Summer in Chesterfield

Dates announced for annual Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

Derbyshire County Cricket Club has released its fixtures for the upcoming season, with the team set to return to Chesterfield’s iconic Queen’s Park this Summer.

The BRM Solicitors Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council, returns with Derbyshire Falcons facing Yorkshire Vikings at Queen’s Park on Saturday 18 June, while the LV= County Championship fixture against Middlesex will also be hosted under the spire, from Sunday 12 June.

Derbyshire are set to begin their season at the ‘Home of Cricket’ on Thursday, 7th April when they travel to Lord’s to take on Middlesex in the LV County Championship.

New Head of Cricket, Mickey Arthur, will take charge of his first fixture against Middlesex, with games against Sussex (H), Leicestershire (A), Glamorgan (H), Worcestershire (H) and Nottinghamshire (A) all lined up for the opening two months of the season.

The club’s return to Chesterfield in 2022 was confirmed last Summer, when it was announced the annual Festival of Cricket was secured for at least the next five years following a deal between Derbyshire County Cricket Club and Chesterfield Borough Council.

Speaking at the time of the announcement last August, Derbyshire County Cricket Club Chairman, Ian Morgan, said: “As a Club, we are committed to continuing our longstanding relationship with Queen’s Park and Chesterfield Borough Council.

“The Chesterfield Festival of Cricket always brings together a huge number of people from across the region and Queen’s Park is a much-loved and popular venue, making the fixtures a highlight of the season for supporters from across the county.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council commented: “I’m delighted that we have been able to agree a new deal with Derbyshire County Cricket Club. It is great news for the town and borough that our residents will be able to see the stars of first-class county cricket perform at Queen’s Park cricket ground for another five years.”

Read more about the announcement here. To view the full list of Derbyshrie fixtures for the 2022 season, go to: www.derbyshireccc.com.

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

Chesterfield Festival of Cricket Image David Griffin

 

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Chesterfield FC Community Trust’s Camp Inspire receives praise from local MP

An initiative which has been providing activities, food and support to young people and families in need has been praised by a local MP, alongside receiving regional TV coverage.

Lee Rowley, MP for North East Derbyshire, recently visited Camp Inspire, the innovative programme delivered by Chesterfield FC Community Trust at Parkside Community School.

Camp Inspire was designed to help children and young people, many of whom are disadvantaged or vulnerable over the summer holidays.

After taking a look at the activities organised to keep the attendees engaged, Mr Rowley said: “It was fantastic to visit Camp Inspire again and see the great work happening every day by those involved.

“Having visited last year as well, it is brilliant to see Camp Inspire even bigger and better this year – and doing so much.

“Thanks again for allowing me to come and meet with the inspiring leaders and young people!”

Following the success of the inaugural programme, Camp Inspire returned on a larger scale this summer, with over 200 youngsters attending on a daily basis.

With funding from the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, every child is provided with a free, hot, nutritious lunch.

Camp Inspire also received television coverage on ITV’s Calendar news recently, displaying the work carried out by Chesterfield FC’s Community Trust for families in need.

Scott Atkinson, the Trust’s head of education and wellbeing, said: “We received so much positive feedback following the inaugural Camp Inspire and we are determined to make a similar impact this year.

“With over 200 attending daily, I understand that we are going to be the largest HAF provider in the East Midlands, catering for the most vulnerable children in our community, which is fantastic.”

Chesterfield FC Community Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Enjoy a picnic in Chesterfield with local food and drink

A picnic in Chesterfield doesn’t have to be ordinary – not with the range of local produce the town has on its doorstep. With great weather forecast and so many wonderful spots to enjoy a picnic in Chesterfield, this summer could be the tastiest yet.

Whether you have a sweet tooth or are a lover of savoury snacks, there’s something to fill every picnic hamper from Chesterfield’s independent food and drink producers. And we’ve selected a few products for you to sample.

What are you waiting for? Grab your favourite picnic blanket and enjoy some of this delicious produce which is available on your doorstep.

Crooked Pickle

Shortlisted in this year’s Food and Drink Producer category in the Love Chesterfield Awards, Crooked Pickle’s popular Bread and Butter pickles feature crunchy pickled cucumber and onion in a sweet and fragrant vinegar. It’s perfect with a cheese sandwich.

Former baker and beer brewer, Felix Mendelson established the business in 2018 after discovering a gap in the market for ‘inventive and tasty pickled vegetables’. He commented: “I’ve always dabbled in food. The business has gone from strength to strength and I am getting busier.”

Bread and Butter pickles – £4.95

Crooked Pickle products can be bought at Society Cafe and online at www.crookedpickle.co. Free local delivery is also available.

Teresa Lambarelli

Winner of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Producer of the Year Award three times, Teresa is hoping to make it a fourth win at this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards.

During lockdown, Teresa has also developed a new line – Stir Naked, which incorporates collagen in its ingredients. She said: “I have developed a powdered form of my sauce with added collagen. You simply add water and it tastes just like one of my pasta sauces. It can also be enjoyed as a soup. It’s a meal working from within.”

Teresa’s range of salad dressings and pastes are perfect for a picnic. Stir her Pomodoro Sundried Tomato Paste into pasta and eat cold. Or simply enjoy with cheese and crackers.

Pomodoro Sundried Tomato Paste – £3.75

Available to order online at www.teresalambarelli.co.uk or instore at 7 Chatsworth Road.

Granny Mary’s

 A former winner of the Food and Drink Producer of the Year Award in 2015, Granny Mary’s is now stocked in 14 Co-op stores, Morrison’s in Chesterfield and a myriad of independent food stores.

Sales Director Craig Maxwell explained: “Given the current shortage of staff in the hospitality industry because of Covid, our range of pates and spreads are really popular with chefs. They know they are good quality products which they can buy in and serve quickly and easily to diners.”

Enjoy Granny Mary’s’ range of six flavours, which include Potted Beef, Beef and Tomato, Chicken Liver Pate, Duck and Orange, Chicken Garlic & Thyme, Ham Hock and Parsley, and Pulled Pork on crackers or crusty bread in a picnic.

Find out where to buy here: https://grannymarys.co.uk/where-to-buy/

Cup and Saucer

Cup and Saucer now has a place on the high street. The business opened its first shop in Clay Cross in January 2020 just two months before lockdown hit. Despite the setback, the business has gone from strength to strength. And It’s now teamed up with other local producers including Homemade by Haslemere, creating hampers and an online gift delivery service.

Gail Hannan, Owner of Cup & Saucer commented: “Lockdown was an opportunity for me to work with other local producers. The business went crazy and I was busier than I have ever been – it was full on.”

What picnic would be complete without a flask of tea – hot or cold. Try Cup and Saucer’s ‘The Pennine Picnic’, a tropical fruity flavoured tisane, served cold over ice for a refreshing cuppa on a hot day.

The Pennine Picnic – £2.85 for 30g.

Buy in store or online at https://www.cupandsauceronline.co.uk/shop

Homemade at Haslemere

A fig tree inspired former Parkside School Deputy Headteacher, Rachel Hammond to establish Homemade at Haslemere in 2018. She said: “I have a fig tree in my garden, which produces loads of figs and I didn’t know what to do with them, so I made jam and everyone loved it – the business went from there. Now most of the jams and chutneys I make are made from produce which comes from within five miles of where I live.”

All products are seasonal, so be quick. Once they’re gone, they’re gone until next year. You can, however order Afternoon tea for Two all year round, which is packed full of homemade sandwiches, scones and cakes.

Price: Afternoon Tea for Two – £25.00

Order at www.facebook.com/Homemade-at-Haslemere

Salute

Chesterfield’s Salute uses local distillery and soft drinks companies to create personalised drinks hampers. For a larger garden gathering, why not hire the Horsebox or Pop-Up Bar and let Salute serve you some summer sparkle!

Price: Hampers from £17.99

Visit www.salute-prosecco.com/hampers to purchase.

Northern Tea Merchants 

Northern Tea Merchants’ Hibiscus Flowers tea is a delightful infusion, served hot or cold. It is often common to serve this tea with a little sugar as some people can find it a little tart, similar to cranberry.

Or why not try the finest quality, small leaf ‘breakfast tea’, Gourmet Classic. Due to its excellent quality constituent teas, the Gourmet Classic has a delicious aroma, a bright and coppery liquor and excellent flavour.

Prices: from £2.19

Available to purchase online from https://www.northern-tea.com/shop/ or instore from Northern Tea Merchants on Chatsworth Road. Or give the shop a call on 01246 232 600 to arrange free local delivery.

The Cheese Factor 

What’s a picnic without a good quality, locally sourced cheeseboard? Pair these tasty cheeses with crackers and biscuits for the perfect way to finish your feast.

Price: Large cheeseboard (8 cheeses) – £16.00

Click and collect from the store next to the market hall: Cheeseboards – The Cheese Factor (cheese-factor.myshopify.com)

Derbyshire Distillery

Fancying a tipple with your picnic? Enjoy summer in a glass with this Passion Fruit Gin from Chesterfield’s very own Derbyshire Distillery.

Price: £29.95

Order online today: https://www.derbyshiredistillery.com/product/derbyshire-passion-fruit/

Liza Bakes

With a range of afternoon teas, cakes and bakes, you’re sure to find what you need at Liza Bakes. The Posh Ploughman’s lunch consists of Strong Cheddar finger, Red Leicester cheese finger, Scotch egg, bite size pork pie, rolled ham slice, quiche, home-made tear and share bread, pickle, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, celery and fruit skewer.

Price: £12.00

Delivery is available, 2 days’ notice required. Purchase online at https://lizabakes.co.uk/product-category/shop/

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Chesterfield families are encouraged to get moving as council backs local smartphone game

A new family-friendly game that aims to get people exploring Chesterfield – on foot or by pushbike – is being backed as part of a Chesterfield Borough Council project.

TagTap JTH (Join The Hunt) is a free exploration-based game created by local family man Peter Hunt after he and his family enjoyed playing the popular Beat The Street game which ran in Chesterfield last year.

Inspired by its ability encourage people to get out and about across the borough, the council has now joined forces with the creator to back the smartphone-based game as part of its Year of Outdoors project.

It means from the 17 July there are 350 points around the borough to check into, including in many of the fantastic parks and green spaces – expanding the game from its initial testing in New and Old Whittington.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “We’re really excited to be working with Tag Tap to help bring this game to Chesterfield. It’s great to see local people innovating new ideas and it ties in really well with our Year of Outdoors project, which encourages people to explore the great things we have on our doorstep.

“We hope this game will help encourage everyone to get out this summer and explore our beautiful borough – it’s a fantastic way to keep little ones entertained during the school holidays, but is also really fun to explore on your own.”

Peter Hunt, the creator of TagTap JTH explained: “I initially thought of TagTap JTH during lockdown as a fun way for my kids to get active but also with the element of a clue or question to find the next location as a sneaky way to incorporate a bit of education. After setting up a small game in the New and Old Whittington areas and inviting others to have a go it really took on a life of its own. We have only had extremely positive feedback and everyone that plays it absolutely loves it.

“We have expended the game to cover the whole of the chesterfield borough area with well over 350 tags, we hope this will give everyone young and old a chance to have a go at the game and to get active especially after the terrible 18 months we have had to endure. Our main objective is to get people out being active in a fun way, so lets do it together, get competing and winning some prizes. Best of all it’s free.”

The game has starting locations around the borough which you can find listed in the app. Simply head to one of these TagTaps then with the app open on your phone, tap the point and you’ll be given clues to find the next location, solve the clues and hunt out the next point.

There is a leaderboard of players and participants will need to find as many points as possible to be named the TagTap Champion.

The game will run all year but the championship will be time limited meaning hunters will need to be quick to work their way up the leaderboard. There will also be a competition amongst schools later this year.

Find out more about TagTap JTH and download the apps for free to start playing by visiting: https://tagtap.co.uk/

Chesterfield’s Year of Outdoors encourages residents and visitors to explore Chesterfield’s parks and open spaces by providing a range of free or low cost ideas and activities to get involved in. Find out more on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/year-of-outdoors

Find out more about all the great local events taking place across Chesterfield this Summer at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

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Vicar Lane launches ‘Summer Zone’ showing Wimbledon and other sporting events

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, in Chesterfield, is celebrating ‘all things summer’ at its Summer Zone in St James Square from 28th June.

The fun will start by serving up all the Wimbledon action on the big screen from 28th June to 11th July, meaning that customers can indulge in a spot of shopping and not miss out on any of the sporting action throughout the summer.

Plus, from Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th July, customers can enjoy food and drink from pop-ups such as Salute (Pimm’s and prosecco) and Fairy Floss (strawberries and cream).

Customers will find an area especially laid to lawn, adorned with deck chairs and bistro sets, as well as a table tennis table and a giant ‘Up 4 It’ game.

Customers of Vicar Lane will find a wide range of stores, including H&M, Holland & Barrett, New Look, JD and Superdrug, as well as the popular indie stores, Nana B Baby Boutique, Gorilla Garms, Clarissa’s Interiors, Shop Indie and Precious Memories.

Visitors to the shopping centre can also enjoy a quick coffee (and cake!) break at Vintage Tearooms, or a relaxing lunch at Qoozies.

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager, Vicar Lane says, ‘’We’re really excited about summer at Vicar Lane. No matter what you’re up to in the heart of Chesterfield, there’s no need to miss a moment of the sporting fun this summer as we’ll be screening all the televised action on our big screen.’’

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

 

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Chesterfield Pride set to go ahead this August

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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