourismWeek24, tagging @visitpeakdistrict and @visitderby. For more information on events and activities taking place in Chesterfield, search for @ChesterfieldUK on social media.

CasaMollieandNadia

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

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